Königstraße is the grand gateway to the historic center of Nuremberg. The street stretches from the Königstor (King`s Gate) at the main train station to the Museumsbrücke (Museum Bridge) in the very heart of the Old Town. It is the most famous street in Nuremberg and the main landmark for all tourists: as soon as you exit the train station, you immediately find yourself on Königstraße.
The street received its name in 1810. Before that, it had a much more prosaic name Hauptstraße, meaning "Main Street". The renaming took place shortly after the free imperial city of Nuremberg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria and was intended to emphasize loyalty to the new royal authority. It was one of the first acts of "nationalization" of the city`s public space.
History of Königstraße: from trade route to royal artery
The road that is now called Königstraße has existed for many centuries. Even in the Middle Ages, an important trade route passed here, leading to the center of Nuremberg, one of the main capitals of the Holy Roman Empire. Merchants, craftsmen and travelers entered the city along this road, bringing wealth and glory to the "imperial treasury".
In the 19th century, Königstraße was built up with prestigious hotels and turned into a respectable "hotel avenue". Unfortunately, the historic buildings were badly damaged during the Second World War. However, the street was not only restored but also transformed into a convenient pedestrian zone, preserving its historical spirit. In May 2022, the southern part of Königstraße finally became pedestrian-only, free from cars.
The main attraction at the start of the path: Handwerkerhof (Crafts Yard)
Immediately at the entrance to the Old Town, right by the massive round Frauentor (Women`s Gate) and the Königstor, a tourist attraction is hidden.
What it is: The Handwerkerhof (Crafts Yard) is a real miniature town, skillfully stylized as a medieval quarter. It was opened on April 1, 1971, for the 500th anniversary of Albrecht Dürer, on the site of the old city fortifications, the so-called Waffenhof (Armory Yard).
Why you should visit: You are literally transported to the late Middle Ages. In small half-timbered houses surrounded by the city wall, you will find craftsmen`s workshops: here you can see glassblowers, potters, pewter smiths, goldsmiths, and even makers of the famous Nuremberg gingerbread at work.
What to try: There are also cozy restaurants here serving the city`s main culinary symbol, Nuremberg grilled sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste), as well as Franconian beer and wine.
Other sights on and around Königstraße
As you follow the street further into the city, you will encounter several more notable places:
• Handelshof (Merchants` Court): One of the first large shopping centers in Nuremberg, which has been under renovation since 2020. Its historic facade is clearly visible from the train station.
• Hotel Victoria: A famous hotel located right behind the Frauentor tower. In the last century, celebrities and crowned heads stayed here.
• St. Klara Kirche (St. Clara`s Church): The former church of the Franciscan monastery of St. Clara, hidden behind the facades of houses. Today it is a cozy space used for cultural events and services in different languages.
• Mauthalle (Customs Hall): A huge late Gothic building on Hallplatz, which was once used as a grain warehouse and customs house (hence the name "Mauthalle"). Shops are now located here, but its majestic facade is one of the street`s adornments.
• Admiral Kino (Admiral Cinema): A historic cinema operating since the 1950s. The building was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in the 1950s style, preserving the spirit of that time.
Where to drink beer on Königstraße
The legendary Barfüßer brewery tavern is not just a restaurant, but a true symbol of Nuremberg`s beer traditions. It is the largest brewpub in the city, seating 600 guests. The Mauthalle building, where the tavern is located, was built between 1499 and 1502. Originally it was a grain warehouse and customs house. The restaurant opened in 1929 but was destroyed during the bombings of 1943-1945. The building was restored, and in 1994, a microbrewery was opened in its historic vaulted cellars.
The interiors of Barfüßer are an attraction in themselves. Everything here is steeped in history: ancient vaulted ceilings, antique furniture, old beer bottles, gramophones, and wooden crates. The most interesting feature is the copper vats of the microbrewery, located directly in the hall behind huge glass walls. You can watch the beer brewing process while sitting at your table.
St. Lorenz Church (St. Lorenzkirche)
When you reach the end of Königstraße, a square opens up before you, and you will see the majestic basilica of St. Lorenz. This is not just a church, but one of the three main churches of Nuremberg, a landmark of the city and a masterpiece of German Gothic. Its two spires, 81 meters high, reach for the sky, serving as a beacon for everyone strolling along the south side of the Pegnitz River.
Construction of the church began between 1243 and 1315 on the site of an older Romanesque chapel. At that time, Nuremberg was growing rapidly, and its citizens – merchants and craftsmen – wanted a representative parish church that would reflect their wealth and faith. This is how one of the most impressive high Gothic basilicas in Germany came into being.
The bridge over the Pegnitz River on Königstraße
Königstraße ends at the water. The Museumsbrücke (Museum Bridge) is the final point of Königstraße. It is here, after walking from the train station, that you reach the river. Originally, this bridge was called Barfüßerbrücke (Barefoot Bridge), as it led to the Franciscan monastery (barefoot monks). In the 18th century, it was rebuilt in stone and named after Emperor Joseph I. The bridge received its modern name, Museum Bridge, in the 19th century because of the nearby building of the "Museum Society" (a reading and meeting club for the educated public).
The Museum Bridge you see today was built after the war in 1954. The original bridge was destroyed by bombs. However, it was restored in the historical style (as of 1700), making it wider and adding three arches instead of two. Today it is a wide pedestrian zone with beautiful stone balustrades and spheres.
Standing on the Museumsbrücke facing west (against the flow of the river), you will see directly in front of you the famous "Nuremberg Glasses" – two stone arches through which the Pegnitz River flows, with the massive medieval Heilig-Geist-Spital (Hospital of the Holy Spirit) looming above them. This is one of the most photographed views in the city. The building is partially built directly over the water, and from the bridge you have a perfect perspective: you see both the arches and the hospital`s reflection in the river.
Königstraße is the main pedestrian artery of Nuremberg. It is ideal for a first introduction to the city: all the key sights of the southern part of the Old Town are located directly on it or just a few steps away. Starting your journey at the Königstor and walking to the Museumsbrücke, you will see the medieval Handwerkerhof, the majestic Mauthalle, the famous Barfüßer brewpub, St. Lorenz Church, and the panorama of the Heilig-Geist-Spital. Beyond lie only the bridges and the heart of medieval Nuremberg.
