Nuremberg isn't a very popular destination to visit in Germany, even so, I am always looking for flight deals everywhere, I found a very cheap flight and we did not miss the opportunity to visit this charming city.
Nuremberg has quite a few interesting places to visit; both inside and outside the wall that surrounds the Altstadt (historical quarter). Stroll through its medieval streets, take a boat ride on the river, visit its castle, among many other things.
In this post I tell you what to see and do in Nuremberg, where to stay and some travel tips. If you are thinking of visiting this city, you will not need more than two days at most to discover all its places of interest, it is perfect for a getaway or to include it in an itinerary. I add nearby places that you can visit on your trip.
WHAT TO SEE IN NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Before starting with the list of essentials, I tell you that in Nuremberg you can take a free tour with a guide. You will visit the most emblematic places of the city, such as the banks of the Pegnitz river, the Hauptmarkt, the Scöner Brunnen fountain, the neighborhood of San Lorenzo, the bourgeois residences... among many more places. It is a very complete free tour! It lasts about two and a half hours and is worth taking advantage of.
The most beautiful area of the city is the historic center within the walls. If you don't have much time to get to know the walled area of the city, I advise you to take a map, mark the points of interest and follow the map so as not to miss anything. It's easy to get lost in its streets and alleyways, get lost in the medieval buildings or enjoy the atmosphere. Once you have all the places visited, you can wander calmly.
The Kaiserburg castle, the most beautiful place to see in Nuremberg
Located north of the Altstadt, Nuremberg Castle is one of the most essential places to visit in Nuremberg.
The castle complex has three zones; the Castle, some buildings of the Búrgraves of Nuremberg and the municipal buildings of the imperial city.
The Castle has dominated the city since the Middle Ages, being this place one of the most important fortresses of the Holy Roman Empire. The crown jewels were kept for centuries in this castle, thereby demonstrating the importance of Nuremberg as an imperial city.
The origin of this castle dates back to the 11th century, although its interior decoration changed from the beginning of the 19th century. The Romanesque and Gothic style of the rooms was not to the liking of Luis I. So he did not hesitate to hire a decorator who would adapt the decoration of the castle to the palatial style of the time. With the arrival of the 20th century it was decided to recover the original style of the castle. But with the Second World Cup, only part of the Gothic and Romanesque structures of the complex were left standing..
During the visit to the Castle you can visit the Imperial Palace. It is located on the irregular relief of rocks. Inside you can visit several of the halls. Pay attention to the architecture, the decoration of each of the rooms, the large fireplaces, the imperial shields and some of the original paintings of the time.
The Palace Chapel is accessed from the Knights' room. One of the few constructions of the castle that were not destroyed in the bombings of the Second World. There are many elements that make it special; It is double-height, the lower part is a small romantic chapel and the upper part is the emperor's gallery, who had direct access to this place from his chambers.
You can also visit the Kaiserburg museum, it is located inside the Kemenate. This building burned down in 1945 and was rebuilt between 1968 and 1971. The building has 4 floors and an imposing hipped roof.
The museum is dedicated to the history of the castle. In its rooms you can see finds from excavations and reconstruction drawings, as well as an important collection of historical weapons.
Built on a rock is the Sinwellturn tower and from it you can have spectacular views of the city. Seeing Nuremberg at 360º is not something that can be done so easily anywhere else in the city, so when you go up the steep stairs think about the reward. It's worth it!
In the center of the castle courtyard you will find the Tiefen Brunnen (deep well). A fortress was supposed to guarantee the water supply in case of a siege and it is believed that it is here even before the construction of the castle began. This place can only be seen with the guided tour (English and German) in which the history of the place is explained while a pulley with a sail and a camera descends the 50-meter depth of the well.
There is a part of the Kaiserburg open to the public where you can walk calmly and enjoy each place. You can walk and browse the exterior of the buildings, contemplate their towers without paying anything. However, to visit the interior of the vast majority of places you must pay an entrance fee or hire a guided tour.
You can book the NURNBERG CARD, this tourist card allows you to access most places without having to pay an entrance fee, as well as having free public transport. You can see more information about the Nurnberg Card and book it from this link.
Hauptmarkt, the market square
The square is surrounded by buildings that house hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a beautiful square, and one could say that it is the nerve center of the city.
