The Imperial Castle is ranked #2 of must see attractions in Nuremberg on the popular website, TripAdvisor, and it's for good reason. It sits perched on the hill in all its glory with palas and towers rising up which can be seen from all over the old town. The castle draws you to it from within the city. The rich history there makes it worth every step up the steep hill.
Due to Nuremberg being the city for the Nazi Party Conventions, during WW II, Nuremberg was on of the most severely damaged cities. The city was a main target for allies, because it was important for transportation and manufacturing for the German war industry. According to the audio guide, "More than 100,000 Nuremberg residents lost their homes during the night of January 2, 1945 alone." With history like that I wouldn't be surprised if you see an apparition or two on your visit.
Due to Nuremberg being the city for the Nazi Party Conventions, during WW II, Nuremberg was on of the most severely damaged cities. The city was a main target for allies, because it was important for transportation and manufacturing for the German war industry. According to the audio guide, "More than 100,000 Nuremberg residents lost their homes during the night of January 2, 1945 alone." With history like that I wouldn't be surprised if you see an apparition or two on your visit.
However, the castle's history goes further back than that. Excavations on the site have uncovered remains of fortifications dating back to before 1000 BC. It was also popular among the Holy Roman Emperors who stayed there for a short time between 1050 and 1571. It wasn't until after being bombed in August of 1942 that 70% of the castle was destroyed. The renovations began in 1947 to start rebuilding according to the original plans.
You think the outside is jaw dropping? The most fascinating and ornate architecture can be found inside of the castle's Chapel, which is formed by two small churches that make up two floors. The museum relics are well maintained and range from a replica of The Spear of Destiny, the spear that was used to stab Jesus on the cross, to medieval weapons and armor from medieval times. The Nazi's pillaged Europe for historical relics & stored them in this very castle. The audio guide for English was witty & will leave you not only chuckling, but also in awe.
You think the outside is jaw dropping? The most fascinating and ornate architecture can be found inside of the castle's Chapel, which is formed by two small churches that make up two floors. The museum relics are well maintained and range from a replica of The Spear of Destiny, the spear that was used to stab Jesus on the cross, to medieval weapons and armor from medieval times. The Nazi's pillaged Europe for historical relics & stored them in this very castle. The audio guide for English was witty & will leave you not only chuckling, but also in awe.
One of my favorites was how the tower & the museum offer an exhibition of photos showing the castle and city after the destruction from the bombing in the World War II. Not only that, but from the windows of the tower and museum you can see the castle, gardens, and the city with a vast variety of magnificent angles that wouldn't be possible without being inside. A panorama of the entire city within walking distance from the train station draws in romantics, history buffs, photographers, and architecture lovers from all over the world.
Tips for Your Trip
Stroller Friendly: YES
Opening hours:
April-September: 9 am-6 pm
October-March: 10 am-4 pm
open daily Except on: January 1, Shrove Tuesday, December 24/25/31
Admission Price Options:
1. Palas with Imperial Chapel/ Kaiserburg Museum/ Deep Well (guided tour)/ Sinwell Tower
7 euros regular
2. Palas with Imperial Chapel/ Kaiserburg Museum:
5.50 euros regular
3. Deep Well/ Sinwell Tower:
3.50 euros regular
There is also an audio guide for 2 euro in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
Address:
Auf der Burg 13
90403 Nurnberg
Stroller Friendly: YES
Opening hours:
April-September: 9 am-6 pm
October-March: 10 am-4 pm
open daily Except on: January 1, Shrove Tuesday, December 24/25/31
Admission Price Options:
1. Palas with Imperial Chapel/ Kaiserburg Museum/ Deep Well (guided tour)/ Sinwell Tower
7 euros regular
2. Palas with Imperial Chapel/ Kaiserburg Museum:
5.50 euros regular
3. Deep Well/ Sinwell Tower:
3.50 euros regular
There is also an audio guide for 2 euro in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
Address:
Auf der Burg 13
90403 Nurnberg
Other Things to Do in Nuremberg
The Nuremberg Zoo
The Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Nuremberg Toy Museum
Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Toon Walk
The Nuremberg Zoo
The Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Nuremberg Toy Museum
Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Toon Walk
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