The Christmas Market takes place every year in the Main Market Square. Every year, around two million people visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market. Its popularity makes it one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany and one of the most popular worldwide. The Christmas market starts on the Friday before the first Sunday in Advent and runs until December 24th.

It is not certain exactly when the first Christmas Market was held in Nuremberg, but historians agree that this popular market began in the early 1600s.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is actually called "Christ Child Market" in German. Traditionally, a young woman is dressed in white and gold and given a crown to represent the Christ Child. There is a competition among locals to be crowned the Christ Child each year. The Christ Child gives a prologue speech from the Frauenkirche church's balcony.

The Christmas Market features a diverse array of products and gifts to get the community ready for Christmas. Visitors can find handmade Christmas decorations, delicious treats such as gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine.

Tip:
In addition to the stalls where you can eat, drink and buy gifts, you will see a team of Clydesdale horses pulling a bright yellow stagecoach sponsored by the German Communications Museum. The inexpensive 10-minute ride around the market is available from 1 to 7pm daily.

The Lochgefängnisse Prison, nestled beneath the Old City Hall in Nuremberg, serves as a haunting reminder of medieval justice. Established in the 14th century, this historical site is one of Germany's unique medieval prison systems preserved to this day. Situated in the cellar vaults of the town hall, the prison was primarily used for pre-trial detention and the custody of prisoners awaiting the execution of their sentences.

Visitors to the prison can explore the labyrinthine underground facility through guided tours that last approximately 45 minutes. The tour unveils the grim conditions of the prison, featuring twelve small cells and a notorious torture chamber. These elements starkly portray the harsh realities of medieval judicial practices, where the pursuit of "truth" often led to severe and unforgiving methods.

Although the tours are primarily conducted in German, non-German-speaking visitors are provided with English leaflets. These leaflets offer essential historical context, helping visitors to visualize and understand the dire circumstances faced by the prisoners centuries ago.

The prison's environment, with its tight, confined spaces, may not be suitable for young children under the age of 10, those who suffer from severe claustrophobia, or individuals with mobility issues. However, for others, it offers a deeply educational and immersive experience into medieval legal systems and the day-to-day lives of those who were unfortunate enough to be incarcerated there.

The Lochgefängnisse Prison not only serves as a museum but also as a poignant reminder of the evolution of judicial practices and human rights.

Nuremberg Castle is one of the most famous and magnificent castles in Germany. Every Holy Roman Emperor between 1050 and 1571 resided part-time at the castle. Essential administrative functions were carried out at the castle. Charles IV enacted the Golden Bull at the castle in 1356. This decree required that newly elected German kings would hold their first general assembly at Nuremberg.

The Sinwell Tower was built for defensive purposes in the 13th century. Sinwell means extremely round in Middle High German. Visitors can climb the tower's wooden spiral staircase to an observation platform. Photos of Nuremberg immediately after WWII are displayed at the top of the tower. You can see how much damage Nuremberg had and how meticulous the rebuild has been.

Visitors must be accompanied by a guide to see the Deep Well. This site is one of the highlights of the castle. The well is nearly 50 meters (164 feet) deep and was an essential water supply for the castle. The house covering the well was built in 1563.

The Double Chapel is another exquisite site. This Romanesque Imperial Chapel dates to the 13th century. The chapel features an emperor's gallery, which allowed the emperor to remain separate from the other worshippers.

The Imperial Hall was used as a dining hall and for festivities. Today, visitors can find Holy Roman Empire exhibits. The Emperor's Living Room features colorfully painted ceiling squares. The wall panels are decored with gold and date back to the 15th century.

The Corner Chamber features gorgeous art and gifts given to the Imperial Crown. Visitors will also find an impressive wooden model of the city, as well as the jeweled Imperial Crown. Visitors will find weapons from the 13th to 19th centuries in the Imperial Castle Museum.

After touring the castle, don't miss the Castle Garden with its beautiful flower beds.

Why You Should Visit:
Nuremberg Castle is steeped in history and has been beautifully restored. Visitors can walk the cobblestone paths, immerse themselves in the castle's history, and admire the stunning architecture and art displays.

