Spielwarenmesse: Hotels & Where to Stay
2 Feb – 6 Feb 2027 Messezentrum Nurnberg 59,000 attendees
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Spielwarenmesse is the world's largest toy trade fair, held each year at the Messezentrum Nurnberg exhibition centre in Nuremberg, Germany. It gathers toy and game manufacturers, retailers, buyers, licensing partners and industry press from across the world for a major, buyer-focused week of product previews and ordering. For a hotel-booking traveller, Nuremberg is a compact, well-organised fair city: the exhibition centre is directly linked to the city by the U1 underground line, so proximity to a metro stop matters more than being at the halls themselves. However, hotel supply is limited relative to fair demand, so rooms in Nuremberg and surrounding towns book out early and prices rise, pushing some visitors to nearby cities like Furth or even to commute from further afield by train. The U-Bahn connection from the airport and main station makes public transport the easy default, and staying near the U1 or U2 lines keeps daily travel to the fair fast and reliable.
Popular areas for attendees: Altstadt (Old Town) · Hauptbahnhof area · Langwasser/Messe.
- The Messezentrum is linked directly to the city by the U1 underground line, so a hotel near a U-Bahn stop reaches the halls fast.
- Nuremberg's hotel stock is limited during the fair, so booking early secures better locations and rates.
- Staying near the main station gives quick U1 access to the venue plus the old town's dining and sights.
- Nearby Furth and towns on the rail network absorb overflow demand when central Nuremberg fills up.
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 2 Feb – 6 Feb 2027
- Venue
- Messezentrum Nurnberg
- City
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Airport
- NUE
- Attendance
- 59,000
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Rates shown for the event window, Mon, Feb 1 → Sun, Feb 7 (arrive the day before, leave the day after) — or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
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Where to eat during Spielwarenmesse
NuernbergMesse sits just south of the old town, a few U-Bahn stops (U1) from the medieval centre where most dining lives. Franconian portions are hearty and kitchens close relatively early, so plan client dinners for a prompt start.
Essigbratlein
Modern vegetable-forward tasting menu
Old town, near Weinmarkt (~4km north of NuernbergMesse)
Nuremberg's landmark fine-dining restaurant in a historic 16th-century house, celebrated for herb- and vegetable-driven cooking. The top choice for a special dinner.
Tip: Small room - reserve well ahead.
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Waidwerk
Modern regional
Near the centre / Sterntor
An intimate contemporary restaurant with a precise, produce-led menu - a quieter, refined alternative for entertaining a client.
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Bratwurst Roslein
Franconian
Old town, near Hauptmarkt
A large, atmospheric Franconian tavern serving grilled Nuremberg bratwurst and regional classics in a historic hall. Good for a group wanting local flavour.
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Bratwursthausle bei St. Sebald
Nuremberg bratwurst
Old town, beside St. Sebald church
The definitive spot for finger-sized Nuremberg Rostbratwurst grilled over beechwood. A quick, iconic, low-cost lunch.
Tip: Order '6 im Weckla' (in a roll) for a cheap standing bite.
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Barfusser Hausbrauerei
Brewpub / German
Old town, in a historic cellar
A cavernous house brewery serving its own beer with hearty German fare. Casual and lively for an after-work team dinner.
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Neef Confiserie Cafe
Historic cafe / confiserie
Old town, Winklerstrasse
A long-established confectioner and cafe, ideal for coffee, cake and the city's famous Lebkuchen. A civilised mid-morning break.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Nuremberg
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after Spielwarenmesse — bookable experiences in Nuremberg, same account, same checkout.
While you're in Nuremberg
Second-division football, the world-famous Christmas market and Rock im Park headline Nuremberg's year.
1. FC Nurnberg
The historic 'Club' plays at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, a short hop from the NuernbergMesse grounds.
Find ticketsNuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
One of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets, filling the Hauptmarkt with stalls, Gluehwein and Lebkuchen.
Find ticketsRock im Park
Huge rock and metal festival on the Zeppelinfeld, sister event to Rock am Ring.
Find ticketsBardentreffen
A large free open-air world- and folk-music festival across the old town's squares.
Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
Getting there
From Nuremberg Airport (NUE)
- The airport is close to the city and linked by the U2 underground line to the main station.
- From the main station, change to the U1 line direct to the exhibition centre's central entrance (Eingang Mitte), roughly 25-30 minutes total.
- A taxi from the airport to the venue takes around 30 minutes.
By long-distance rail
- Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof is a major ICE hub with fast links to Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin.
- From the main station the U1 reaches the fairgrounds in about 9 minutes.
- Special Spielwarenmesse buses sometimes run from Munich Airport during the fair.
Getting around during Spielwarenmesse
U-Bahn to the venue
- The U1 line runs from the main station directly to the exhibition centre's central entrance.
- Buy a day ticket to ride the U-Bahn freely between your hotel and the halls.
- Trains are frequent; the ride from the centre takes under 10 minutes.
Taxi and ride apps
- Taxis queue at the airport, main station and venue during the fair.
- Ride apps operate in Nuremberg for early or late journeys.
- Expect queues at the halls at opening and closing times.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa-free for many nationalities
- Germany is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- A future European travel authorisation (ETIAS) is planned for visa-exempt visitors; check whether it applies.
- Ensure your passport meets Schengen validity rules for your dates.
Who needs a Schengen visa
- Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a Schengen visa from a German mission in advance.
- Business visitors may need an invitation letter from the organiser or an exhibitor.
- Apply early, as appointments can be limited around major fairs.
Entry rules change; confirm current requirements with the Germany embassy or official immigration site before booking travel.
First time at Spielwarenmesse?
- Buy a public-transport day ticket, as the U-Bahn is the simplest way to and from the fair.
- February in Nuremberg is cold, so pack warm layers and a coat.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the fair is large and involves a lot of walking.
- Reserve restaurant tables in the old town ahead, as they fill during the fair.
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- A hotel near the U1 or U2 lines makes commuting to the Messezentrum quick and reliable.
- Nuremberg's old town near the main station combines venue access with atmosphere and dining.
- Consider Furth or rail-connected towns when central hotels are full or pricey.
- Travelling from the main station, the U1 gets you to the gates in under 10 minutes.
Spielwarenmesse travel FAQs
Where should I stay for Spielwarenmesse?
Stay near a U-Bahn stop, ideally on the U1 line or around the main station, for fast access to the Messezentrum. Nuremberg's old town is convenient and atmospheric, with Furth and rail towns as overflow options.
How much do hotels cost during Spielwarenmesse?
Rates climb during the fair given tight supply. Expect premiums over normal levels across Nuremberg, so book early and consider nearby towns on the rail network for value.
How early should I book hotels for Spielwarenmesse?
Book months ahead. As the world's largest toy fair, it strains Nuremberg's hotel capacity, and well-located rooms sell out early with prices rising closer to the event.
Which airport do I fly into for Spielwarenmesse?
Nuremberg Airport (NUE) is closest, linked to the city by the U2 underground. Munich Airport is a larger alternative with more international flights and sometimes direct fair buses.
How do I get from Nuremberg Airport to the Messezentrum?
Take the U2 underground to the main station, then change to the U1 line direct to the exhibition centre's central entrance, about 25-30 minutes in total. A taxi takes around 30 minutes.
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with Spielwarenmesse or its organizers. Dates and venues can change — verify with the official event site before booking travel.