Weekend trip Bavaria: Day 1 - Nuremberg (Pt2)

I landed in Nuremberg at around 12h and since I was only scheduled to catch the bus to Munich at 18h, I had a lot of time for sightseeing in the city. By the end of the day I was a bit exhausted from walking so much (while strolling around a trolley, which is incredibly annoying, but I did not want to spend money storing it in a locker somewhere) but it was definitely worth it because I loved the city.

Nuremberg has a lot of interesting spots to cover but you can easily see most of them in one day and get a good grasp of the city and its vibe, which aligned well with my plans of being a diversion for a few-hours before meeting my friends.

To read about the first part of my day in Nuremberg click this link!

Leaving Hauptmarkt after having a little lunch snack, I decided to continue straight north along the main street towards the castle.

Pause at Hauptmarkt: having a typical German sweet brezel (brezen in Bavarian), in this case filled with jam.

Rathausplatz came up within a 150 m reach, making word for the old city hall - Rathaus, which is always a reference building in the German city context.

In front, it stands the imponent Sebalduskirche, an important Evangelical Lutheran church originally dedicated to St. Sebaldus, the patron saint of Nuremberg. Having been built in the Romanesque period, it faced a Gothic style renovation that very much embellished its construction, actually making it the most beautiful church in town.

I wish I had taken a good picture, but I could not get any angle without being contre-jour… So, I continued my path, set to arrive quickly at one of the main historical landmarks of the city: Kaiserburg, the Imperial Castle, located at the north end of the old city walls.

Looking up at one side of the Castle.

The Nuremberg Castle is a remarkable example of exciting medieval battlements in Europe. Due to the major relevance of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg within the Holy Roman Empire, all German kings and emperors would stay there from time to time. Visiting the castle is a must and fills any list of things to do in Nuremberg. The area is divided into several sections, all connected and nice to explore.

The main and most interesting part is the actual Imperial Castle, which is accessed through Himmelstor (“Celestial Gate”), along the celestial stables, onto the courtyards’ division where Heidenturm (Heathen’s Tower) stands.

Entering the beautiful inner patio, you the option to visit its main buildings. The tour of the Imperial Castle costs 5. 5€ and allows you to have a look inside Kairserkapelle, the imperial Romanesque double chapel; get to know the fancy Emperor’s residence at the Palas, with the permanent exhibition “Emperor – Empire – City. The Imperial Castle in Nuremberg” across the chambers; and see the museum devoted to the history of the castle and its military aspects, housed in the Kemenate (Bower - Women’s quarters).

Inner courtyard of the Imperial Castle.

In the outer patio, you will find other fascinating constructions, very important as well in the castle complex, namely: Tiefer Brunnen, the well house featuring the Deep Well (which you can also visit for a reduced fee); and Sinwellturm (SinwellTower), the castle’s keep built at the east end of the bailey for defense purposes and named after its round shape (which, unfortunately, is currently closed for works). Furthermore, the outer court displays the Castellan's House and some administrative buildings, all showcasing the half-timbered architectonic setting.

Outer courtyard of the Imperial Castle – Tiefer Brunnen (front) and the administrative office (behind).

Exiting the bailey, one enters another section, comprising the ruins of Burggrafenburg, the castle of the Burgrave family. Left of it are Walbergiskapelle, a small chapel dedicated to the lady missionary Saint Walburga, and Fünfeckturm (Pentagonal Tower), the former keep, actually being one of the oldest fortified buildings on the castle rock.

Left: Sinwell Tower in the outer courtyard of the Imperial Castle. Right: Pentagonal Tower of the old Burgraves' castle.

On the easternmost point, near the main gate of the Burgraves' castle, are located the buildings erected by the Imperial City. The Luginsland was built so that the people of Nuremberg could spy on what was going on at the castle, before its destruction in the XV century. Quite an interesting story to look into… Next to this tower are the Imperial Stables, once the city’s corn granary, now a cool Youth Hostel.

Apart from these, the Castle presents some of its original bastions linked by marvelous gardens, of free entrance to the public. For more information on the overall historical overview and attractions, with admission fees and timetables, you can check the official website.

Coming from the castle, I followed its parallel street leading to Tiergärtnertorplatz, the main square of the Old Town, and definitely one of the liveliest and most striking in Nuremberg. It is such a unique spot! And place of multiple charms…

Details entering Tiergärtnertorplatz. Left: Augustiner corner, one of Germany’s symbolic and most famous chain of restaurants. Right: Tiergärtnertorturm (“Zoo’s Gate Tower”).

In the middle of the square, with the Imperial Castle behind – a perfect ensemble.

First, one of its references is the historical tower, whose gate – Tiergärtnertor (giving name to the square) marksthe access to the public park, from which you can both explore the Castle’s gardens (Burggarten) to one side or walk south alongside the remaining city walls until reaching Neutortum, the “New Gate Tower”. Either way, it is a nice idea!

Also relevant is that, here in the castle moat, every year in September, an historical medieval battle reenactment takes place, integrated in the popular Burggrabenfest. It is “a festival for the whole family”, delighting its visitors with sword-fighting competitions, falconry demonstrations, entertaining street performances, namely by fire breathers, amongst other events that carry you back in mist to the medieval times. And let us not forget the many food stands offering classical German delicacies to eat and drink… Because I went to Nuremberg in May, I was not able to enjoy this appealing festival, but it only leaves me wanting to come back…

Another important backdrop in this super cool square is the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus. The house of the most famous German Renaissance artist, where he lived and worked, is a representation of Nuremberg’s golden age, with its half-timbered characteristic design, and for 6€ you can have a tour through its rooms and enjoy the superb exhibitions, getting a great insight into Dürer's works. It is a very well-rounded and interesting museum if you like art, certainly worth a visit!

The marvelous Albrecht-Dürer-Haus.

In Tiergärtnertorplatz you can truly appreciate the historic Old Town at its best. It is a pleasant site to relax, and where a lot of people get together, especially during summertime, to enjoy a drink or a meal.

The vibrant Old Town square.

At this moment, my day in the city was already halfway through! Time goes by fast when you are enjoying things, that is for sure... Nuremberg is just one of those cities that does not disappoint in anything, whatsoever.

Despite having covered so many sites by this time, there were still some to check out and fill out the rest of the day... Stay tuned for part 3!

Photo gallery