Tips:
A combination ticket provides access to Nuremberg Castle, the Double Chapel, the Imperial Castle Museum, the Deep Well, and the Sinwell Tower. Guests can only visit the Deep Well with a guide. Audio guides for the castle are available in several languages.

The Nuremberg Rock-Cut Cellars (Felsengänge) are a remarkable historical feature of Nuremberg, deeply entwined with the city’s brewing traditions. Originating in the medieval era, the extensive network of underground passages was initially constructed due to a city council regulation in the late 14th century, which mandated that every brewer must have a cellar for the fermentation and storage of beer. At that time, Nuremberg boasted over 40 breweries for a relatively small population of less than 30,000 people, highlighting the importance of beer in its culture and economy.

These cellars, often ten feet deep and sixteen feet wide as specified in a 1380 document, were carved into the stable red sandstone beneath the city. This meticulous construction, including strategically placed pillars, proved incredibly durable, even providing crucial protection during the bombings of World War II. On January 2, 1945, thousands of citizens sought refuge in these cellars, surviving the devastating air raids that struck Nuremberg.

Today, part of this labyrinthine system continues to serve a traditional purpose under the management of the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof. The brewery utilizes these historic vaults to age and store specialty beers and beer schnaps, revitalizing an age-old tradition. The Felsengänge now also supports cultural and thematic events, blending historical appreciation with contemporary enjoyment.

Visitors to Nuremberg can explore this fascinating subterranean world through guided tours that provide insights into the cellars' storied past and architectural marvels. Following the tour, guests have the opportunity to visit the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof’s craft brewery and whisky distillery, culminating in a tasting session of local specialties in the brewery tavern, making it a unique and enriching experience that connects them with Nuremberg’s rich historical heritage and brewing culture.

Max Bridge (Maxbrücke) is a historic stone arch bridge located over the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg. This significant structure sits in the old town area, linking Unschlittplatz in the Lorenz district to the south with Nägeleinsplatz in the Sebald district to the north. Built in 1457 by Jakob Grimm, a master builder from Rothenburg, it is recognized as Nuremberg's oldest stone bridge. Originally named the Stone Bridge, it features three sandstone bays with intricate tracery fillings made of cast iron.

The bridge's name was changed to Max Bridge in 1810 to honor the Bavarian King Maximilian I Joseph. Around this time, two round cannons were installed on the bridge to enhance the city's defenses against riverine attacks. The renaming also led to the adjacent Max Bridge receiving its current name, further cementing the bridge's royal connection.

Max Bridge faced significant damage due to a fire at the Nägeleinsmühle’s wooden water tower on its northern bank. It was subsequently restored and reopened in 1852 based on designs by Bernhard Solger. Today, Maxbrücke is not only a vital passage within Nuremberg but also a vantage point offering picturesque views of prominent city landmarks like the Weinstadel and Henkerssteg.

The Weinstadel, close to Max Bridge, is an emblematic medieval building originally serving as the imperial city's wine warehouse since around 1571. It is now one of the most celebrated architectural monuments on the Nuremberg Historical Mile. Nearby, Hangman's Bridge (Henkerssteg), also built in 1457, holds its historical significance. Originally constructed for the town’s hangman, it was rebuilt with a roof after a flood in 1595, adding to the old town’s charming historical ensemble.

Together, these structures encapsulate a rich blend of architectural beauty and historical depth, making Maxbrücke and its surroundings a focal point of heritage and culture in Nuremberg.

The Main Market Square has been the center of activity and commerce in Nuremberg since ancient times. The celebrated marketplace runs Monday through Saturday. Visitors and locals love to shop the plentiful fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, treats, ready-to-eat meals, and fresh flowers.

The Main Market Square features several iconic landmarks. The Beautiful Fountain was completed in 1396 and is a Gothic masterpiece. It stands an impressive 19 meters (62 feet) tall.

Forty ornate figures decorate the fountain. The figures represent important icons in the Holy Roman Empire such as philosophy, liberal arts, the four Church Fathers, the four Evangelists, the seven Prince-electors, the Nine Worthies, Moses, and the seven Prophets. Legend tells of good luck brought to visitors who spin the two brass rings on the fence.

