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Street · Nuremberg, Baviera
Weißgerbergasse
Street of half-timbered houses in the castle district, one of the few that made it through World War II almost intact. It is named after the former white leather tanners.
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 Weißgerbergasse
Weißgerbergasse is a narrow street in the Burgviertel, the neighborhood at the foot of the castle, near the Pegnitz river. The name comes from the Weißgerber, the tanners who in the Middle Ages turned raw hides into light-colored leather using alum, salt, flour, eggs and oil. The trade required a lot of water and smelled strong, so the houses were located near the river, at the edge of town, and almost all had their own well.
About twenty medieval half-timbered houses survived the bombings that destroyed most of the old center. Many had their wooden framework revealed later, beneath the plaster, and were restored with help from the old town friends association.
In 1837 the residents asked to change the street's name, since there were no longer tanners there. The regional government refused because of its historical value. Today the street is pedestrian-only, with cafés, bars and small shops on the ground floors of the houses.
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
Twenty to thirty minutes' walk at a relaxed pace.
Best time
In the morning, with the street empty for photos, or late afternoon when the bars open.
How to get there
On foot, about a 7-minute walk from the Hauptmarkt heading west, or descending from Dürer's house. It's near the Henkersteg and the Pegnitz riverbank.
Tip
Fit the street between Dürer's house and the Henkersteg: the three are on the same route. People live in the houses, so photograph without intruding on doors and windows.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Weißgerbergasse
Why is Weißgerbergasse famous?
Because it contains about twenty medieval half-timbered houses that survived World War II, which is rare in central Nuremberg.
Can you go inside the houses?
They are residential and commercial buildings. You can enter the shops and cafés on the ground floor, but not the apartments.
Is the street good for walking with a stroller?
It's pedestrian-only, but the paving is uneven stone and there is a slight slope.