Nuremberg Old Town & Nazi Rally Grounds Walking Tour

Summary

Medieval streets to rally grounds stories in nuremberg

You’ll walk through Nuremberg’s medieval heart with a local guide, touch the wishing ring at Schöner Brunnen, share lunch at Hauptmarkt, and then stand among the stark remains of the Nazi Rally Grounds. Expect moments that linger long after — both light and heavy.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered how a city can hold so much history in just a few blocks? I didn’t really expect Nuremberg’s Old Town to feel so alive — even with the drizzle that morning, there was this hum from the market stalls at Hauptmarkt. Our guide, Anna, waved us over by the Schöner Brunnen (she said it means “Beautiful Fountain” but honestly, it’s more golden than anything). She pointed out the wishing ring — I tried turning it without anyone noticing, but my hands were still sticky from a cinnamon roll I’d grabbed earlier. You could smell sausages grilling somewhere nearby, mixing with rain on old stone.

We wandered past Saint Sebald’s church and up toward the Imperial Castle. The cobblestones are uneven, so watch your step if you’re looking up at all those medieval rooftops (I nearly tripped twice). Anna told us about Albrecht Dürer’s house — she had this way of making him sound like someone you might actually bump into at a bakery. There was a short lunch break at the market square; I ended up sharing a bench with an older man who offered me half his pretzel and told me he’d lived here since before the wall came down. That stuck with me more than I expected.

The second half of the tour got heavier — we took public transport out to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. It felt like stepping into another story altogether: wide concrete spaces, sharp lines, and this strange hush even though cars passed nearby. Anna didn’t sugarcoat things; she talked about what happened here during the Third Reich and showed us the Congress Hall — unfinished, echoing. It’s hard not to feel something standing there, especially after seeing how lively Old Town is just a tram ride away. I still think about that contrast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nuremberg Old Town and Rally Grounds

• Visit traditional craftsman's market
• Pass by medieval Customs House brewery
• Explore Hauptmarkt marketplace
• See Saint Sebald church
• View Schöner Brunnen fountain
• Visit Old Town Hall
• Pass by Albrecht Dürer's House
• Tour Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
• Lunch break
• Visit Nazi party rally fairgrounds
• Explore unfinished Congress Hall

Top questions

How long is the Nuremberg walking tour?

The tour lasts around 4 hours including a lunch break.

Does this tour include both Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds?

Yes, you’ll explore Old Town on foot and visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds using public transport.

Is there a lunch break included?

Yes, there’s a short lunch break at Hauptmarkt marketplace during the tour.

Are entry fees or public transportation included?

Public transportation is included as part of your tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

The tour is conducted in English by a local guide.

What main sites do we see in Old Town?

You’ll visit Hauptmarkt, Schöner Brunnen, Saint Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and Imperial Castle courtyards.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide throughout Nuremberg’s Old Town and Nazi Party Rally Grounds, all necessary public transport tickets for getting between sites, plus time for lunch at Hauptmarkt before heading out to see Congress Hall and Luitpold Arena together.