Another impressive landmark on the square is The Church of Our Lady. This Gothic church was built in the 14th century and features a beautiful facade.

The Main Market Square hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Popular events include the Nuremberg Flea Market, the Nuremberg Old Town Festival, and the Christmas market.

The Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) is a landmark of Nuremberg, located on the eastern side of the city's main market. This church, exemplifying brick Gothic architecture, was constructed between 1352 and 1362 under the direction of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. It was built on the site of a former Jewish synagogue, tragically razed during the pogroms that followed the 1349 outbreak of the Black Death.

Designed to serve as a ceremonial place for imperial events, the church features a distinctive porch with a balcony. The architectural design is relatively modest, focusing on functionality and symbolic decorations, including the coats of arms of the Holy Roman Empire, the seven Electors, the town of Nuremberg, and the city of Rome—significant as the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors.

Inside, the church houses a rich collection of medieval artworks. Notable among these is the Tucher Altar, circa 1440, which originally served as the high altar in the Augustinian Church of Saint Vitus. Additionally, the church contains two monuments crafted by Adam Kraft around 1498, showcasing the artistic heritage of the era. Many of the sculptures within the church have undergone extensive restoration, preserving their historical and artistic value.

A prominent feature of the Church of Our Lady is the mechanical clock (Männleinlaufen) installed between 1506 and 1509. This clock not only tells time but also commemorates the Golden Bull of 1356, featuring a mechanized display of the Holy Roman Emperor seated with his prince-electors. The clock stands as a symbol of the church's historical and cultural significance, bridging Nuremberg's past with the present.

Why You Should Visit:
Photogenic, easy to find, with some lovely stained glass windows and a late Gothic altarpiece from 1445 inside. On a very cold, rainy day it also provides a place of refuge, warmth and peace.
At its front door are the open-air stalls, selling lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and gingerbread. Going up the steep steps to the viewing area overlooking the market is quite an experience.

Tip:
Try to visit at noontime when the clock mechanism is activated. After the bell tolls the hour, you can watch an animated procession with figures depicting the electors of the Holy Roman Empire paying homage to the Emperor. It's a brief but entertaining show if in the area.

The Hospice of the Holy Spirit was completed in 1339. The Imperial Mayor built it to provide care to the poor and needy in the area. At the time, it was the largest hospital in the Empire.

The hospital was expanded in the 16th century and stretched over the Pegntiz River. Today, visitors can view the "Sude," which housed the preacher, and the northern wall of the Hospice Church. The church has a polygonal roof turret.

An additional chapel that fell into ruins housed the crown jewels of the Empire from 1424 to 1796. These crown jewels included royal regalia and the Holy Lance, which was shown to believers once a year. In addition, the royal regalia would be transported to Frankfurt Cathedral for coronations.

The hospital houses Nuremberg's oldest bronze sculpture, which was created around 1380. Adam Kraft's Calvary dates to the early 1500s and is located in the Crucifixion Courtyard.

Today, the Hospice of the Holy Spirit houses a senior home as well as a restaurant. The medieval architecture reflecting over the river makes for an impressive photo opportunity.

The Crafts Yard opened in 1971 and features traditional crafts. Visitors and locals can watch craft creators at work using traditional tools to create handmade goods. The Crafts Yard invited visitors to go back to a time period when goods were painstakingly made by hand and were treasured possessions, often passed from generation to generation.

The Crafts Yard is located in the Free Imperial City's former armory. Surrounded by the ancient town wall, the Crafts Yard features narrow walkways, half-timbered houses, and cozy inns.

As you stroll through the yard, you can walk tinsmiths and woodworkers making toys and goldsmiths creating art. Crafters create traditional goods such as model railways, miniature doll prams, and handmade figurines.

The yard hosts exhibitions showcasing crafting traditions such as bookbinding and gingerbread making.

Visitors can watch the artists at work as well as purchase these unique items. Bring home beautifully handmade souvenirs and gifts.

The Crafts Yard also has delightful cafes, restaurants, and bars sprinkled about the craft shops.