Nuremberg was an important medieval trade center and an attractive destination for artisans, and its idealized representation of Germanic greatness appealed to Nazi Party supporters.
The International Military Tribunals, drawing upon Hague Conventions and customary practice among civilised nations, rejected Germany’s assertion that total war was legal, thus ushering in an era of legal protection for human rights.
The Old Town
Nuremberg is a medieval city, featuring an expansive wall surrounding its historic center with over two dozen gates and towers. These fortifications hold great historical significance in German history, and now considered world heritage sites by UNESCO. Construction on Nuremberg’s wall began as early as 11th Century as separate settlements circled each other before taking its current 3-mile long (5km) form with moat and towers as both sides officially united into one town in 1452.
Nuremberg’s strategic location as an intersection for major trade routes allowed it to emerge as an Imperial center of trade and industry during the 1500s, spurring economic development that attracted artists and sculptors seeking patrons; among these artists was Albrecht Durer who would become world famous.
At this point, the city was also rapidly emerging as a printing and publishing center, drawing in scholars seeking to advance knowledge worldwide. Prominent printers and publishers collaborated with well-known artists of their day to produce books which could also be seen as works of art.
After World War II, Nuremberg was rebuilt and now boasts many of its most notable landmarks. A guided tour will give an incredible insight into this city’s rich and long history. The medieval city walls alone make a visit worthwhile!
Alongside its city walls, Nuremberg boasts many notable and distinctive buildings in its historic center. Notable among these structures is Nuremberg Cathedral (Konigstrasse #1) originally constructed in 1270 but rebuilt 1611 – boasting one of Germany’s premier examples of Renaissance architecture inside!
One of the town’s main draws are its medieval dungeons (Laufer Tor), restored and opened to public tours since 2018. Situated beneath Old Town Hall, they serve as a stark reminder of Medieval justice which could often be harsh. Torture would often be used to force prisoners to confess while these dungeons could send them straight for execution.
The Nuremberg Castle
Nuremberg’s medieval castle is one of the city’s premier tourist destinations and an eye-catcher to visitors from near and far. Boasting fascinating rooms and towers that showcase medieval architecture and history, as well as several themed excursions that provide visitors with an immersive experience, its medieval charm draws them in year after year.
Nuremberg Castle first made an appearance in 1050 and soon thereafter gained prominence for being used by Holy Roman Emperors to relax between battles. One of their preferred destinations – along with Frankfurt, Aachen and Vienna – was Nuremberg as they would come for rest and recuperation.
As part of the Reformation and Thirty Years War, Nuremberg Castle began to lose significance; instead of holding their Imperial Diet there anymore. Still, however, its position remained important; here was where Emperors would hold meetings with council members and government officials.
Other notable buildings at the castle are the Deep Well and Sinwell Tower. The Deep Well stands out as a feat of medieval engineering that spans 50 meters (164 feet). Visitors often come for guided tours that show them this impressive feature – visitors can witness how its shaft was driven so deeply underground!
Though damaged during World War II, this castle has been meticulously renovated to become an international tourist attraction. Not only is there plenty of exhibition space within the castle for those wanting a respite from city life below; there are also open areas inside for those needing some quiet.
Inner Courtyard offers the perfect place to begin exploring the castle, featuring a stunning fountain at its center. Corner Chamber offers exhibits centered on City and Emperor: paintings by Nuremberg artists, wooden models of Nuremberg streets and gifts presented to Emperor. Perhaps most captivating though is medieval armour and weapons displayed there which highlight technological progress as well as changes in cultural significance of weapons over time.
The Germanisches National Museum
The Germanisches National Museum in Nuremberg is one of Germany’s largest cultural history museums and an absolute must-see. Their collections cover prehistory to contemporary times and span ancient Saxon tools through Renaissance paintings to one of the world’s oldest globes – some truly impressive pieces exist within these walls!
The museum conducts scientific and historical research on its holdings, with this data published in various journals and exhibitions. Furthermore, there is also its own library with collections of historical and art books.
Visitors interested in culture and history will find the Germanisches National Museum an indispensable destination. Its vast collection can take visitors up to half a day to fully experience, leaving them with an in-depth knowledge of Germany’s people and history.
Many visitors to the Germanisches may wonder why it bears that name as opposed to something more neutral such as “national museum.” This stems from its establishment in 1852 – just prior to Germany becoming an independent nation state – by Hans Freiherr von und zu Aufsess with an aim of creating “a comprehensive source material of all German history and art history”.
Today the museum stands as one of the premier destinations in Germany for experiencing an overview of German art and culture. With an encyclopedic collection encompassing almost every facet of German history and artistic traditions, visitors to this museum are certain to gain a holistic picture.
At its center of Nuremberg, the museum is easily accessible on foot or public transit – the Hauptmarkt with Frauenkirche and Imperial Castle are mere kilometers away!
The Germanisches National Museum is easily accessible by train from other German cities: two hours away from Munich, 90 minutes from Wurzburg, and less than an hour from Regensburg. Car rentals are readily available in Regensburg’s city center; car rentals may also be accessed easily within a short walking distance from its railway station.
Nuremberg’s Pub Culture
Experience Nuremberg’s vibrant nightlife with the assistance of an expert guide during this pub crawl. Visit up to four bars and clubs with VIP entry, enjoy complimentary shots at each stop, and skip long lines by taking advantage of VIP entry – ideal whether celebrating a bachelor party or simply hoping to meet new people! Let the tour guide take care of details while you dance the night away!
Nuremberg is a city famously obsessed with beer, making finding your ideal beverage a straightforward process. Many large beer halls cater to visitors of all kinds; for beer enthusiasts however, Kloster Andechs “Das Wirthaus”, located on the ground-floor bar of Hotel Deutscher Kaiser offers their full selection of Kloster Andechs beers in either an intimate taproom with stools or larger communal back room settings.
Bierwerk in the center of town provides another great choice for beer enthusiasts. Set inside an historic coachman’s inn that still retains an original drinking trough from its days as coaching inn, they offer fresh Franconian Kellerbier as well as modern German and European brands; an open-minded approach especially welcome in a city that has experienced periods of intolerance and superstition – such as Berlin itself.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit chillier, visit Loom, where young crowds gather to sip cocktails and watch sports on large screens. With its distinctive purple lighting and low-key ambience, the place boasts plenty of character – from its unique lighting fixtures and music selection to the delicious food served here, including soups, pizza, nachos, and sausages!
Skybar, located on the fourth-floor rooftop terrace with stunning city views, offers not only drinks but also salads, pasta, burgers, cakes, coffee, and ice cream. Furthermore, you can reserve private spaces to celebrate events – reservations can be made without immediate payment so it’s easy to plan an unforgettable party with friends!