Location: Altstadt - St. Sebald
Top Things to do in Altstadt - St. Sebald
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Altstadt - St. Sebald, Bavaria
With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly leveled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.
Restaurants in Nuremberg
1. Frauenkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
When I visited Frauenkirche last September, I was impressed with the church’s unique and elegant front façade facing the Old Town market square. Its triangle shaped roofline had over a dozen mini-spires symmetrically lined up leading to the tall main tower in the middle, and the center of the front façade had a mechanical clock right above the ceremonial balcony which was used by Holly Roman Emperor Charles IV. I would recommend the visitors to stand at least 80 meters away from the front façade of the church to appreciate the church’s unique and elegant appearance before slowly approaching to the main church entrance On the archway above the entrance were elaborately carved figures related to Christianity and Holy Roman Empire. Once inside the naïve, I saw similarities among the 3 medieval churches (Sebaldukirche, St. Lorenz Kirche, and Frauenkirche). All 3 churches had Gothic style high ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and rather austere altar settings. But austerity of the altars of all the 3 churches did not diminish the air of holiness or piety at all. In 1928, inadvertently or deliberatly, Frauenkirche with Holy Roman Empire heritage became the looming backdrop of Hitler’s Nazis Rally in Nuremberg. Interested readers can bring up the archive photo of this rally scene by doing a simple internet search with keywords “Hitler 1928 jpg Nuremberg”. This church with its elegance combined with its historical significance is a must visit landmark of Nuremberg. [P.S. Following the midday bell ringing, the clock’s glockenspiel starts with a procession of the electors around the Holy Roman Emperor. Unfortunately I missed the glockenspiel because of my tight schedule]
2. St. Sebaldus Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Nuremberg's oldest city parish church was built around 1215 as a three-aisled Late Romanesque pillared basilica with two choirs. As early as 1309 the original side aisles were widened and altered in the Gothic style. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. The reliquary shrine (ca. 1397) in the tomb cast in bronze by Peter Vischer and his sons (1508-1519) is prominently located in the interior of the church. The bones of Nuremberg patron saint Sebaldus are presumed to rest in the silver embossed “casket”.
Reviewed By Lugano22 - Lausanne, Switzerland
St-Sebald church is located in Albrecht-Dürer-Platz 1, in front of the old city hall. It takes its name from Sebaldus, an 8th-century hermit and missionary and patron saint of Nuremberg. Together with St. Lorenz and the Church of Our Lady one of the three most important churches in Nuremberg. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. What impress me is the organ, very unique and huge. Very lovely church, recommend to visit.
3. Kaiserburg Nurnberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,653 reviews
Reviewed By 999jimw - Schonaich, Germany
I took the tour of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg for a price of 8,00 that included the well next door. Had it not been for the well, I would have only given the castle a very good rating, but I found the well to be...overwhelming. This castle, which never served as a castle in the traditional sense, but rather more the US Capitol where Congress conducts government business. Well, in the case today, where Congress gets nothing done. Still, the building is very interesting and was the center of attention for some three hundred years. There is not a lot to see in the main hall except for a quirky parade of the king and his entourage. Luckily, the tour guide had a great sense of humor. What I enjoyed was the story behind the chapel, which adjoins the great hall. This was a double chapel with the commoners worshiping below and the nobles and king on the second floor. The private chambers were also interesting with a look of royal items from the past. Once the tour is complete, make sure you visit the museum and the well, which is slightly down the hill. Yeah, I get it, it is just a well. However, the guide does an outstanding job explaining how it worked and why people learned to drink beer instead of water, thereby saving numerous lives from vermin-infested water. I definitely recommend this tour while in Nuremberg.
4. Der Schoene Brunnen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By samuel8248 - Nuremberg, Germany
Really beautiful and impressive fountain in front of Frauenkirche. Lot of details and colors in it. Great spot for pictures
5. Altstadt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,845 reviews
Reviewed By kevinwB5072PW - Gainsborough, United Kingdom
We took a stroll through the Old Town of Nuremberg from the castle uphill through the castle opposite the main train station and beyond, and we marvelled at the beautiful medieval buildings and picturesque canal. Later, we visited a museum near the upper castle and we were astonished to see photos of the city of Nuremberg utterly reduced to rubble by WW2 bombing. The reconstruction of this beautiful city is simply amazing and it is well worth a visit for this reason alone. Also, the transport system is integrated and operates with true German efficiency.
6. Weinstadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Barnsey44 - Warrnambool, Australia
A beautiful old bridge in the middle of old town. A great place for photos. Take the time to walk across the bridge.
7. Museum Tucherschloss und Hirsvogelsaal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
This museum brings to life the world of Nuremberg's 16th century merchant families. The collection, which is owned by the patrician Tucher family, includes valuable furniture, tapestries, paintings and handicrafts. The picturesque Renaissance garden is the perfect setting for a picnic and offers a spectacular view of the Hirsvogel Hall (built in 1534, destroyed in 1945, restored in 2001). Magnificent wall paneling by Peter Flotner, the famous ceiling painting by Durer's student Georg Pencz and busts of the 12 first Roman emperors make the Hall one of Germany's most beautiful Renaissance interiors. On Sundays, Katharina Tucher (played by an actress) offers guided tours of the mansion.
Reviewed By FactotumDellaCitta - London, United Kingdom
There are two separate 16th-century buildings to enjoy here. The larger is the home of the patrician Tucher family, which showcases 16th-century upper class life. The smaller, is a magnificent banquet hall built by the Hirsvogel family. This lovely gem of a museum is within the old city, but outside the main tourist thoroughfares.
8. Weissgerbergasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By DraganDPG - Munich, Germany
The location of this site is some 400 metres west from the main city square, Hauptmarkt. Old timber-framed houses and narrow cobblestone street will take you back centuries ago. Despite Nuremberg had suffered heavily air raids during WW II, here miraculously 22 family houses survived and today represents one of the must see attractions in the Nuremberg Altstadt.
9. Gockelreiterbrunnen
10. Sinwellturm
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