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Castle · Nuremberg, Baviera
Kaiserburg Nürnberg
Imperial castle on a sandstone rock at the northern edge of the old town. It has the Palas with an exhibition about the Holy Roman Empire, the double Romanesque chapel, the deep well and wide views over the city's roofs.
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 Kaiserburg Nürnberg
The Kaiserburg dominates Nuremberg from atop a sandstone rock at the northern end of the old town. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire frequently stayed there, and the town grew at the foot of the castle. The first written record dates from 1050.
The site is visited via courtyards at different levels. In the inner courtyard are the Palas, the emperors' residential building, now housing the permanent exhibition about the empire and the city, and the Kaiserkapelle, a double Romanesque chapel from around 1200 with two floors connected by an opening in the roof. The Kemenate houses the ticket office and a presentation on the castle's construction.
In the outer courtyard, the Tiefer Brunnen, the deep well, is about 50 meters deep and was the fortress's only water source. The Sinwellturm, a 13th‑century round tower, is the highest point of the complex. From the walls you can see the red roofs, the towers of St. Sebald and St. Lorenz, and the new town in the distance.
The castle was heavily damaged in the bombings of 1944 and 1945 and was rebuilt in the following decades. Today it belongs to the state of Bavaria. Next to it are the castle gardens, open in the warmer season.
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
From 1.5 to 2 hours for the courtyards, the Palas, the chapel and the well. Add another half hour if you want to walk through the gardens and along the wall.
Best time
Right at opening, before the tour groups. Late afternoon gives good light over the city from the exterior viewpoints. In winter, the short days call for a morning visit.
How to get there
On foot, up Burgstraße from the Hauptmarkt in about a 10‑minute uphill walk. You can also get there via the Tiergärtnertor square. The main entrance goes through the Himmelstor to the outer courtyard.
Tip
Tickets are sold only at the ticket office in the outer courtyard; there are no online sales. Wear sturdy footwear: the slopes and courtyards have uneven stones. Check opening hours and what's open before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kaiserburg Nürnberg
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Kaiserburg?
Tickets are not sold online: buy them at the ticket office in the outer courtyard. In high season, arriving early avoids queues.
Can you see the view without paying an entrance fee?
Yes. The outer courtyards and the viewpoint by the wall allow you to see the city without entering the buildings. The Palas, the chapel, the well and the tower are part of the paid visit.
Is the visit difficult for people with mobility difficulties?
The climb up to the castle is steep and the ground is cobbled. Inside, there are stairs in several places. It's worth checking access conditions with the administration before you go.