Nuremberg walking tour & city guide
An imperial castle, half-timbered houses and a famous Christmas market.
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Nuremberg, in the Franconia region of Bavaria, was one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Its old town, surrounded by medieval walls, is full of half-timbered houses, gothic churches and the river Pegnitz, all crowned by a mighty Imperial Castle.
The old town
The Imperial Castle sits on a sandstone hill at the northern edge of the old town, and emperors stayed here for centuries. From its gardens and towers you can see the red rooftops of the whole city. Below it, the half-timbered Albrecht Dürer House was the home of Germany's most famous Renaissance artist.
The Hauptmarkt is the city's main square, with the gothic Beautiful Fountain, where visitors turn a brass ring for luck. The Pegnitz river flows through the center, crossed by bridges like the covered Hangman's Bridge, with the picturesque Weinstadel building alongside.
History and remembrance
Nuremberg's 20th-century history is darker. The Nazi party held its rallies here, and the unfinished Congress Hall now houses the Documentation Center, which explains this period. After the war, the Nuremberg Trials were held in the Palace of Justice, where Memorium Nuremberg Trials can be visited.
Visiting tips
The Christkindlesmarkt, held on the Hauptmarkt from late November, is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. The old town is compact and best explored on foot, starting at the castle and walking down to the river.
Top sights in Nuremberg
- 1
Imperial Castle
A medieval castle above the old town.
- 2
Hauptmarkt and Beautiful Fountain
The main square and its golden fountain.
- 3
Albrecht Dürer's House
The home of the great Renaissance artist.
- 4
St Lorenz Church
A gothic church with two towers.
- 5
Weinstadel and Hangman's Bridge
A picturesque spot on the Pegnitz.
- 6
Documentation Center
A museum on the Nazi rally grounds.
Food markets & where to eat in Nuremberg
Hauptmarkt
Daily market stalls with fruit, flowers and snacks.
Bratwurst taverns
Traditional grill houses in the old town.
Weissgerbergasse
A lane of half-timbered houses with bars and cafés.
Gostenhof
A local district with international food.
Food to try in Nuremberg
Nürnberger Rostbratwurst
Small grilled sausages, served in threes in a roll.
Lebkuchen
Spiced gingerbread, a Nuremberg tradition for centuries.
Schäufele
Roast pork shoulder with dumplings.
Franconian beer
From the many small breweries of the region.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Nuremberg
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- Hotels in NurembergCompare places to stay and prices.
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