Discover Nuremberg: History, Culture and Experiences

Nuremberg brings together significant sites from the city’s history with museums, art and vibrant craft traditions. The range spans medieval buildings, modern toys and contemporary art. Which of these aspects interests you most can shape the focus of your trip—and what you look for when choosing accommodation.

City history and the Imperial Castle

The City Museum at the Fembo House tells the story of more than 950 years of city history. It is located in Nuremberg’s only surviving late Renaissance merchant’s house, in the heart of the Old Town. Here, the history of the city meets that of an exceptional historic building. The Imperial Castle is one of the most significant medieval imperial palaces in Europe. During a visit, you can see the Romanesque double chapel with a late Gothic crucifix by Veit Stoß, the 47-metre-deep well shaft of the Deep Well and the Sinwell Tower. A comprehensive collection of weapons and equipment is also among the sights open to visitors.

The permanent exhibition at the Imperial Castle Museum offers a distinct perspective: it explores the castle’s architectural history and historical significance, as well as the development of weaponry in the Middle Ages. The City Museum, by contrast, focuses on more than nine centuries of city history and the late Renaissance merchant’s house. Those weighing up the different areas of focus will find two distinct ways of exploring Nuremberg’s past here. If you are planning a specific visit to the castle, it is worth checking the latest visitor information.

History explored from different perspectives

The Memorium Nuremberg Trials provides information about the Nuremberg Trials at the original site. Sections of the original dock from Courtroom 600, along with historic audio and film documents, offer an impression of the proceedings. The former Nazi Party Rally Grounds at Nuremberg’s Dutzendteich lake offer another way to engage with history: a comprehensive information system enables visitors to learn about the Nazi Party rallies on site. Today, the grounds are used as a recreational area and event venue. If you are planning a visit, check the current access arrangements on site.

The Way of Human Rights also combines a walk with a specific work of art. Its 27 concrete pillars are each eight metres high. One article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is carved into each pillar, the interrupting row of pillars and two paving slabs—in German and, in each case, another language. This walk-through artwork makes human rights visible.

Toys, crafts and modern art

The Toy Museum displays historic toy treasures and modern toys across 1,400 square metres. Examples include Lego, Barbie, Playmobil and Matchbox. Comparing historic pieces with modern toys offers a different perspective on Nuremberg’s cultural attractions than the major historic sites. If you are travelling with children, these specific toy themes may interest you, as may the areas of the zoo.

At the Craftsmen’s Courtyard, visitors can watch craftspeople at work. The traditional crafts practised here include gingerbread making, leatherworking, glass painting and glass cutting, pottery, pewter casting, wood burning and goldsmithing. The Neues Museum Nürnberg provides a contrast between traditional crafts and the present day: its architecture frames modern art, design and temporary exhibitions. St. Lorenz Church adds a musical dimension. Its three-part Lorenz organ has more than 12,000 pipes and 165 stops.

More experiences and ideas for excursions

The Historic Rock-Cut Cellars cover more than 20,000 square metres of rock cellars and form the largest interconnected network of rock cellars in southern Germany. They can only be visited as part of a guided tour. After visiting the underground Historic Rock-Cut Cellars and the Altstadthof brewery, you can sample traditional Nuremberg red beer. If you are planning this experience, check the latest tour information.

Nuremberg Zoo includes the Dolphin Lagoon, the tropically themed Manatee House and the children’s zoo. The “Little Adler” miniature train is also part of Nuremberg Zoo; it is a scale model of the first German railway, built to a 1:2 scale. Individual animal presentations and the miniature train’s operating schedule may change; check the latest visitor information if you are planning around specific attractions. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is closely associated with the figure of the Nuremberg Christ Child and is a seasonal experience. So, alongside museums and historic sites, there are also crafts, the zoo and a seasonal tradition to choose from—specific interests that can help you plan your stay.

Discover more destinations

Worzeldorf, Boxdorf, Lauf an der Pegnitz, Velden, Winkelhaid, Happurg, Simmelsdorf and Hersbruck

Go to the regional travel overview: Nuremberg Land.