Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
Burg 17, Nuremberg, DEU
Built in 1120, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg) was once a residence for kings of the Holy Roman Empire. Despite suffering damage over the years (especially during WWII), the castle has been carefully restored to showcase its original Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
A trip to Nuremberg Castle is essential if you want to understand Germany’s ancient history, especially in the context of the Holy Roman Empire. The castle has plenty to see, including Sinwell Tower, the double chapel, cellars, courtyards, and permanent history exhibitions. Some castle tours also include a visit to the adjacent Old Town and stop at attractions such as Albrecht Dürer's house, St. Lorenz Church, and the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Day trips to Nuremberg Castle typically leave from Munich, Prague, and Frankfurt. Some excursions include a visit to the castle along with other German destinations such as Munich, Rothenburg, or Heidelberg.
Nuremberg Castle is a must-see for history buffs.
Wear comfortable shoes as there are uneven surfaces and steps to climb.
Not all areas of the castle are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Nuremberg Castle is located in Nuremberg Old Town (Nuremberg Altstadt). Guided tours are an easy way to visit as they typically provide round-trip transportation, although you can also get there by catching the tram to Lorenzkirche or Tiergärtnertor.
The castle is open seven days a week, throughout the year. There are usually longer opening hours between April and September. The Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt) lasts the first three weeks of December—a good time to visit if you don’t mind crowds and want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Nuremberg has strong World War II ties, as it was the chosen city for Hitler’s infamous Nazi party rallies. You can learn about the Third Reich—and Nuremberg’s time under Nazi rule—at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Congress Hall, which features exhibitions about the rallies. The famous Nuremberg Trials were also held here, and you can learn more about them at the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum.
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