Nuremberg: A walk through the history of crime

If you’re curious about the darker corners of Nuremberg’s past, this guided walking tour offers a fascinating peek into the city’s notorious history. We haven’t done it ourselves, but reviews and details paint a vivid picture of an experience that’s both educational and atmospheric.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides clearly bring the stories of crime, justice, and witch hunts to life, making history feel immediate and real. Second, the exceptional value at just $16 per person for two hours is hard to beat—especially given the depth of content and the landmarks visited.

That said, if you’re not comfortable in German or have mobility issues, this might be less ideal for you. The tour is designed for those who enjoy a walking exploration and can follow along with live commentary in German. Overall, it’s a solid pick for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone interested in the gritty stories behind Nuremberg’s beautiful facades.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes this a good introduction to Nuremberg’s darker historical side.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging stories and context.
• The tour covers significant landmarks tied to crime, justice, and medieval punishments.
• It’s primarily in German, so some language understanding helps.
• Walking-only, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a 2-hour stroll.
• Not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking and standing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Nuremberg’s Dark Corners: An In-Depth Look

This 2-hour guided tour kicks off at the Henkerhaus Museum, where you get a taste of the city’s notorious past. The tour isn’t just about looking at pretty sights; it’s about understanding how crime, punishment, and justice shaped Nuremberg through centuries.

Starting at the Hangman’s House

The tour begins right outside the Henkerhaus, which houses a museum about the city’s executioner, Franz Schmidt. While you won’t enter the museum as part of this tour (tickets are not included), standing outside offers a stark reminder of the city’s history of capital punishment. Guides share stories about Schmidt, who reportedly was quite a character, and give insight into the role of the executioner in medieval society.

One reviewer noted, “Thomas was very thorough, personable, and knowledgeable,” emphasizing that the guide’s storytelling adds richness to the experience. If you appreciate detailed stories and historical context, this opening sets a compelling tone.

Walking Through Old Nuremberg to the Weinmarkt

From there, you stroll over to the Weinmarkt (Wine Market), where your guide discusses the city’s medieval justice system and the dark side of its past, including witch hunts. The market square is a lively spot today, but historically, it would have been a center for public punishment and trials.

This part of the tour is especially eye-opening. From the reviews, you learn about witch hunts and the grim history that often unfolded in public spaces. “Toll erzählt hat unser Guide Thomas alles, was damals passiert ist,” a guest commented — meaning the storytelling is top-notch and helps you connect the dots between past events and the landmarks.

Visiting the Old City Hall

Next, the group moves on to the historic town hall, where stories of medieval law and order come alive. The guide explains how justice was dispensed, including the use of the medieval prison called “Lochgefängnisse.” This underground prison was used for detention and punishment, and standing near it, you can’t help but feel the weight of history.

Insights from reviews highlight that the stories about the prison and its conditions make the visit particularly memorable. One reviewer said, “Bei dem Guide Herr Rhode spürt man die Liebe zu Nürnberg und ihrer Vergangenheit,” which translates to feeling the guide’s passion for the city’s history.

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Exploring Medieval Punishments at Fleischbrücke

The tour then moves to the Fleischbrücke, where you’ll hear about corporal punishment in the Middle Ages. This part is a visceral reminder of how justice was often brutal and public in those days. The stories come alive as your guide paints a vivid picture of medieval discipline, making it clear why this history still fascinates many visitors.

Final Stops at Findelgasse and Schuldturm

Next, a quick walk takes you to Findelgasse, famous for Peter Henlein, the watchmaker who is often credited with inventing the portable watch. It’s a colorful piece of local lore that adds a lighter note to the tour.

Your last stop is the Schuldturm (Schuldt Tower), a historic tower with a dark past as a prison for inmates. Here, the guide wraps up the journey, sharing intriguing stories about its purpose and notable inmates.

What’s Not Included

It’s important to note that entry to the Hangman’s House, town hall, and medieval dungeons isn’t included in the tour—these are viewed from outside or discussed historically rather than visited privately. This keeps the tour focused on storytelling and landmarks rather than museum visits, which helps keep the price low.

The Overall Experience

Guests consistently praise the guides, especially Thomas and Herr Rhode, for their storytelling and passion. Reviewers mention that the stories are interesting and well-told, making the two hours fly by. “The stories about the executioner Franz Schmidt were particularly compelling,” one person noted.

The tour’s price point of $16 is very reasonable considering the depth of historical insights and the number of landmarks covered. It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must, and timing will depend on availability, so booking in advance is recommended.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is perfect if you’re interested in history, crime, or medieval justice. It’s especially suited to travelers who want a guided narrative that makes the city’s dark past tangible. You should have a basic understanding of German to get the most out of the guide’s storytelling, as it’s conducted in that language.

It’s not designed for those with mobility impairments since it involves walking and standing, and it’s best for those who enjoy storytelling and historical intrigue rather than a museum visit. Families with older children interested in history might find this engaging, but younger kids might find the subject matter a bit too dark.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thought-provoking glimpse into Nuremberg’s past, blending storytelling with visits to significant landmarks. It’s a good value for the price—especially given the knowledgeable guides and the focus on lesser-known aspects of the city’s history.

If you’re drawn to stories of medieval justice, witch hunts, and executions, this experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of how these elements shaped Nuremberg’s identity. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want to explore history beyond the museums and are comfortable engaging in guided storytelling in German.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a meaningful, affordable, and engaging way to uncover some of Nuremberg’s darker stories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but older kids interested in history may find it engaging. The dark themes might be too intense for very young children.

Is the tour in English?
No, the tour is conducted in German, so some understanding of the language will help you get the most out of the stories.

Are tickets included in the price?
No, entry to the Hangman’s House, town hall, and medieval dungeons isn’t included. The tour mainly involves walking around and listening to stories from the outside or within public areas.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours, covering numerous landmarks across Nuremberg’s Old Town.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are needed. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing for the weather and suitable shoes for walking.

Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions?
Yes, as long as you’re prepared for the weather, since most of the tour is outdoors.

Who provides this experience?
It’s operated by Geschichte Für Alle e.V..

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in front of the Henkerhaus Museum and ends back at Vordere Insel Schütt.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect and helps you decide if this Nuremberg tour is right for you. It’s a chance to see the city through the lens of its gritty past, guided by passionate storytellers, at a price that won’t break the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: