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Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

17 Burg, Nürnberg, Bayern

Description

Nuremberg Castle (Nürnberger Burg) is a complex of medieval fortified buildings comprising the Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg), the former Burgraves' castle and the buildings erected by the Imperial City. The first structures date from the early 11th century and the castle(s) were regularly used by German kings and emperors (there was no concept of capital for several centuries) but it lost importance after the Holy Roman Empire's Thirty Years War (1618-1648) and it was levelled by bombings during WW2 - so it had to be rebuilt. The Palas is one the mains building in the Imperial Castle, it was used both as the Emperor's residence and for official functions - it now houses a permanent exhibition. Other key buildings include the 13th century Romanesque Imperial Chapel and the cylindrical defensive Sinwell Tower.

Access & Transport

The Castle is at the northern edge of the Old Town. The Tiergärtnertor - Nürnberg tram station (line 4) train station is next to it and the train station is 1.5km away. Munich is 70mins away from Nuremberg on the ICE train services, Stuttgart 2h10mins and Frankfurt 2h05mins. By car from Munich, it takes about 2h (175km) on the A9. The inner castle courtyard is accessible to wheelchair users, the Castle Gardens are accessed via 3 steps, there is a lift to the Knights' Hall in the Palas but all other rooms in the Imperial Castle can only be reached via stairs.

Instructions & Recommendations

This attraction is best combined with a visit of Nuremberg Old Town and St Lorenz Church.

Meta review

The castle is a famous attraction in the region and mostly gets good reviews for the impressive size of the complex and the architecture of the various buildings but many visitors find the various rooms inside lacking in atmosphere and content - probably because they had to be rebuilt post-WW2. The most interesting buildings are the Chapel and the Knight's Hall and the artefacts exposed in the museum are interesting but not impressive. Other practical comments are that the castle is up a steep path from the old town and a lot of the exhibits' info is only available in German.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves the region's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

The Imperial Castle complex of Nuremberg is a must see for any visitor to the city. it is not the most impressive castle in the country, but it is very picturesque and key to understanding Nuremberg's historical development and its significant role in the Holy Roman Empire for several centuries.

Key positive

Very well reconstructed and renovated medieval castle

Interesting historical background

Key negative

Somewhat lacking in content

Most of the information is in German language only

Suitability

The Knights' Hall, Courtyard and Castle Gardens are accessible for wheelchair users with some help but not other areas.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last entrance 45mins before closing time. Closed on 01 Jan, Shrove Tuesday, 24 & 25 Dec, 31 Dec.

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 29

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 04

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 16:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 16:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Ticket price for Palas with Double Chapel + Imperial Castle Museum. Castle Gardens are free
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
18 - 64
€7
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Most students can enter for free (ID required).

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