Nuremberg was the final stop on our Bavarian Tour. It was one of the fascinating cities we visited in Germany. Nuremberg, located in Northern Bavaria (), is the second largest city in the state. Its history of over a thousand years has survived the Holy Roman Empire and the Nazi regime to become a cultural leader.
The Best Things to Do in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is full of museums and theatres. The beautifully restored Old Town (Altstadt), with its half-timbered houses and charming streets, makes for a relaxing stroll. Nuremberg offers something for everyone, so let’s make the most out of our time in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Castle – Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Nuremberg Castle is a must-see when you arrive in Nuremberg. The symbol of Nuremberg is the Imperial Castle. It has been standing since 1050. The Holy Roman Empire was a major influence on Nuremberg, and the castle is a symbol of that role.
For views of Nuremberg’s Altstadt, take a walk to the castle grounds. Also, make sure you visit the castle inside to see the halls that survived the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. You’ll see the Sinwell Tower, its Deep Well, which plunges 48m (158ft) into the ground, and the rose gardens, castle chapel and Imperial Hall.
Old City Walls
The Old City Walls are one of the most striking sights in Nuremberg. The impressive city walls, built between the 12th-16th centuries, still stretch 5km around the Old Town. It is possible to walk along the walls, with parts still open, and explore its various towers or gates. It starts at the Nuremberg Castle and goes around the old town. This Old Town Guided Walking tour with a local guide will show you hidden spots and tell you about the city’s past.
Hauptmarkt
Hauptmarkt is one of the most popular places to visit in Nuremberg. Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg’s Main Market, is the city’s center. It’s a large square that houses the Old Town Hall (Nurnberger Rathaus) and Nuremberg’s only Baroque Church, St. Giles’ Church. You can also find the Nuremberg tourist center, where you can sign up for walking tours. The star attraction is, however, the fountain at Hauptmarkt.
When arriving in a new city, we enjoy a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. This is a great way of getting to know the city. It stops at historic sites and tourist attractions, allowing you to hop on and explore the rest of the city.
Schoner Brunnen
Schoner Brunnen is a top attraction in Nuremberg. The fountain, which dates back to the 14th Century, contains 40 figures that depict the worldview of the Holy Roman Empire. It is 19m high and looks almost like a Gothic spire. According to local legend, it will come true if you make a wish and turn the golden rings. But can that be true for all fountains?
Frauenkirche – The Church of Our Lady
The gothic church, built between 1352-1362 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Empire Emperor, can be seen while walking around Hauptmarkt. Private walking tours are a great way to see the old town. Take this highly-rated tour to Hauptmarkt, with its beautiful fountain and Frauenkirche. Also, see Albrecht Durer’s House, Nuremberg Castle and many other sights!
Medieval Dungeons
The Medieval Dungeons, located in the cellars at Nuremberg’s Old Town Hall, offer a glimpse into dark and disturbing history. You’ll find twelve cells inside, as well as a torture chamber. How dark and depressing were the middle ages!
Weissgerbergasse
Weissgerbergasse, located in the Old Town Nuremberg, is a wonderful walk through the Middle Ages. This street leads you past historic timber houses, once artists’ houses or artisans. One of the most beautiful streets in Nuremberg is Tanners’ Lane Weissgerbergasse.
Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
The Handwerkerhof Nürnberg is another historic area in the Old Town. This section of the Old Town is home to an artisan village, a Medieval village built alongside Nuremberg’s Old City Walls. This charming area of Nuremberg dates back to the 15th Century. It is ideal to have a pint outside while you watch artisans at work.
Nurnberger Felsengange – Nuremberg Rock Passages
We loved touring the Nurnberger Felsengange, one of our favorite things to do in Nuremberg. (Nuremberg Rock Passages). This network of underground tunnels was originally used to cool and store beer. Locals used it to find shelter. Because Nuremberg was strategically located for the Nazis, it was heavily bombed during World War II. This was where the Nazi party seized power before World War II. It attracted up to 1,000,000 people to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Hitler used the city as his propaganda base to gain power, playing a major role.
