Old Town Landmarks and Churches

Why go

The selection links different layers of the old town without demanding a fixed route. St. Lorenz and St. Sebald show the two historic halves divided by the Pegnitz; Hauptmarkt adds the Frauenkirche and Schöner Brunnen. The castle brings the imperial story into view, while the Germanisches Nationalmuseum gives more time to art and objects.

Useful to know

• Use the Pegnitz as a simple orientation line between the Lorenzer and Sebalder halves of the old town.
• Combine the Hauptmarkt sights in one stop, then choose a church, the castle or a museum for deeper time.

The route, stop by stop

1. 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.

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2. Walk · 8 min · Estimated

   02

   Optional · – 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.

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3. Walk · 7 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · – 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.

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4. Walk · 6 min · Estimated

   04

   Optional · – 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.

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5. Walk · 12 min · Estimated

   05

   Optional · – 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.

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6. Walk · 12 min · Estimated

   06

   Optional · – 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.

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