Kaiserburg (castle), Nuremberg, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Kaiserburg is the imperial castle of Nuremberg, Germany, set on a sandstone ridge above the old town. For centuries it was one of the most important strongholds of the Holy Roman Empire, a place where rulers stayed and where imperial business was done. Today it is the best viewpoint over Nuremberg's rooftops and a good starting point for exploring the medieval city.

The story behind it

The castle is about a thousand years old and grew over the centuries into a large complex of towers, halls and chapels. Holy Roman emperors and kings had no single capital and travelled between their castles, and Nuremberg's Kaiserburg was among the most significant of them. Its position on the rock and its heavy fortifications made it one of the strongest castles in Germany.

Legend adds colour. The best known tale is that of the robber knight Eppelein von Gailingen, said to have escaped his captors here by riding his horse over the castle wall. The castle's other famous feature is the Deep Well, which reaches some 47 metres down into the rock. Guides traditionally lower a candle into it so visitors can see how far the shaft goes. Part of the complex is now used as a youth hostel.

What to look for

• The Deep Well, where a guide lowers a light into the shaft so you can judge its depth for yourself.
• The thick walls and towers along the ridge, which show how seriously this castle was defended.
• The view from the castle terraces and towers, where the red roofs and church spires of Nuremberg spread out below.
• The mix of building styles across the complex, reflecting the many centuries during which it was extended and rebuilt.

Tips for your visit

• Allow at least one to two hours if you want to see the courtyards, the viewpoints and the Deep Well, and more if you enter the museum rooms.
• Parts of the castle, including the well, need a separate ticket, so check current opening hours and access before you go.
• Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light over the old town and fewer tour groups.
• The castle sits at the top of the old town, so you can combine it with a walk down through the medieval streets. Wear comfortable shoes, as the lanes are cobbled and steep in places.

See it on a quest

The Kaiserburg is one stop on Medieval Nuremberg, a self-guided quest through the old town. You walk to the castle on foot as part of a longer route, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you. There is no guide to follow and no group to join, so you can start whenever suits you. One ticket covers the whole group.