Nuremberg

With a current population of 520,000, Nuremberg is the second-largest city in the German state of Bavaria and also the traditional capital of the northern part of the state, Franconia. Nuremberg was already in the early Middle Ages a metropolis with supraregional validity. The city's glorious past is evidenced by impressive historical buildings in the old town and city center, especially the city landmark of Nuremberg Castle. Around the former imperial residence are within walking distance of other attractions such as the Albrecht Dürer House, named after the artist of the same name, the parish church of St. Sebald from the 13th century as the oldest house of worship in Nuremberg and the 5,000 m² large main market, where every year in Advent the famous "Christkindlesmarkt" takes place.

Sights in Nuremberg

Germanic National Museum

The Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg is one of the largest cultural-historical museums in Germany and in the entire German-speaking world. It was built as early as 1852 and has been one of the most popular museums of its kind ever since. Visitors can learn everything about the cultural history of the city. The special thing about the museum is that it is constantly being expanded and adapted to the new times. Thus, it remains permanently interesting and informs visitors about modern cultural history as well. An entire section of the museum is dedicated to the painter Albrecht Dürer. Visitors can also admire paintings by Rembrandt and Stoss. Fascinating for visitors are also the first manufactured pocket watch and the first built globe, which are also exhibited in the museum.

St. Lawrence

The church of St. Lawrence immediately catches the eye of every visitor to Nuremberg. A real eye-catcher is magnificent and splendid west facade with its outstanding rosettes and statues. They all date back to the 14th century. The three-nave basilica also has a mighty hall choir. It was subsequently built between 1439 and 1477 and is assigned to the High Gothic style. The original construction of the church began as early as 1250. Characteristic of the entire architecture are the almost 80-meter high towers. Inside, the church of St. Lawrence is a single exhibition of art. Fascinating are the altars from the Middle Ages and the windows with colorful stained glass. Probably the most important works of art in the church are the Tabernacle by Adam Kraft and the Annunciation by Veit Stoss.

Main Market Square

Nuremberg's main market is one of the most beautiful in southern Germany. The colorful market stalls are packed with regional delicacies. From local organic apples to freshly baked bread to flowering potted plants, you can buy anything that will excite market-goers. But the true beauty of the main market unfolds only two days before the 1st Advent. Then the Hauptmarkt is transformed into a Christmas sea of lights and becomes the scene of Nuremberg's Christkindlmarkt. The smell of gingerbread wafts through the air and visitors crowd along the illuminated stalls. The famous Nuremberg Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is located directly on the main market square. From the gallery of the church, the Nuremberg Christ Child speaks the prologue for the opening of the Christmas market every year.

Castle

The Reichsburg Castle, steeped in history, towers over the city on a rocky outcrop. During the Old Holy Roman Empire, it was very important and held a high status among the imperial castles. At that time, the historic walls served as a venue for imperial assemblies. In 1356, Emperor Charles IV issued the so-called "Golden Bull". From then on, after each change of ruler, the first Imperial Diet was held in the Nuremberg Imperial Castle. During the time of the wandering kings, the castle was one of a number of popular residences. Part of the castle is the beautiful castle garden, which is said to have inspired Albrecht Dürer. During the 2nd World War the castle was destroyed. Only the late Gothic and Romanesque parts of the building remained intact. Rudolf Esterer rebuilt the castle afterwards.

Holy Spirit Hospital

The Heilig-Geist-Spital was built between 1332 and 1339 under the direction of Konrad Gross. Gross was a well-to-do patrician. He saw his life's work as helping the sick, the elderly and the needy. The hospital quickly developed as a place to go for emergencies and by 1500 was the largest private foundation in the Holy Roman Empire. During the 2nd World War the hospital was almost completely destroyed. It was elaborately reconstructed with the help of original parts under the aspect of preservation of historical monuments. It gracefully towers over the Pegnitz River and is now used as a retirement home. In the annexes there are conference rooms and the famous Heilig-Geist-Spital-Restaurant. Here you can enjoy typical Nuremberg dishes such as grilled sausages or Franconian liver dumplings.

City Hall

Nuremberg's Old Town Hall is one of the city's landmarks and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The magnificent facade is reminiscent of an Italian palazzo. Then as now, the town hall serves as the city's governing body. Since the Middle Ages, authorities and offices have been housed here. The town hall can be visited within a guided tour. This leads through the historical rooms and into the old walls of the hole prison. The highlight of every guided tour is the ascent to the town hall tower. From up here, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Throughout the year, events are held in the town hall square. The benches in front of the main entrance invite you to linger and from here you can watch the hustle and bustle of the town hall square.