Every day in the square they set up the market. I personally love visiting the markets of each place I visit, full of colors, fresh products and a very local atmosphere.
In the square there are several places to visit;
The Pretty Fountain
Located at the northwest end of the square, you will find the fountain surrounded by a black fence. The font stands out for having a good number of characters that reflect the worldview of the Holy Roman Empire. There are a total of 40 figures that decorate the Gothic pinnacle-shaped fountain.
Frauenkirche
The Church of Our Lady is the most beautiful building in the square. It is the first Gothic-style church built in Franconia. It is famous for the clock on its facade. At 12 noon its carillon is started and the parade of the electors takes place before the emperor. At that time, many tourists gather in the square. It is something curious to see.
The town hall and its dungeons, an essential thing to see in Nuremberg
The Nuremberg City Hall is located a few meters from the Hauptmarkt. In the town hall are the medieval dungeons of the city. This place was where the alleged criminals stayed while the case in which they were involved was investigated. And once judged, if they were convicted, they awaited their execution here. While the prisoner was imprisoned there the costs were borne by the family or by him, the state was not responsible.
During the visit you go through the so-called death cells. Those in which the convicts awaited their execution and that are only four of the 15 existing cells in this underground compound. Another of the rooms through which you pass is known as the executioner's room.
To visit the jail you can only do it with a guided tour that takes place every 30 minutes and is conducted in English or German. If you do not speak any of these languages there are brochures in Spanish.
Walk along the Pegnitz River and its bridges
The old town of Nuremberg is divided in two, north and south, by the Pegnitz river. The best way to see the river, take a walk and enjoy the architecture of the houses that overlook the river is to do it from its bridges.
Some of the bridges are pedestrianized and in others the movement of vehicles is allowed. One of the bridges from where you can have beautiful views is the Max Brücke bridge.
Another of the bridges that you cannot miss is the Museumsbrücke. From it you will have beautiful views and you will be able to see the Hospital of the Holy Spirit.
Lorenzkirche
Lorenzkirche is one of the most impressive churches to see in Nuremberg. The dimensions of its dark façade are such that the only way to see it from the front is to walk away from it along Karolinenstrasse.
Its towers are 80 meters high.
It is a Gothic-style church that began to be built in the year 1243. But the bombings of World II destroyed it almost completely. It was restored reopening its doors in 1952.
The interior of the church has important works of art. The tabernacle, the medieval altars and numerous stained glass windows stand out. A very special way to enjoy a visit to this church is to attend one of the many concerts that take place in it.
Next to the church you can see the Fuente de las Virtudes. A curious work in which the water comes out of the breasts of Faith, Hope, Charity, Courage, Temperance and Patience.
Albrecht Dürer's house
This building is a beautiful house in which the famous German artist Albrecht Dürer lived.
It was one of the few buildings in Nuremberg that was not destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War. Its exterior stands out for a wooden framework so characteristic of the area. Inside, the rooms reflect the history of the house that became the first museum in Europe installed in the house of an artist when it opened its doors in 1828.
Felsengänge, the underground city
It is a four-story labyrinth whose origins date back to the 14th century. This place has been used as a brewery, winery and also as a bomb shelter during the Second World War. It is one of those amazing places to see in Nuremberg and you cannot miss it.
The tour of these passageways is carried out on guided tours. Levels are lowered and discovering the places where the wine was stored. The entrance leads to a corridor where you can see images of the city after the bombings. It is a mythical, humid and oppressive place for those who suffer from claustrophobia.
The Hausbrauerei Altstadthof brewery currently uses part of these tunnels to store its beer. And it is precisely with a tasting of this drink that the tour of Felsengänge ends.
The visit more than for the tunnels themselves, it is worth doing it for the stories and anecdotes that the guide tells you. The visit is in English and German.
Handwerkerhof
Taking advantage of part of the city walls, an enclosed area has been created that has become an attraction for tourists. The access door is next to the Frauentorturm, one of the Nuremberg towers. Here is a space created for artists and art exhibitions.
Walking through this area is very pleasant, you can take the opportunity to eat or buy a souvenir. There are shops of all kinds, from handicrafts, wooden toys, artisan bread with spices, some types of jams, cheeses...
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Germany a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!