Part I: Main Nazi Party Rally Sites
Station 1: Documentation Center
The Documentation Center, unveiled in 2001, presents the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany and the history of their time in power and downfall. It also deals specifically with Nuremberg’s role in the Nazi party and government and the city’s role in its history. They also set up the information stations along the Party Rally Grounds for visitors. Important to keep in mind is, the Documentation Center is not a museum, it does not have a lot of original artifacts, but it has a great gallery of photos and its goal is to explain the history and contribute to not forget the history and horrors of the Nazi government.
Station 2: Inside the Party Congress Hall (Kongresshalle)
The architect of the Rally Grounds Albert Speer designed the building in similar fashion to Rome’s Colosseum. Although its construction began before 1939, once the war began they were no longer able to continue the construction and the building has forever stood incomplete. Within it, as mentioned, is currently the Documentation Center and from it you can see the inside of the building. In the original designs they wanted to double the height of the building as it stands today.
Station 3: The Volksfest field (Volksfestplatz) and Great Road (Große Strasse)
Upon exciting the Congress Hall take a left and walk around the building till you run into a large open area. You are now in the Volksfest field and as you continue walking you will get to the Great Road. On the left side of the road you will find the information station. In the original plan, the Great Road was meant to be the pathway leading straight through the rally grounds from the March Field to the Congress Hall. Now, the great road is used partially as a road, a walking area and a parking lot. Some of the stone bleachers are still laying along the sides of the road.
Station 4: Foundation Stone for the German Stadium (Deutsche Stadion)
Continue walking along the Great Road and cross to the other side. Once on the other side look at the lake on your left-hand side (once you are viewing Station 4). It is a man-made lake. The hole originally was meant to be the foundation for the German Stadium. The construction never quite began since the materials were needed for the war effort. The foundation stone is also there.
Station 5: Dutzendteich Lake and Recreation Area
As you probably know by now, the grounds have been turned into a walking, exercise area. A great place for leisure walking or serious running. Take a left away from the Great Street to move away from the German Stadium and on the other side you will find lake Dutzendteich used for kayaking and many other water sports. Halfway you will find another information station. This area, even before 1933 has always been considered a great place for outdoor activities.
Station 6: Franken Stadium
After the information station, take a right. You should be walking between the Hockey stadium and a row of white stone pillars. The stone pillars on your left are from the Zeppelin Field, which we will cover a bit later.
As you continue straight you will run straight into the Franken Stadium (Frankenstadion). It currently is the main stadium for the local football team, 1. FC Nuremberg, and was also one of the host stadiums of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. During the Third Reich many sporting events were played here, as well as military parades and events viewed by Hitler and his government. Continue walking around the Zeppelin Field.
(if interested: Station 17: Stadium Pool. To find it continue walking around the soccer stadium.)
Station 7: Zeppelin Tribune
Be careful, the walk from the stadium to the Zeppelin Tribune can be a bit perilous with no clear sidewalk. The Zeppelin Tribune will come into view once you make it to the end of the white columns, it is on your left. It is one of the most well-known and visited sights in Nuremberg. As you compare it to historical photos you will see that two walls on either side of the back podium have been demolished, as well as a huge swastika that adorned the top of the tribune. It was here where Hitler stood for the 1933 Nuremberg Rally, with SA and SS troops marching and displaying their force, as well as where Albert Speer’s Cathedral of Light was first seen. It is open, you can enter and walk up and around the tribune. The City of Nuremberg does advise, however, that you enter at your own risk.
Station 8: Zeppelin Field (Zeppelinfeld)
Right across the Tribune is the field we have been walking around, the Zeppelin Field. It is here where the SA and SS members rallied and marched in from where Hitler stood on the Zeppelin Tribune. Now, it is used for concerts or weeklong festivals. The pillars and steps are still original.
(if interested-Station 13: Old Dutzendteich Train Station, Station 14: Zeppelin Tribune back side. You will find Station 14 directly behind the Tribune, and Station 13 across the road walking a bit)
Station 9: Wanner Inn & Café
The Wanner Inn and Café was located on the walk farther along the Dutzendteich Lake till you are right across from the Congress Hall. It was a location for leisure activity during the Third Reich. It was destroyed during World War II and no longer stands. An information station stands here as well to further explain the importance of the location.