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Square · Nuremberg, Baviera
Hauptmarkt
Central square of Nuremberg, with a daily market, the golden Schöner Brunnen and the façade of the Frauenkirche. This is where the Christkindlesmarkt, the city's Christmas market, usually takes place.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hauptmarkt
The Hauptmarkt is the heart of the old town. The square arose after 1349, when the Jewish quarter that occupied the site was destroyed in a pogrom with the approval of Emperor Charles IV. Since then it has functioned as a market square, with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and Lebkuchen on weekdays.
In a corner of the square stands the Schöner Brunnen, the "beautiful fountain", a Gothic tower about 19 meters high, built between 1385 and 1396 and covered with colorful, gilded figures. In World War II the fountain was protected by a concrete shell and survived the bombings. On the railing, a seamless brass ring is often turned by visitors according to local tradition.
On the east side is the Frauenkirche, with the Männleinlaufen clock that moves at noon. After the war, the square was rebuilt simply, without recreating the old façades.
At the end of November, the Hauptmarkt usually hosts the Christkindlesmarkt, with wooden stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine and sweets until December 24. The opening includes the Christkind's prologue, read from the Frauenkirche balcony to the filled square.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the square and the fountain; one hour if you include the market and the noon clock. At the Christkindlesmarkt, allow one to two hours.
Best time
Shortly before noon to see the Männleinlaufen at the Frauenkirche. In the morning the market is already set up. At the end of November and in December, the Christmas market usually fills the square and is busier in the evenings and on weekends.
How to get there
On foot, in the heart of the old town: about 15 minutes from Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof via Königstraße, passing St. Lorenz and the bridge over the Pegnitz.
Tip
At the Christkindlesmarkt, watch your belongings in crowded areas. Many stalls accept cards, but bring some cash for the smaller ones.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hauptmarkt
What is the ring of the Schöner Brunnen?
It's a brass ring attached to the fountain's grille. By local tradition, turning the ring brings luck, and many visitors queue to touch it.
Does the Hauptmarkt market operate every day?
The fruit, vegetable and flower market usually runs Monday to Saturday. When the square hosts events, like the Christmas market, the stalls move to the surrounding streets.
When does the Christkindlesmarkt usually take place?
It usually opens on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, at the end of November, and runs until December 24. The opening takes place in the early evening, with the Christkind's prologue.