Nuremberg Castle, or Nürnberger Burg, also known as Kaiserburg (Emperor’s Castle), is an impressive sandstone structure that was an imperial residence for the great Holy Roman Emperors.
About The Nuremberg Castle And Its History
The imperial palace of Nuremberg is one of Germany’s most important medieval fortresses. It can be dated back to at least the year 1000 A.D, although there are no historical documents to prove its existence until at least 1105.
For close to five hundred years, the castle was the residence of the Kaisers (kings) of the Holy Roman Empire. King Conrad II was responsible for building the royal wing of this expansive palace, which boasts three separate sections.
By the 13th century, Nuremberg had the privilege of becoming a Free Imperial City, which meant they had no local regents or rulers. The Emperor himself was their only master. It was during this time of relative freedom that the citizens of Nuremberg decided to further expand the castle. They erected its distinctive tower, the Luginsland, during this time.
One of the more famous tales about Nuremberg Castle involves the convicted robber, who would later become a romantic folk figure, Eppelein von Gailingen. While he was sentenced to death in the gallows, he and his horse, in a stunning fashion, managed to escape by jumping into the castle moat and off towards freedom.
The 20th century was not kind to the castle of Nuremberg. Like so many other majestic structures, it was nearly obliterated by the air raids of World War II.
Happily, it has been reconstructed in its original form. Today some parts of the castle are even used as a youth hostel and many of its rooms are available for special events.
Nuremberg Castle Highlights And Features
Imperial Garden
Legend says that the garden has had numerous transformations throughout its hundreds of years of history. Sadly, nothing remains of the early incarnations for visitors to see. But you’ll still delight in this beautiful place, with its hanging gardens of vines and flowers that recall the Oriental gardens of King Semiramis.
The Knights Hall
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a medieval banquet as you visit this atmospheric, candle-lit room. The Knights Hall, or Rittersaal, can even be rented out for your own super-special event. That would certainly make for a night to remember for you and your closest friends. ;-)
Imperial State Rooms
Some of the finest decoration and architecture can be seen here in the Imperial State Rooms. They are furnished with the most delicate tapestries, regal furniture and lovely paintings.
Nuremberg Castle Location And Opening Hours
Nuremberg Castle can be found in the city of the same name, Nuremberg, in Germany’s rustic region of Franconia.
When planning your trip here, you can use a GPS device with the street address of Auf der Burg 13 in Nürnberg for convenient directions. The autobahns that surround Nuremberg are the A3, A9 and A73.
You can also catch a train to the main station of Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof. From here, it’s a simple seven minute cab ride, or you can walk the distance in about twenty minutes. The U-bahn stop is Lorenzkirche or you can take tram number 4 to the stop Tiergärtnertor.
Nuremberg Castle Opening Hours
Nuremberg Castle is open year round but is closed on a limited number of holidays, including New Years, Christmas and Shrove Tuesday. Summer hours are April to November from 9:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m. In the winter, the castle is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
I strongly encourage you to visit the castle with a guided tour. These generally last about ninety minutes.
