Things To Do
in Neumarkt

Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz is a mid-sized Bavarian town set on the northern edge of the Franconian Jura, blending a well-preserved historic center with industrial and agricultural surroundings. Its cobbled market square, baroque and Gothic churches, and small museums give a compact, walkable feel ideal for relaxed exploration. The town serves as a comfortable base for exploring nearby nature parks, castles and the Altmühl valley while offering a calm, local Bavarian atmosphere rather than heavy tourist crowds.

Good regional transport links make trips to Nuremberg, Regensburg and the Franconian countryside straightforward for day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional German pastries and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Neumarkt's historic center, where you'll encounter charming half-timbered buildings and quaint shops. Don't forget to visit the stunning St. Johannes Church, which showcases beautiful Gothic architecture.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, delve deeper into Neumarkt’s rich history by visiting the Neumarkt Museum, which features fascinating exhibits on the town's past. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, allowing you to sample local dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the vibrant market square, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local beer garden to experience traditional Bavarian hospitality. Enjoy a hearty dinner of sausages and pretzels, paired with a refreshing local beer. End the evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the beautiful sights of Neumarkt by night.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Start the day with a refreshing hike in the surrounding scenic countryside, where you can enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills and lush forests. Bring along a packed breakfast to savor in nature, taking in the serene environment as you listen to the sounds of wildlife. Stop at a lookout point to capture breathtaking views of the landscape that surrounds Neumarkt.

afternoon
:

Post-hike, return to the town for a relaxing lunch at a café that offers outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the sun. Afterward, visit the nearby Lengenfeld Castle, where you can explore its historic grounds and gardens. Take your time to appreciate the architecture and perhaps enjoy a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.

evening
:

As evening approaches, make your way back to Neumarkt for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant known for its warm ambiance. Try some regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Bavaria. Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, where you can reflect on the beautiful experiences of the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Coffee in a café$3-4
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍺Local beer (0.5L) at a pub$3-5
🚆Regional train ticket (short)$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-110

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable historic center with authentic Bavarian atmosphere
  • Close to scenic natural areas (Franconian Jura and Altmühltal) for outdoor activities
  • Less crowded than major tourist cities, offering a relaxed pace
  • Good regional transport links to Nuremberg and Regensburg
  • Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options than big cities
  • Public transport frequency can be lower on weekends and evenings
  • Fewer specialized services (e.g., vegan restaurants, boutique hotels) compared with larger cities
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello (Bavarian/Austrian greeting)
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Neumarkt

Visit one of these nice places.

Marktplatz (Market Square)

Picturesque square framed by historic façades, the Rathaus and cafés — great for daytime and evening shots with atmospheric lighting.

St. Johannes and other church exteriors

Gothic and baroque church architecture provides strong compositions; step inside where allowed for stained-glass and interior details.

Franconian Jura Views

Nearby limestone cliffs, forested ridges and panoramic viewpoints deliver sweeping landscape photos, especially at sunrise or late afternoon.

Altmühl Valley

Riverside scenes, canoes, small bridges and river meanders make for serene nature photography, especially in spring and autumn.

Christmas Market (seasonal)

If visiting in winter, stalls, lights and festive decorations create cozy night shots and candid street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Neumarkt

Neumarkt's cuisine reflects Bavarian and Franconian traditions: hearty comfort food, seasonal produce, pork and sausages, dumplings and regional beers. Expect simple, well-made dishes in family-run Gaststätten (inns) and bakeries offering excellent breads and pastries.

Neumarkt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fränkischer Sauerbraten

A marinated pot roast often served with red cabbage and dumplings — a regional variant can be found in many local inns and traditional restaurants in town.

Must-Try!

Schäuferla

Roasted pork shoulder, a Franconian specialty frequently served with potato dumplings and gravy; try it at a traditional tavern or during seasonal festivals.

Kloß / Semmelknödel

Potato or bread dumplings served as a side dish with gravies — ubiquitous in Bavarian menus and a must-try when ordering a meat entrée.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market (Wochenmarkt) on the Marktplatz

Local producers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, breads and seasonal specialties — great for picnics or sampling regional products; runs usually once or twice a week.

Seasonal Festivals and Street Stalls

During town festivals and Christmas markets you’ll find bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, pastries and local sweets; perfect for tasting Franconian street food in a lively setting.

Climate Guide

Weather

Neumarkt has a temperate continental climate with warm summers (often 20–28°C / 68–82°F) and cold winters with occasional snow (0 to -5°C typical). Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather; rainfall is spread fairly evenly through the year, so a light rain jacket is useful year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and greetings

A polite greeting (Guten Tag/Grüß Gott in Bavaria) when entering shops or meeting people is appreciated. Use formal address (Sie) with strangers unless invited to use first names.

Quiet hours

Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evening and on Sundays — avoid loud noise and lawn mowing during these times.

