The most important monument of the city and one of the most important historical buildings in Bavaria is the Imperial Castle, known in German as the Kaiserburg.

The vast complex is composed of two castles - the Kaiser's and the Purkrab - and several buildings built by the Kaiser.

It stands on a hill on the northern edge of the Old Town and was a direct part of the city walls. The Imperial Castle, along with the walls, is considered one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in all of Europe.

The seat of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire

The first buildings of the fortifications and castle were built around the year 1000, the castle itself in its present form was built between 1027 and 1254. The German kings, after being crowned Holy Roman Emperors by the Pope, did not have one capital, but travelled from one imperial castle to another.

Nuremberg Castle became one of the largest and most important settlements, and with it the city itself, which enjoyed a golden age from the 11th to the 15th century. Some emperors stayed at Nuremberg Castle several times during their reigns.

The imperial castle lost its importance after the Thirty Years' War, but was gradually reconstructed again from the 19th century onwards and was completely rebuilt after the Second World War.

The Kaiserburg is generally well preserved and you can enjoy most of the original buildings and interior spaces.

Important buildings of the castle

Several parts of the Kaiserburg are open to tourists:

Sinwell-Turm - The highest of all the castle towers climbs to a height of 41 metres and the observation deck offers a magnificent view of the whole of Nuremberg. The tower can only be reached by stairs, there is no elevator.
Tiefer Brunnen (Deep Well) - the central building with a well more than 50 metres deep carved into the rock
Palas with the Imperial Chapel - the main castle building with 7 accessible halls and rooms is also the most visited part of Nuremberg Castle
The Imperial Castle Museum - collections charting the complete history of the castle complete the picture of the functioning of the entire complex
Castle Gardens - together with all the outdoor areas, the small castle gardens are accessible free of charge

Kaiserburg

Entrance fees and opening hours

The entire castle grounds are open daily from 9:00-18:00 (between April and October), or 10:00-16:00 during winter. The last admission is allowed about 45 minutes before closing time.

The outdoor courtyards are free of charge, while the indoor areas are available for a fee. Several ticket options are available:

	Basic admission	Students
Whole campus	9 eur	8 eur
Palas + Museum	7 eur	6 eur
Sinwell Tower + Tiefer Brunnen	4 eur	3 eur

Children and young people under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge.

Official castle website: kaiserburg-nuernberg.de

Hotels near the Kaiserhof

If you want to stay right in the centre of medieval Nuremberg, choose hotels in close proximity to the castle. Tips for the nearest accommodation:

Burghotel Stammhaus *** - A relaxed simple hotel with everything about 100 metres from the entrance, prices from 80 eur per night for 2
Jugendherberge Nürnberg - a student hostel located right in one of the castle buildings offers triple rooms with private bathrooms from 110 eur
AZIMUT Hotel Nuremberg *** - one of the cheapest classic hotels within the city centre can be found about 250 metres north of the castle, offering prices from 60 eur per night for 2

How to get to the Imperial Castle?

Kaiserburg is perched on a rock promontory on the northern edge of the walls surrounding the Old Town. The walking distance to the main train station is about 1.5 km.

Nearest public transport stops:

Tiergärtnertor - tram line 4 (approx. 250 metres)
Burgstr. - Bus line 36 (approx. 250 metres)

There is no direct line from the main station to the castle. You can use metro lines U2 and U3, take one stop to Plärrer, where tram 4 and bus 36 run. For more information on getting around Nuremberg, see the Transport chapter.