Nuremberg Castle Tours and Activities

Nuremberg Castle featuring a city and heritage elements
Nuremberg Castle showing a city and heritage elements
Nuremberg Castle which includes heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral
Nuremberg Castle which includes a garden and heritage elements
Nuremberg Castle showing heritage elements


Explore within the sturdy walls of this ancient fortified palace and learn about the hilltop castle that has defined the Nuremberg cityscape for nearly 1,000 years.

Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg Nürnberg) looks out over the city from a rocky hilltop, its high sandstone walls symbolizing the city’s imperial power over the centuries. Dating back at least to 1050, the castle hosted kings and rulers from around the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Bavaria throughout the ages. Make your way through the legendary fortifications and discover the imperial complex within. Wander around the medieval courtyard and check out sites imbued with ancient history, as well as a fascinating museum.

The Nuremberg Castle’s central courtyard has an intriguing panorama of historic structures. See the Heidenturm (Heathens’ Tower) and the Kaiserkapelle (Emperor’s Chapel) on one side and the Tiefer Brunnen (Deep Well) and the Sinwellturm (Sinwell Tower) on the other.

Investigate the ancient well shaft in the Deep Well building. This small half-timbered building has a pretty gabled roof and contains an eerie well shaft about 160 feet (50 meters) deep. Begin your climb up the stairway of the Sinwell Tower, which is a tall circular structure that was built as a keep in the 13th century. The tower has an upper floor with timbered interiors added in the 16th century. Discover the tower’s high observation platform and look out over the city of Nuremberg. Scan the medieval city walls, church steeples and historic landmarks, as medieval watchmen would have done centuries ago.

Walk to the Kemenate, a former women’s residential building that now contains the Imperial Castle Museum. Run by the German National Museum, this display presents a fascinating insight into the castle’s history. See archaeological artifacts, architectural fragments, ornaments and scale models, as well as sketches that were used for the castle’s reconstruction.

Nuremberg Castle is located in the northern part of Mitte on a hilltop within the medieval city border. Purchase combination tickets for access to the museum, the chapel, the tower and the well house. Visit the castle gardens and the Maria Sibylla Merian Garden for free. The castle complex is open daily, except for December holidays and Shrove Tuesday. The gardens are closed throughout winter.

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Top Nuremberg Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg

Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg

Bahnhofsplatz 3, Nuremberg
Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg
Scandic Nürnberg Central

Scandic Nürnberg Central

Frauentorgraben 11, Nuremberg, BY
Scandic Nürnberg Central
Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel

Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel

Augustinerhof 1, Nuremberg, Bayern
Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel
Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Engelhardsgasse 12, Nuremberg, BY
Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre by IHG
Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg

Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg

3.5 out of 5
Hauptmarkt 17, Nuremberg, BY
Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg
Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg

Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg

3 out of 5
Agnesgasse 10, Nuremberg, BY
Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg
Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg

Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg

4 out of 5
Dr.-Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 1, Nuremberg, BY
Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
INVITE Hotel an der Kaiserburg

INVITE Hotel an der Kaiserburg

3.5 out of 5
Kaulbachstrasse 1, Nuremberg, BY
INVITE Hotel an der Kaiserburg
Park Plaza Nuremberg

Park Plaza Nuremberg

Bahnhofstraße 5, Nuremberg
Park Plaza Nuremberg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nuremberg Castle

While visiting Nuremberg Castle, enjoy a variety of activities like local festivals, live music, and theatre performances. Don’t miss a leisurely stroll from Museumsbrücke, explore the fascinating Sophienhöhle caves, take a sightseeing tour, or hit a few rounds at the Weidenloh Golf Course. There's plenty to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this beautiful Bavarian city.

Shopping

Nuremberg Castle offers a delightful shopping experience nearby. City Point Nuremberg, only 966m away, boasts a mix of business and entertainment vibes, while Crafts Hall, 1.1km away, is perfect for family shopping. If you're up for a drive, Adidas Headquarters is 17.7km away.

Recreation

At Max-Morlock-Stadion, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 4.8km from Nuremberg Castle. For more entertainment, head to Meistersinger Hall, located 3.2km away, where you can enjoy captivating music concerts in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Kristall Palm Beach is a thrilling waterpark featuring exciting slides and pools, perfect for family fun located 8.0km from Nuremberg Castle. For motorsport fans, Norisring Race Track offers exhilarating races, just 4.8km away. Hike the scenic Way of St. James, also 8.0km away, for stunning outdoor views.

Nightlife

Experience the lively atmosphere at Playmobil FunPark, just 9.7km from Nuremberg Castle, perfect for family fun. For a cultural night out, catch a show at Theater Rootsloffel, only 1.6km away, blending entertainment and romance. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Fürst Carl Summer Toboggan, 40.2km out, for a thrilling ride!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Nuremberg Castle

Nuremberg Castle offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and entertainment for travellers. Explore the majestic imperial castle, known as Kaiserburg, and wander through the charming old town with its beautiful piazzas and stunning churches. Don't miss the local museums that showcase Nuremberg's rich heritage, ensuring a fulfilling experience during your visit to this vibrant Bavarian city.

  • Main Market Square: This vibrant piazza, located 483m from Nuremberg Castle, is the heart of the city, filled with bustling stalls and local culture. Experience the lively atmosphere, especially during the famous Christmas market.
  • Nuremberg Opera House: Situated 1.3km away, this stunning venue offers a rich cultural experience with world-class performances. Enjoy the romantic ambiance and immerse yourself in the city's artistic heritage.
  • St. Lorenz Church: Just 805m from the castle, this magnificent Gothic church showcases exquisite architecture and deep historical significance, making it a must-see for culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Nuremberg Castle

The best time to visit Nuremberg Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nuremberg Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nuremberg Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
February34.2°F (1.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
March41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nuremberg Castle

When planning your visit to Nuremberg Castle, consider travelling in April or July to August for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Aim to stay on a Saturday for the best rates, and utilise the Eco-certified filter to find sustainable options. Take advantage of package deals to combine flights and activities for savings. Don't forget to look for free cancellation policies and the best hotel rates to ensure a budget-friendly stay while exploring the castle and its surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nuremberg Castle are April and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Nuremberg Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nuremberg Castle is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Nuremberg Castle is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Nuremberg Castle with flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.