Why go
This selection gives a first-time visitor several ways into the city: the Imperial Castle above the north end of the old town, Hauptmarkt at its civic center, and St. Lorenz and St. Sebald on opposite sides of the Pegnitz. Pick a few according to your time and interest; the museums reward a longer visit.
Useful to know
- Pair Hauptmarkt with Frauenkirche and Schöner Brunnen; all three belong to the same central square.
- For a longer visit, add the Germanisches Nationalmuseum or the Imperial Castle rather than trying to enter every sight.
The route, stop by stop
Times are planning estimates. Unknown visit durations start at an editable 30 minutes; access is checked separately.
- 01
Optional · – min
Imperial Castle
Climb to the Imperial Castle for Nuremberg's medieval power centre and a view across the Old Town. The hilltop complex rewards a longer visit than a quick look from below.
Explore Walk · 8 min · Estimated
02Optional · – min
Beautiful Fountain
Stop at the Beautiful Fountain while crossing Hauptmarkt for a close look at a Gothic stone spire in the square. Its sculpted figures reward more attention than a passing photograph.
ExploreWalk · 7 min · Estimated
03Optional · – min
St. Lorenz
Enter St. Lorenz for major late Gothic art as well as its imposing twin tower facade. The rose window outside leads to two very different works inside the choir.
ExploreWalk · 6 min · Estimated
04Optional · – min
Frauenkirche
See the Frauenkirche on Hauptmarkt for its mechanical clock and Gothic interior. The square side works as a brief stop, while the Tucher altar gives a reason to enter.
ExploreWalk · 12 min · Estimated
05Optional · – min
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Give this large cultural history museum a focused visit rather than trying to cover every gallery. The Behaim Globe offers a strong starting point for Nuremberg's art and ideas.
ExploreWalk · 12 min · Estimated
06Optional · – min
Hauptmarkt
Browse the active Hauptmarkt for produce and food stalls against the setting of Nuremberg’s principal medieval square. Market activity changes with the season.
ExploreWalk · 16 min · Estimated
07Optional · – min
Nuremberg City Wall
Follow a section of the city wall to see how medieval defenses still frame Nuremberg's Old Town. This is a spread out exterior walk, so choose a stretch rather than expecting one entrance.
ExploreWalk · 16 min · Estimated
08Optional · – min
St. Sebald's Church
Visit St. Sebald's for the shrine of Nuremberg's patron saint and a medieval church beside the old town hall. Its restored fabric also tells a wartime survival story.
ExploreWalk · 15 min · Estimated
09Optional · – min
St. Martha's Church
Seek out St. Martha's for medieval stained glass and a church rebuilt after a major fire. Confirm access before making a special trip to see the windows inside.
ExploreWalk · 14 min · Estimated
Walk · 19 min · Estimated
11Optional · – min
St. Egidien
Go to St. Egidien for a Baroque church with medieval chapels beside it. The contrast makes this more than another Old Town church interior.
ExploreWalk · 21 min · Estimated
12Optional · – min
St. Elisabeth
Visit St. Elisabeth for a grand domed rotunda that feels unlike Nuremberg's Gothic churches. Its columned interior is an especially useful comparison with neighbouring St. Jakob.
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