Nuremberg History Walk & Historic Felsengänge by Historische Felsengänge
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be generally mobile and able to walk for about two hours, including negotiating several staircases.
Overview
Step into Nuremberg’s history with a unique two-hour tour combining a guided walk through the old town and an underground journey into historic beer cellars known as the Felsengänge. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and subterranean tunnels that once stored its famous Rotbier.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
The tour involves uneven cellar floors and several staircases—choose footwear with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers for cellar temperature
Temperatures in the Felsenkeller stay cool year-round (8–10°C), so bring a warm layer to stay comfortable underground.
Arrive early
Be at the Tourist Information Center at Hauptmarkt at least 10 minutes before the tour start to ensure a timely departure.
No pets allowed
For the safety and preservation of the historic sites, pets cannot participate in this tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds frequent the old town rooftops and balconies.
- Bats occasionally roost in the deep Felsenkeller tunnels.
History
The Felsengänge date back to at least 1380, when city ordinances referenced beer storage in these expansive sandstone cellars, a reflection of Nuremberg’s brewing heritage.
Conservation
Tours promote awareness of preserving both Nuremberg’s cultural landmarks and the fragile underground cellar environment, encouraging visitors to tread lightly and respect the historic structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes ensure safety and comfort across uneven old town cobblestones and cellar floors.
Warm jacket or fleece
Necessary to stay warm inside the consistently cool Felsenkeller.
fall|winter|spring specific
Light waterproof layer
Protects from occasional rain during outdoor portions of the tour.
spring|fall specific
Small flashlight
Helpful for seeing details in the dimly lit cellar tunnels.