Nördlingen - Germany

**Discover Nördlingen: A Historic Town with a Cosmic Twist** Located in the picturesque Donau-Ries district of Swabia, Bavaria, Germany, Nördlingen is a charming town that boasts an impressive history dating back to 898. With a population of approximately 20,674 inhabitants, this enchanting destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. **A Town Born from a Meteorite Impact** One of the most striking features of Nördlingen is its location within the 25-kilometer-wide Nördlinger Ries impact crater, formed by a meteorite that struck the earth with an estimated speed of 70,000 kilometers per hour about 15 million years ago. This cosmic event left behind an astonishing 72,000 tons of micro-diamonds, making Nördlingen a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and stargazers alike. **Medieval Charm and Architecture** Nördlingen's rich history is reflected in its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, including the town's completely intact city walls – one of only a few towns in Germany to boast this feature. Visitors can explore the charming streets and admire notable buildings such as Saint George's Church with its unique "Daniel" steeple made from suevite impact breccia, the 13th-century town hall, St. Salvator church, and the former medieval hospital, Spital. **Museums and Cultural Attractions** The town is home to a range of museums, including the Ries crater museum, the Bavarian Railway Museum, Nördlingen city museum (Stadtmuseum), the city wall museum (Stadtmauermuseum), and the Augenblick museum, which showcases an impressive collection of panoramas, magic lanterns, silent films, barrel organs, pianolas, music boxes, and gramophones. **Outdoor Activities and Events** Nördlingen offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. The Scharlachrennen (Scarlet Race), a horse racing tournament that dates back to 1463, has expanded over the years to include eventing, jumping, and dressage competitions. Visitors can also explore the picturesque countryside surrounding the town, offering scenic hiking trails, cycling routes, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. **Quality of Life** Nördlingen offers an excellent quality of life, with amenities scoring an impressive A+. The town's commute score is B-, reflecting relatively easy access to nearby cities like Stuttgart (approximately 100 kilometers east) and Munich (around 130 kilometers northwest). Residents also benefit from good healthcare options, scoring a B on the health index. With a culture score of B+, Nördlingen offers a rich cultural scene, including various museums, historical landmarks, and festivals. Overall, Nördlingen is an enchanting destination that seamlessly blends natural wonder, history, culture, and outdoor activities, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.

Nördlingen

Nördlingen
Country: Germany
Population: 21009
Elevation: 441
Area: 68.10
Web: https://www.noerdlingen.de/
Area code: 09081