The Craftmen`s Courtyard (Handwerkerhof) is located near the exit of Nuremberg`s main train station. Just step through the old Royal Gate, and you`ll feel as though you`ve traveled 500 years back in time. Half-timbered houses, cobblestones underfoot, the clang of hammers in workshops, and the aroma of sizzling grilled sausages — this is where everything authentic and delicious that Nuremberg is famous for comes together.
Where it is and how to get there
The Craftmen`s Courtyard is situated in the historic Waffenhof ("Armory Court") district, next to the Frauentor tower. It`s literally a two-minute walk from Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof (main station). Exit the station through the north exit (towards the city). Cross Bahnhofsplatz to the opposite side. You`ll see a massive round tower and a passage through the city wall — that`s the entrance to the Craftmen`s Courtyard.
History of the Craftmen`s Courtyard
Despite its impeccably medieval appearance, the Craftmen`s Courtyard is a modern attraction. It opened on April 1, 1971, to mark the 500th anniversary of Albrecht Dürer`s birth. The project cost 800,000 German marks.
The location was chosen deliberately. As early as 1450, this area between the inner and outer city walls housed the Waffenhof — a zone where wagons were inspected and tolls collected. Merchants with goods couldn`t enter the city until they had been checked at these "armory courts." Initially, the "craftsmen`s town" was planned to last only one year, and in 1972 it was scheduled for demolition. But its vibrant atmosphere and the affection of the locals saved it — not only were the buildings kept, but they continue to be maintained and renovated to this day.
Architecture and atmosphere
The Craftmen`s Courtyard is a tiny labyrinth of narrow lanes and a small square. Everywhere you look, there`s a late-medieval style: two-story houses with imitation half-timbered facades (wooden frames), striking red-and-white awnings (the colors of Nuremberg`s arms coat), flowers in the windows, and cobblestone paving.
Some critics call this ensemble a "Disneyland" or "theme park," pointing out that it`s a reconstruction, not genuine antiquity. But for travelers, that`s more of a plus: it`s clean, safe, and very cozy. Inside the fortress walls, at the foot of the imposing Frauentor tower, you feel as if you`re on a historical film set — except that everything here works, smells, and is sold for real.
What to do at the Craftmen`s Courtyard
The main highlight of the Craftmen`s Courtyard is the principle of "living craftsmanship." You don`t just buy a magnet — you see how the item is made.
What to see:
Behind glass doors, the workshops buzz with activity. You might catch craftsmen at work:
• Pewter casters pouring molten metal into molds
• Potters at the wheel
• Glassblowers and glass grinders
• Goldsmiths and jewelers
• Doll makers and wooden toy producers
• Nuremberg has long been famous for its toys, and here that tradition continues.
What to buy:
For souvenirs, skip the mass-produced items and go for what local artisans make by hand. The most famous purchases include:
• Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread) available in large boxes or freshly baked
• Handmade goods: ceramics, jewelry, pewter and glass items
• Wooden toys and Christmas decorations (especially popular before the holidays)
Where to eat and drink
The aroma wafting through the alleys of the Craftmen`s Courtyard is irresistible and will make you forget any diet. It`s the smell of famous Nuremberg bratwurst being grilled.
Bratwurstglöcklein: The most famous restaurant here is right at the foot of the Frauentor tower. Its history dates to 1313 (originally at another location), and legend has it that Albrecht Dürer himself enjoyed dining here. Today the establishment is in a new building but has preserved its traditions.
What to order: "Sechs auf Kraut" — six sausages served on a portion of sauerkraut. They`re grilled over beechwood fire and served on a pewter plate shaped like a bell (in honor of the name Glöcklein — "little bell").
What else to try: Besides sausages, the local pubs (Wirtschaften) offer excellent Franconian beer and wine. For those with a sweet tooth, there`s coffee and homemade cakes.
Festivals and special atmosphere
The Craftmen`s Courtyard is open year-round, but two seasons are especially magical.
Summer: Evenings are particularly lively. Grab a mug of beer and stand on the cobblestones, listening to street musicians who often perform right in the arches.
Christmas: From late November through December, when the famous Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market) takes place in the city, the Craftmen`s Courtyard transforms into "Christmas at the Craftmen`s Courtyard." Lights are lit, and the air smells of mulled wine and spices. This is the most atmospheric time to visit.
The Craftmen`s Courtyard is the perfect "introduction" to Nuremberg. You step out of the modern glass building of the station, walk 100 meters, and find yourself in a world of stone walls and medieval pavements. It sets just the right mood before a stroll through the Old Town. Moreover, it`s a convenient "base": if you`re hungry after your journey or want to buy all your gifts in an hour (from bratwurst in an insulated bag to Christmas ornaments), you couldn`t find a better place. This isn`t just a museum — it`s a lively, working, and extremely photogenic quarter.