Recycling and waste separation

Germany has strict recycling rules — separate paper, plastics, organic waste and residual trash; follow local bin color codes and return glass to bottle banks where applicable.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued for appointments, transport and tours — arrive on time.

Safety Guide

Safety

Neumarkt is generally safe with low violent crime; usual precautions apply: watch personal belongings in crowded places and secure bicycles. If hiking, inform someone of longer routes, carry a map, water and a charged phone; in winter check trail and weather conditions before heading out.

Tipping in Neumarkt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but modest: round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service. In restaurants, hand the tip directly to the server when paying or state the total including tip when paying by card or cash.

Payment Methods

Cash (euros) is widely used; many smaller shops and cafés may prefer cash. Debit cards (EC/Maestro) are accepted broadly; credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but check in advance. Mobile payments are increasingly available but not universal.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for hikes and visiting markets; occasional rain means packing a waterproof layer and sturdy boots.

Summer

Warm, sometimes hot days are perfect for outdoor activities, river trips in the Altmühltal and beer gardens; expect daytime tourist activity at weekends and pack sun protection.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage highlight hiking trails and scenic drives; harvest festivals and seasonal menus showcase local produce and game dishes.

Winter

Cold, sometimes snowy weather with festive Christmas markets and cozy restaurant atmospheres; layers, a warm coat and waterproof shoes are recommended.

Nightlife Guide

Neumarkt at Night

Nightlife in Neumarkt is low-key and community-oriented: beer gardens, local pubs and occasional live-music venues dominate. Expect a relaxed evening scene rather than late-night clubs; nearby Nuremberg offers more extensive nightlife for late hours or larger events.

Hiking in Neumarkt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trails of the Franconian Jura (Fränkische Alb)

A network of marked trails through limestone plateaus, forests and scenic viewpoints — suitable for day hikes and photography, with routes of varying difficulty.

Altmühltal Nature Park

River valley trails offering easy riverside walks, cycling paths and opportunities for canoeing; good for families and leisurely outdoor days.

Velburg and Surrounding Woods

Local wooded areas near the town of Velburg feature quiet trails, lookout points and small local cultural sites — accessible by a short drive or local bus.

Local Castle and Ridge Walks

Short loop hikes that connect hilltop castles or ruins with panoramic ridge views — ideal for half-day outings and history-minded walkers.

Airports

How to reach Neumarkt by plane.

Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

The closest major airport (about 30–45 minutes by car or around an hour by regional train/bus), with domestic and European connections; frequent shuttle and regional train links make it convenient for arrivals.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Germany’s international hub (about 1.5–2 hours by car or train), offers many long-haul and intercontinental connections; regional trains and shuttle options link to Neumarkt.

Memmingen (Allgäu) Airport (FMM)

A low-cost carrier airport farther away (around 2–2.5 hours by car), useful for budget flights to some European destinations — factor travel time into plans.

Getting Around

Walkability

Neumarkt's central area and market square are highly walkable with compact streets, pedestrian zones and nearby amenities within easy walking distance; some attractions and nature start points require a short bus or car ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Bavarian Families

Long-standing local families and commuters who work in regional industry and services form a core of the population, contributing to community clubs and festivals.

Commuters and Industrial Workers

Neumarkt hosts light industry and logistics employers, so many residents commute to nearby economic centers or work in local businesses.

Elderly Residents

Like many smaller German towns, there is a noticeable older population, active in local clubs, church groups and municipal life.

Immigrant Communities

Smaller immigrant communities, including families with roots from Turkey and Eastern Europe, add to the cultural mix and local businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is the most popular sport across Bavaria — local amateur clubs and youth teams are central to community life, and many residents follow regional professional clubs.

Handball and Gymnastics

Handball, gymnastics and indoor sports have strong local participation, with community sports halls hosting leagues and recreational activities.

Cycling and Hiking

Outdoor sports like cycling and hiking are popular given the nearby trails and scenic countryside, including family-friendly routes and longer endurance paths.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Neumarkt is generally manageable compared with larger cities; local rush hours can create delays on main roads and connections to the autobahn. Public transport consists of regional trains and a network of buses covering town and surrounding villages — timing can be less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays, so check schedules in advance.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Neumarkt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities; order vegetable casseroles, cheese-based dishes, salads, or request sides like potato dumplings and seasonal vegetables. Many restaurants will accommodate simple vegetarian requests if asked.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited in traditional Gaststätten but bakeries and cafés often have breads and fruit; for more options, look for modern cafés or visit nearby larger towns like Nuremberg.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing — communicate your needs clearly ("glutenfrei") and ask staff; supermarkets carry gluten-free staples if you need to self-cater.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The town has medical practices, pharmacies and a hospital offering routine care and emergency services. For specialized treatments or major hospitals, Nuremberg and Regensburg have larger medical centers within an hour by car or regional train. EU travelers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance for private care.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide