Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons - a large building with a clock tower in the background
1 / 10

Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons

4.5
·696 reviews·Nürnberg, Germany

Explore Nuremberg's chilling medieval past in the dungeons beneath the Old Town Hall. See prison cells and learn about historical justice.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 6 PM tour

English tour slot, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons - a large building with a clock tower in the background

Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons

Best Time

Daily, 6 PM tour

English tour slot, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Nuremberg's chilling medieval past in the dungeons beneath the Old Town Hall. See prison cells and learn about historical justice.

4.5
(696 reviews)

"A fascinating tour with an excellent guide, offering a chilling glimpse into medieval life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Essential! Tours fill up fast. Look for the QR code outside the Rathaus to book ahead.

⏰ Don't Be Late!

Tours start exactly on time. Arrive a few minutes early to find your guide.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Prison Cells

Medieval Prison Cells

Under the Old Town Hall

Step back in time and explore the chilling reality of medieval incarceration. See where prisoners were held.

Torture Chamber

Torture Chamber

Under the Old Town Hall

Witness the grim tools and methods used during medieval interrogations. A stark reminder of the past.

Informative Guided Tours

Informative Guided Tours

Meeting point outside Old Town Hall

Engaging guides bring history to life with humor and fascinating details about dungeon life.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Dungeon Tour in Advance

Tours are limited to 20 people and sell out quickly. Booking online is highly recommended, as on-the-spot tickets are often unavailable. Don't be late; tours start precisely on time.

Language Options & Audio Guides

While English tours are available (usually one per day), ensure you book the correct language. If you find yourself on a German tour without much understanding, request an audio guide at the start.

Best Times

When
Daily, 6 PM tour
Why
English tour slot, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Potentially fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@thetravelinghistorian
7K likes • 188.4K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Essential! Tours fill up fast. Look for the QR code outside the Rathaus to book ahead. Reddit

⏰ Don't Be Late!

Tours start exactly on time. Arrive a few minutes early to find your guide. Reddit

🗣️ Language is Key

Confirm your English tour booking. If needed, ask for an audio guide. Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step

There are stairs and low ceilings. Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of your head. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Essential! Tours fill up fast. Look for the QR code outside the Rathaus to book ahead. Reddit

⏰ Don't Be Late!

Tours start exactly on time. Arrive a few minutes early to find your guide. Reddit

🗣️ Language is Key

Confirm your English tour booking. If needed, ask for an audio guide. Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step

There are stairs and low ceilings. Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of your head. Reddit

📱 Bad Reception Downstairs

Don't rely on your phone for translation inside the dungeons. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(696 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the engaging and humorous guides who bring Nuremberg's medieval history to life. The dungeon tour offers a fascinating, albeit grim, look into the past. However, the website and booking process can be frustrating for international travelers, and advance booking is absolutely critical.

"A fascinating tour of the dungeons under the Rathaus in Nuremberg. We found the English speaking tour excellent with our guide's English really good and an appropriate sense of humour. There are a fair amount of stairs as the tour goes underground.

Book ahead - the maximum is 20 for each tour and don't be late - the tour starts at the time stated. It is suitable for all ages and there's no people jumping out and going boo!"

Alex Fryer

"Reason I’m giving it a 1/5 star review is strictly because of the website. The website for me was in English, there was no option to choose the language you want the tour in. I even left a note in the comments section saying that I speak English. There was no communication on their end to help out a traveler with little to no German, so I had to sit through a tour and try to google translate it (with bad reception in the dungeon) - waste of €10.

However on the bright side, the guide seemed engaging and other folks were laughing. Would’ve probably been a great tour if I spoke German but as of right now I’d like a refund."

Samm Hannula

"I recommend purchasing your ticket online as it is impossible to buy it on the spot. Although there is a qr code that you can scan at the meeting point (on a small plaque on the wall of the old city hall, very inconspicuous), each tour is limited to 20 people so advance booking is still the best option. There is only one English guided tour at 18.00. If you end up in a German guided tour and don't understand much German, tell your guide at the beginning - - they will give you an audio guide. It doesn't give as much as information as the guide themselves, but at least you won't be completely lost.
The tour takes about 50 minutes during which one goes through a series of dungeon chambers with the guide. It is a very cool place; one can learn quite some history down there."

Adrian Su

What People Like

Engaging and humorous guides
Fascinating historical insights
Unique underground experience

What People Dislike

Difficult website booking
Limited English tours
Tours sell out quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Town Hall is centrally located in Nuremberg's main market square. You can easily reach it by public transport (trams and U-Bahn to Lorenzkirche or Hauptmarkt) or on foot if you're already exploring the city center. The tour meeting point is usually a discreet plaque on the wall outside the Old Town Hall. Reddit

Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town Hall can be challenging due to its central location. It's best to use public transport or park in a nearby multi-story car park like the 'Parkhaus am Hauptmarkt' and walk a short distance. TikTok

Yes, the meeting point for the tours is right outside the Old Town Hall on the main square. Your guide will then lead you to the entrance of the dungeons, which are located directly beneath the building. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, as tours have a strict limit of 20 people and often sell out. You can usually find a QR code on a plaque outside the Old Town Hall to scan and book, but booking directly via their website is the most reliable method. Reddit

The Old Town Hall itself is accessible, but the dungeon tours operate on a schedule. There is typically one English-language tour per day, often in the late afternoon or early evening. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability. Reddit

Ticket prices are generally around €10 per person. It's always best to verify the current pricing on the official booking website, as it can change. Reddit

While there might be a QR code for last-minute bookings, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to purchase tickets on the spot, especially for the English tour. Advance booking is almost always necessary. Reddit

Each guided tour of the medieval dungeons is limited to a maximum of 20 participants to ensure a more intimate and manageable experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour typically lasts around 50 minutes, providing a concise yet informative journey through the historical prison cells and chambers. Reddit

Yes, the tour is generally considered suitable for all ages. There are no jump scares or overly frightening elements, but the historical context of imprisonment and torture might be more impactful for older children and adults. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there are stairs. Given that the dungeons are underground, the temperature might be cooler, so a light jacket could be a good idea. Reddit

Yes, the tour involves going underground and navigating through various levels, so there are a fair number of stairs. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of this. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the dungeons, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide at the beginning of the tour. Be mindful of others and avoid using flash if it's disruptive. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The Old Town Hall is located on Nuremberg's main market square, which is surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and traditional Bavarian eateries. You'll find plenty of options for a meal before or after your dungeon tour. TikTok

No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the medieval dungeons. Please consume any refreshments before or after your tour. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dimly lit cells, ancient stone walls, and historical artifacts offer unique photographic opportunities. Focus on capturing the atmosphere and the sense of history. TikTok

While photography is usually permitted, it's best to ask your guide about flash usage. In sensitive historical sites, flash can sometimes be discouraged to protect artifacts or for the comfort of other visitors. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons offer a unique historical adventure for families. While the subject matter is serious, the tours are designed to be engaging and informative rather than terrifying. Guides often use humor to keep younger visitors interested. Reddit

Key tips for families: Ensure children are old enough to understand the historical context without being overly distressed. The stairs and low ceilings mean it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues. Booking tickets in advance is essential, especially during peak family travel times. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

At around €10 per person, the dungeon tour is an affordable way to experience a different side of Nuremberg's history. It offers significant historical insight for the price, especially considering the guided nature of the tour. Reddit

Money-saving tip: Combine your visit with exploring the free-to-access Old Town Hall and the bustling market square. Pack snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at tourist-priced cafes. Booking online in advance can sometimes offer slight discounts or guarantee your spot without needing to spend extra on last-minute options. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Nuremberg's Dungeons

The Old Town Hall in Nuremberg has a long and complex history, with parts of the building dating back to the 13th century. Beneath this imposing structure lie the medieval dungeons, a stark testament to the city's judicial past. These cells were used to imprison individuals accused of various crimes, from petty theft to more serious offenses. The conditions were undoubtedly harsh, reflecting the punitive justice system of the era. TikTok

During the guided tours, visitors get a glimpse into the daily lives of those confined within these stone walls. You'll see the cramped cells, learn about the methods of interrogation, and understand the grim realities faced by prisoners. The tour often includes a visit to the torture chamber, showcasing the instruments and practices used to extract confessions. It's a sobering experience that provides a deeper understanding of medieval society and its legal framework. Reddit

It's important to remember that these dungeons are not just historical relics but also a part of Nuremberg's heritage. The preservation efforts ensure that future generations can learn from this often-uncomfortable but vital aspect of history. The guides play a crucial role in contextualizing this history, making it accessible and thought-provoking for visitors. Reddit

Navigating the Dungeon Tour Experience

The dungeon tour is a guided experience, meaning you'll follow a knowledgeable guide through the underground chambers. Tours are offered in multiple languages, with English tours typically available once a day. It's crucial to book your preferred language tour in advance, as capacity is limited to 20 people per group. Reddit

Be prepared for a physically engaging tour. The path involves navigating numerous stairs, and some passages have low ceilings, so it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of your head. The underground environment can also be cooler than the outside temperature, so a light jacket might be a good idea. Reddit

Communication is key for a smooth experience. If you're not fluent in German and find yourself on a German tour, inform your guide immediately. They can often provide an audio guide to supplement the tour, allowing you to follow along with the historical information, even if you miss some of the spoken commentary. Reddit

You may also like