Attractions in Nuremberg

The Imperial Castle, Nuremberg's landmark, towers high above the old town. Together with the Burggrafenburg, it forms one of the oldest and most important monuments in the city. Its beginnings can be dated between the early and high Middle Ages. During the Second World War, the castle was largely destroyed, but was rebuilt in its original form. Today, visitors can learn about the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and Nuremberg's role in the late Middle Ages.

The Albrecht Dürer House is located directly below the Imperial Castle. Dürer lived and worked here until his death in 1528. On four floors, the life and work of the great artist as well as the art techniques of the time can be impressively recreated. And if you want, you can even be guided through the house by Agnes Dürer herself.

The Handwerkerhof is located on the edge of the old town right next to the main train station. Interested parties can not only get an authentic impression of pottery, tin casting or goldsmithing. Numerous Nuremberg specialties are also offered. The courtyard is particularly popular during the  Christmas market .

At around 19 meters, the beautiful fountain rises impressively on the edge of the main market. The fountain was built in the 14th century and has the shape of a Gothic church spire. The many figures represent the world view of the Holy Roman Empire. Turning the golden ring also proves to be very promising: according to legend, turning it once will bring you three wishes and turning it three times will bring you many children.

The old town of Nuremberg has a lot more to offer: Visit the medieval toll hall, which not only served as the seat of the municipal customs office, but also as a granary. Cross the historic Henkersteg to get to the Henkerturm, the former official residence of the executioner. Or experience the various phases of married life at the marriage carousel, a modern figure fountain.

The Nuremberg Toy Museum shows the history of toys from antiquity to the present day on 1,400 square meters. It is one of the most famous toy museums in the world and attracts over 150,000 visitors every year. In addition to traditional items, the collection of exhibits also includes current toys. Pedagogical care is also offered in the children's area.

Lovers of contemporary art should pay a visit to the Neues Museum – State Museum for Art and Design. It was opened in 2000 and shows works by Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys, among others. Just a few steps away is the sculpture garden, which is home to nine sculptures by contemporary sculptors.

With well over a million objects, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is the largest cultural history museum in the German-speaking area. Founded in 1852, it depicts the entire cultural history of the German-speaking area from early times to the present day. The rich collection of art and cultural objects (e.g. the oldest globe in the world) makes a visit a unique experience.

In the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the causes, connections and consequences of the National Socialist tyranny are examined. The exhibition is located in the northern part of the fragmentary congress hall of what was then the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The study center is located in the glass front building, in which exhibition topics can be explored in greater depth.

The children's museum offers a special highlight for all the little ones: almost everything can be touched and tried out here. The two exhibitions "Everyday Life of Great-Grandparents" and "Earth Treasure Chamber" invite you to explore and experiment. Ideal for a successful family outing!

Other popular places to go are the DB Museum on Lessingstraße and the City Museum in the Fembo House.

Probably the most famous church in Nuremberg is the Frauenkirche - and not just because the Christmas market is opened here every year. Built in the 14th century, it is a popular destination, mainly thanks to its impressive Gothic-style architecture. And if you visit the church at lunchtime, you can even see how homage is paid to the Roman-German Emperor Charles IV.

The St. Lorenz Church with its two large towers is also an impressive sight. In addition to the Sebalduskirche, it is the largest Protestant city church in Nuremberg and was rebuilt in its original form after severe damage during the Second World War. Inside the church there are numerous works of art such as the "Angel Greeting" and one of the largest organs in the world.

The structural counterpart to the Lorenzkirche is the St. Sebald Church in the northern part of the old town. It is also the oldest parish church in Nuremberg. In addition to the impressive Peter altar, the Sebaldus tomb in the middle of the church stands out. The bones of the holy city patron have been kept in the silver shrine, which was later fitted with an elaborate bronze tabernacle, since the 14th century.

Away from the three large churches, St. Elizabeth's Church with its bronze dome and statues of the twelve apostles is a sight well worth seeing. The baroque Egidienkirche is also worth a visit.

If you come across monkeys, giraffes or polar bears on your journey through Nuremberg, you have probably landed in the Tiergarten. It is home to around 300 species, some of which are endangered, and attracts more than a million visitors every year. If you get hungry in between, you can get supplies at one of the kiosks, visit the "Lagunenblick" bistro or sit down in the "Waldschänke" restaurant. Theatrical performances are also regularly held there.

The main attraction in the Tiergarten is the Dolphinarium, which opened in 1971 and has an outdoor area, where you can admire the bottlenose dolphins' tricks. If you prefer something quieter, you can watch the manatees going about in the manatee house. And then there is the Aqua Park, the polar bears, the desert house with its lizards and beetles and the children's zoo - there really is something for everyone!