Nuremberg

Medieval imperial castle perched on the sandstone ridge. The outdoor courtyards and Burggarten gardens (April–October) are open to leashed dogs; museum interiors are not.

central market square, dominated by the Gothic Beautiful Fountain (Schöner Brunnen, 1385–96) and the Frauenkirche. Daily market 09:00–18:00; site of the Christkindlesmarkt in December.

Nuremberg's most photogenic cobbled square, at the foot of the Kaiserburg. The half-timbered house where Dürer lived (1509–1528) is a museum, dogs not allowed; the outdoor square is open to them.

44-hectare artificial lake with designated dog beach (Hundebadestelle) on the north shore. 4 km loop trail, shallow water, ideal for dog swimming in summer.

25,000-hectare imperial forest at the city edge. Bavarian forest law allows dogs off-leash on marked paths outside hunting hours (dawn/dusk April–July).

Christmas market since 1628, 28 November to 24 December. Leashed dogs welcome throughout the Hauptmarkt, but crowds are thick (2 M visitors over 4 weeks), prefer weekday afternoons or after 21:00.