Unschlitthaus

The Unschlitthaus once belonged to the seven granaries of the city. It was built in 1491 by Hans Beheim the Elder. The building is very impressive, as the main structure was built of sandstone and set directly into the town moat. The name Unschlitt is another word for tallow. Butchers from the area sold their animal fat in the house until the 19th century. Tallow candles were made from it. In the meantime, the historical walls also housed the Weights and Measures Office and a school. From the outside, the Unschlit house impresses with its wooden figures. The house stands on the square of the same name and is surrounded by many other half-timbered buildings.

Albrecht Dürer House

The Albrecht Dürer House is one of the most famous buildings in the city of Nuremberg. The painter lived here for almost 20 years and created many of his famous works. Today it is a museum and visitors experience everything about Dürer's art on four floors. His living room, kitchen and studio provide insights into his life. The house was built as early as the 15th century and it is one of the few artists' houses in Europe that has been preserved in its form. In 1828, the Albrecht Dürer House was designated an artists' memorial and was the first of its kind in the world. The house was damaged during World War 2, but was quickly rebuilt and preserved in its original form. Guided tours take place several times a week, led by an actress who plays the role of Dürer's wife Agnes.

Sebaldus Church

On Sebalder Platz, directly next to the Old Town Hall is the Sebalduskirche, the oldest church in the city. It was built as early as 1215 and is assigned to the late Romanesque period. The original building consisted of a pillar basilica with two choirs. The side aisles of the church were extended in 1309 and from then on the church belonged to the Gothic architectural style. During the 2nd World War it was completely destroyed and for many years it was rebuilt. It was not until 1957 that it was consecrated and reopened. The church was named after the patron saint Sebaldus. The Nuremberg native found his rest here and his legs lie in a silver casket in the church.

New Museum of Art and Design

The New Museum of Art and Design is striking for its modern architecture. It is located in the middle of the city of Nuremberg and is surrounded by historic buildings. The striking building with its curved glass facade was designed by architect Volker Staab and has won several awards. The museum was opened in 2000.The museum's collection includes numerous photographs, paintings and sculptures from 1945 to the present. The international works are mainly related to concrete art and works of geometric abstraction. The exhibition area of more than 3000 square meters also shows works of the Design Museum in Munich, with which the museum has a cooperation.

Hangman's Bridge

The Henkersteg is a link between the city's two shopping hotspots. It leads directly across the Pegnitz to the Pegnitzinsel and onto the Bratwurstgasse. Today, hardly anything reminds of the bridge's bloody past. In the Middle Ages, the executioner lived on the island in an executioner's house specially built for him. He entered the city via the hangman's bridge. In former times men were killed here on the gallows and women were drowned in the Pegnitz. The Hangman's House Museum is located on the island. It gives insight into the sad past of the city. The Hangman's Footbridge is one of the most picturesque and idyllic places in the city of Nuremberg. In the dark, the footbridge is set off by dim lighting and is a sought-after photo motif.

Handwerkerhof

The Handwerkerhof whets the appetite. Visitors cannot escape the smell of grilled Nuremberg bratwurst. Here you can taste all the culinary specialties of Franconian cuisine. In the wine taverns only Franconian wines are served. The medieval ambience characterizes the quaint little streets and cozy stores are hidden behind the half-timbered facades. Here traditional craftsmen show their work and many you can even look over their shoulder. The Handwerkerhof was opened in 1971 on the occasion of the Dürer Year and has been very popular ever since. All half-timbered houses and buildings were renovated before the opening under the aspect of monument protection. The area was once the town's armory. The courtyard shines especially beautifully in the run-up to Christmas, when the windows and gates are illuminated.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Every year on the Friday before the 1st of Advent, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is officially opened. The Christkind speaks the prologue on the gallery of the Frauenkirche and then the visitors stream in. The smell of Christmas cookies, fried sausages and mulled wine wafts through the air. Merchants and artisans present their wares at 180 festively decorated wooden stalls. According to the town's historical records, the market was first mentioned in 1628. Historians assume that the market dates back to the time of Martin Luther, when the Christ Child also began to give presents to children. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the most famous Christmas market in Europe. Every year visitors from all over the world come to Nuremberg to experience the unique flair.

Zoo

The Nuremberg Zoo impresses with its diversity of species. The park is home to over 3200 animals from 292 species and is a partner zoo of the Species Protection Foundation. It is also involved in a number of breeding programs worldwide. Here, visitors can observe sea lions or watch polar bears being fed. A highlight is the lagoon created specifically to house dolphins. The zoo includes a children's zoo with a huge play area. Here the little ones can romp to their hearts' content and pet and feed animals. The Adler narrow-gauge railroad, whose construction commemorates the first railroad that ran between Nuremberg and Fürth, passes through the zoo.