Sulzbach-Rosenberg: Printing History, Mining and City Routes

In Sulzbach-Rosenberg, urban history, literature and mining come together. From the 8th to the 12th century, Sulzbach Castle was an important seat of power in the Nordgau region and is one of Bavaria’s earliest medieval complexes. Around 1300, the first city wall, with four gates, was built in the Sulzbach district. About a hundred years later, a defensive wall was constructed, much of which is still preserved today. The historical themes range from medieval Sulzbach to mining and literary history.

City Museum, Pharmacy and Literature

The city museum explores the development of the principality and the town of Sulzbach, the Sulzbach Simultaneum, as well as mining and ironworks at the Maxhütte. Its exhibits include a reconstructed mine tunnel. Here, visitors can see what working conditions in mining and ironworking were like at the time. The museum also documents that Sulzbach was once one of Europe’s largest printing centers for Hebraica.

The Museum Alte Hofapotheke focuses on half a millennium of local pharmaceutical history. On display are objects from everyday life in earlier generations, some intact and some damaged, archaeological viewing windows and historic building fabric. This gives visitors a different perspective on the town’s history than its rulers or industry.

The Sulzbach-Rosenberg Literary Archive preserves the original typescript of Günter Grass’s novel “The Tin Drum.” Its permanent exhibition offers an insight into German-language literature after 1945, particularly the literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Letters, page proofs, photographs, video recordings and first editions are spread across eight exhibition rooms on two floors.

The former synagogue is also part of Sulzbach-Rosenberg’s history of remembrance: since 2013, it has been used as a municipal memorial and meeting place. The cultural themes therefore span historical collections and literature through to commemoration.

City Routes and Mining History Outdoors

City walking routes Nos. 1 to 5 all start at Luitpoldplatz in the town center. They are marked with black numbers on a yellow background. Along the YSTORION Dragon Trail, six stops explore the political, cultural, economic and social history of Sulzbach-Rosenberg; mini audio dramas can be accessed at each stop via QR code. The route passes through the renovated moat, which, together with its historic buildings, serves as a kind of open-air museum.

The Sulzbach Mining Trail focuses on other aspects. Its northern route leads, among other places, to the Karoline ore mine and the Großenfalz powder chamber. The southern route includes Schlossberg, the Maxhütte viewpoint and Villa Max with its mine tunnel. The Max show mine at Villa Max can only be visited by guided tour and with an appointment made in advance. If you plan to include this part of the mining heritage, allow for the required advance booking.

In front of the school museum is a school and teaching garden with more than 80 labeled native plants, shrubs and trees. Together with the city and mining routes, it expands the range of themes to include plants and local nature. Which stops you focus on will therefore also depend on whether you are more interested in literature, urban history, industrial history or nature.

Nature and Getting Around During Your Stay

The “Wüstung Großenfalz” nature reserve lies on the site of the former village of Großenfalz in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. It is a species-rich biotope with rare animals in an unspoiled habitat. This natural area contrasts with the historical collections and traces of mining.

Sulzbach-Rosenberg railway station is a starting point for hikes and is particularly useful for users of the Nuremberg Transport Association (VGN). Check the timetable separately when planning your specific journey.

In the old town, the tourist information office offers brochures, maps, books and souvenirs. As services may change, check in advance what is currently available.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Etzelwang, Weigendorf, Edelsfeld, Schnaittenbach, Ammerthal, Birgland, Königstein and Kastl.

Back to the main travel overview: Amberg-Sulzbach.