🇩🇪Germany · Places to discover
What to see in Nuremberg?
24 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Nuremberg presents two faces difficult to reconcile: that of a prosperous medieval city, whose ramparts and the Kaiserburg still dominate the old town, and that of a city profoundly marked by the Third Reich and the trials that followed. This historical tension lends the city a density rare among larger German capitals. Its inhabitants own this fully, making a visit here more honest than elsewhere.
The best period to visit falls between May and September, though Advent transforms the city around the Christkindlesmarkt into something quite different from the rest of the year-your choice. Two days suffice to cover the essentials without rushing. The centre is walked on foot, the U-Bahn network takes over for museums on the periphery. Avoid limiting your visit to the restored old town quarter alone: the Documentation Center at the Reichsparteitagsgelände, often overlooked, is one of Germany's most rigorous museums on this period.
Landmarks & heritage
5 places
1Wikimedia CommonsLandmark
Albrecht-Dürer-Haus
Birthplace of the greatest German painter of the Renaissance, remarkably preserved with its workshops and collections. An authentic immersion into Dürer's life and work in the heart of the artisans' quarter.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Landmark
Reichsparteitagsgelände Documentation Centre
A documentation centre installed in the north wing of the unfinished Nazi Congress Palace, with a rigorous permanent exhibition on the history of the Third Reich. An essential memorial site, sober and uncompromising.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Heilig-Geist-Spital
A medieval hospice from the fourteenth century built partly above the Pegnitz, now a restaurant. The half-timbered architecture over the water is one of Nuremberg's most authentic images.
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Schöner Brunnen
A fourteenth-century Gothic fountain 19 metres high, a true masterpiece of medieval sculpture adorning the Hauptmarkt. Look for the gilded bronze ring set into the grill – turning it three times is said to bring good luck according to local tradition.
5Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Landmark
Nuremberg City Walls
Nuremberg's medieval fortifications, among the best preserved in Europe with 80 towers and moats. The walk along the ramparts between the Spittlertor and Frauentor reveals the city from an unexpected angle.
Museums
3 places
6Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Museum
Nuremberg Toy Museum
A toy museum retracing 500 years of toy manufacturing in a city that was once the world capital of toys. Nuremberg's collections in this field are unique in the world and captivate both adults and children alike.
7Wikimedia CommonsMuseum
DB Museum Nuremberg
The world's oldest railway museum, founded in 1882, retracing the history of German rail from the steam locomotive. The first German railway, Nuremberg–Fürth, was born here – a local source of pride.
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Museum
Museum
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The world's largest museum of Germanic art and culture, with over one million objects spanning 2,000 years of history. The medieval and Renaissance collections are absolutely remarkable and little known to foreign visitors.
Religious sites
2 places
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Religious site
Lorenzkirche
Magnificent 14th-century Gothic church with an exceptional rose window and Veit Stoss's Angelic Salutation suspended in the choir. A jewel of Franconian sacred art, often overshadowed by the castle.
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Religious site
Sebalduskirche
Nuremberg's oldest parish church, a Gothic masterpiece of the 13th century housing the bronze tomb of Saint Sebald. Less visited than the Lorenzkirche, it deserves a lengthy stop.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
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Castle
Castle
Kaiserburg Nürnberg
The medieval imperial fortress dominating the old town since the 11th century. Exceptional panoramic views over Nuremberg's rooftops from the Sinwellturm, especially at sunset.
Nature
4 places
12Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Dutzendteich
An artificial lake surrounded by parks south of the city, ideal for swimming, kayaking and family outings. The site borders the former Nazi party installations, creating a striking historical contrast.
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Reichswald Nuremberg
A vast state forest of 7,000 hectares encircling the city, accessible by bike from the centre in 20 minutes. Marked hiking trails, swimming ponds and complete silence just steps away from the metropolis.
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Nature
Nature
Pegnitzwiesen Wöhrder Meadow
A vast urban meadow along the Pegnitz east of the city centre, the city's green lung where Nurembergers cycle, picnic and swim in summer. No tourists, pure local life.
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Nature
Nature
Burggraben Nürnberg
The verdant moats at the foot of the old town's northern ramparts, transformed into community gardens and leisure spaces. Locals gather here in summer to picnic away from the tourist trails.
Viewpoints
4 places
16Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Henkersteg
Covered wooden footbridge of the 15th century spanning the Pegnitz, once the residence of the city executioner. One of Nuremberg's most photographed scenes, magnificent at dusk with reflections in the water.
17Wikimedia CommonsViewpoint
Weinstadel and Water Tower
Exceptional medieval architectural ensemble combining the former wine warehouse and water tower on the banks of the Pegnitz. A living postcard of the old town, particularly striking when viewed from Maxbrücke.
18Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Sinwellturm Kaiserburg – Observation Platform
The summit of Kaiserburg's cylindrical tower, accessible after 113 steps, offering a 360° panorama over the old town. Nuremberg's best view, even better than any church steeple.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Schmausenbuck Viewpoint
Wooded hill to the east of the city offering one of the finest panoramas of Nuremberg and the Franconian plain. A favoured vantage point of locals for sunrise and sunset, virtually unknown to tourists.
Activities
2 places
20Wikimedia CommonsActivity
Lochgefängnisse des Nürnberger Rathauses
Underground medieval dungeons from the 14th century beneath the Town Hall, among the best-preserved in Europe. A chilling and fascinating guided tour about medieval justice, little-known even to regular city visitors.
21Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Activity
Nuremberg Zoo
One of Germany's largest and most respected zoos, nestled in a natural forest of 67 hectares. The landscape-style enclosures and dolphin colony make it one of Europe's most modern zoos.
More to discover
3 places
22Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Place
Craftsmen's Village Nuremberg
Reconstructed craft village within the ramparts near Königstor, where local artisans work and sell their creations directly. Far from low-quality souvenirs, you'll find authentic Franconian craftsmanship.
23Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Place
Hauptmarkt Nürnberg
The main market square in the heart of the old town, bustling each morning with local fruit and vegetable sellers. Outside the Christmas season, it returns to its authentic character with Nuremberg residents doing their shopping.
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Place
Place
Trödelmarkt Nürnberg
Flea market on the Pegnitz islands, one of Germany's most picturesque with medieval houses as backdrop. Locals browse here on Saturday mornings in a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
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