Things to Do in Nuremberg – 1 Day in Nuremberg Itinerary

August 8, 2018/Last Updated March 8, 2023

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Nuremberg is one of those places with true German charm. Located on the Romantic Road, there are a lot of things to do in Nuremberg. Stay overnight in this magical medieval city and you’ll get a lot of great photo opportunities in the late evening and early mornings when the tour buses are long gone or haven’t even arrived yet! Here is my 1 day in Nuremberg itinerary.

Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

It’s best to visit the majestic Imperial Castle in the early morning right after it opens. Its been the symbol of the city since the Middle Ages and one of the highest points in the city. The castle was of great importance during the Holy Roman Empire and the German Nation and should be on everyone’s must-see list when coming to Germany. Since 2013, you can enjoy a vast permanent exhibition showcasing castle elements and their functions in their historical context. Additionally, you’ll get to learn a lot about the Holy Roman Empire and the role of Nuremberg in the late Middle Ages.

One highlight when visiting the castle is the guided tour of the Deep Well. These tours are from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (in winter from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm) every half hour. This well was essential to life at the castle since the Middle Ages and it never fails to impress during a tour: from the top of the 16th-century parapet built of sandstone ashlars, the shaft has been driven down over 50 meters into the rock.

Opening hours:

April to September: daily 9 am-6 pm
October to March: daily 10 am-4 pm
last entry: 30 minutes before the stated closing time

Imperial Castle Nuremberg

St. Lorenz Church

This church is the perfect example of Evangelical Lutheranism in Bavaria. It was also built in the Middle Ages and is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. Even though the church was badly damaged during the World War II, it was successfully restored later.

Walking through the interior of the church is simply incredible. Everything from the stained glass windows to the ornate figurines and paintings are truly beautiful and a must when visiting Nuremberg.

The grand organs at the church

Schlayerturm

The Schlayerturm is a wall tower in the west of the last Nuremberg city fortification in the middle of the river Pegnitz on a small island. The Schlayerturm and the Fronveste are fortifications in the course of the medieval city wall that were built to protect the river’s exit from the town.

My husband Jeongsu on the Chain Bridge with the Schlayerturm in the background

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge, or Kettensteg in German, crosses the river Pegnitz just a few meters upriver of Fronveste and Schlayerturm. The bridge was built in 1824 and is, therefore, the oldest chain bridge on the European continent. Isn’t it incredible to say that you’ve stood on the oldest chain bridge in Europe?

view off the Chain Bridge

Schöner Brunnen

Literally translated as “beautiful fountain”, the Schöner Brunnen is located in the main square of the city next to the town hall. It was built in the 14th century and is considered one of the most important attractions in the city. The fountain is 19 meters high and has the shape of a Gothic spire.

The details of the fountain are incredible. Depicted are 40 colorful figures representing the worldview of the Holy Roman Empire: philosophy, the seven liberal arts, the four Evangelists, the four Church Fathers, the seven Prince-electors, the Nine Worthies, Moses and seven Prophets (Hosea, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Isaiah, and Joel).

When visiting the fountain, don’t leave without spinning the two brass rings embedded in the fence around the fountain. It’ll bring good luck!

Schöner Brunnen

St. Sebaldus Church

Another medieval church, St. Sebaldus Church, is one of the most important churches of the city, and also one of the oldest. The church is located right at the Albrecht-Dürer-Platz, in front of the old city hall. It takes its name from Sebaldus, a missionary and patron saint of Nuremberg from the 8th century. It has been a Lutheran parish church since the Reformation, making it even more significant and interesting to visit.