​A Journey of Reflection and Experience: A Long Weekend in Munich and Nuremberg

Travel is often a blend of the personal and professional for me. Recently, Rosa and I enjoyed a long weekend exploring parts of Germany—Munich and Nuremberg—adding historical depth, art appreciation, and memorable moments to our ongoing journey. I want to share some experiences from that trip, weaving in reflections on history, travel tips, and yes, the joy of live music.

Date Night, History, and The Pantheon
Several weeks ago, Rosa and I had a date night. Yes, we do have those once in a while when our schedules allow, but don’t worry, this is not a personal blogpost, even though there are personal elements noted. We went to a movie—not something out of the ordinary—and on the same day, after dropping off some of my last clients in Rome and before dinner with them, we visited the Pantheon.

The movie was Nuremberg—chosen because we share an interest in history and had just returned from Munich, where we took a day trip to Nuremberg itself.

Revisiting History: Dachau and Nuremberg
These places had visited long ago—for me as far back as 1985—but were new to Rosa. The January chill was biting, especially at Dachau, where the cold wind whipped across the grounds. Dachau differed from camps like Auschwitz in its origins as a political and labor camp before becoming a death camp. It serves as a sobering reminder of history’s lessons, with details like Italy’s own political prisoners having been sent there.

Returning after so many years, I again felt the weight of history and the importance of firsthand experience. Rosa’s fresh perspective made the visit poignant for both of us.

The Nuremberg Trials: Justice and Memory
On Sunday, we traveled by train to Nuremberg for a tour focused on the trials. Remember, we saw the latest version of Nuremberg. Other movies and documentaries have been done about the events after the war and there were trials in other places besides Nuremberg. Crimes against humanity are nothing new and still happen and unfortunately, history seems to be rearing its ugly head again, but I won’t say anymore as it is in the news daily.

I noted that I had been to Nuremberg before. I had been there for the Christmas Markets, and many years ago, spent time in the old city, and it was the start or end of a river cruise that I had also done. Again, for Rosa, this was another first.

The Nuremberg trials were an experiment to see whether or not a military tribunal could be held, and fair trials could be done to establish a precedent for war crimes and atrocities after WWII and what the Nazis had done to peoples from all over Europe including the extermination of 6 million Jews. This had not ever been done before and so, setting up these trials when the argument by those involved is that they simply were following orders was to be challenged.

While I had been to Nuremberg before as I had previously mentioned, I had never been to the actual place where the trials took place which is located in the Palace of Justice (Justizpalast) and the trials took place there 1945 – 1946 in Courtroom 600. Why there? Because most of Nuremberg had been destroyed during the war, so this was one of the few places the trials could be held.

The building itself is a museum now as is the courtroom where the trials were held. The site was also chosen because it was one of the few large, relatively undamaged, and functional buildings remaining in the city, complete with an attached prison.

The 24 main defendants at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg (1945–1946) included top Nazi political and military leaders such as Hermann Göring, Rudolf Hess, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Wilhelm Keitel, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Alfred Rosenberg, Hans Frank, and Albert Speer. They were charged with crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Of course, the movie that we watched earlier in the month was focused on Göring and a psychological study. Was the movie good? Yes, was it fully accurate, not necessarily according to our guide that day, but that is Hollywood.

During our tour, we also encountered other remnants of the Third Reich’s architectural ambitions, including an unfinished attempt to build a replica of the Roman Colosseum. This vision, reflecting the regime’s obsession with monumental structures, was never realized but is a haunting reminder of that era’s ideology etched onto Nuremberg’s landscape.

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Exploring Munich’s Heritage and Culture
Back in Munich, we packed a lot into a short trip: Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, the Hofbräuhaus, and the English Gardens. Munich’s roots trace back to Roman times, and that influence subtly lives on in parts of the city’s history and architecture, providing a fascinating backdrop to our explorations.

We walked through Schwabing and the Olympic grounds—though cold weather and closures limited some activities. Before leaving, we visited the Alte Pinakothek art museum, a treasure trove of European masterpieces from the Middle Ages through the 18th century.

Art and Expertise: Rosa’s Passion
Rosa’s background as both a licensed tour guide and art historian meant that each destination was layered with additional meaning. Wherever we travel, an art museum visit is a must, connecting culture and history with place.

Travel Tips: Munich’s M-6 Pass and Transport
If you visit Munich and want flexibility, I highly recommend the M-6 Munich Pass (all zones). It covers airport transfers and unlimited public transport on trams, buses, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn. It also offers discounts on venues like the Alte Pinakothek. Of course, I am happy to also arrange private transport and tours for those who prefer a more curated experience.

The Musical Finale: An Intimate Concert
Our trip’s highlight was a concert by Mike Masse’—an acoustic performer covering classics from Boston, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and more. Held in a cozy venue minute from our hotel, the show was intimate with fewer than 100 attendees.

Mike’s story—from lawyer to respected musician—is inspiring, and hearing him live, plus chatting after the show, was a memorable cap to the weekend.

Food, Flavors, and Cheers
And of course, no trip to Bavaria would be complete without savoring local flavors. We indulged in plenty of pretzels, wurst, schnitzel, potatoes, and yes, refreshing beer—a culinary celebration to complement every step of our journey.

Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Thank you, as always, for supporting the little world of Wandering Puffin. In our travels, whether business or pleasure, history intertwines with personal experience and discovery. This trip was no different and this trip was no different having art, music, culture, history and food. 

Stay safe and healthy in this new normal, and let travel continue to open your eyes, heart, and mind.

🌟 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Have you visited historical sites that deeply moved you? How did it affect your perspective?
What’s your favorite way to combine art, history, and travel?
Do you have travel rituals or must-have passes that make exploring cities easier?
What’s the most memorable concert or cultural experience you’ve had while traveling?
I’d love to hear your stories and tips—please share in the comments or reach out!