Nördlingen Old Town
A perfectly circular medieval town built inside a meteorite crater, offering a unique journey through history and cosmic wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Nördlingen Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A perfectly circular medieval town built inside a meteorite crater, offering a unique journey through history and cosmic wonder.
"Magical, feeling like I was back in the medieval times. Better then expected."
🚶♀️ Walk the City Walls
Circumnavigate the town on the well-preserved medieval walls for stunning views and a unique perspective. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Climb the 'Daniel' Tower
Ascend St. George's Church tower for a breathtaking panorama of the circular town and crater. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval City Walls
Circumference of the Old Town
Walk along the fully preserved 14th-century walls, offering unique perspectives and a journey through time.
St. George's Church Tower ('Daniel')
Market Square
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the circular town and the surrounding Ries crater.
Ries Crater Landscape
Surrounding Nördlingen
Marvel at the unique geological formation that shaped this historic town, a true cosmic wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Meteorite Magic
Attack on Titan Inspiration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the City Walls
Circumnavigate the town on the well-preserved medieval walls for stunning views and a unique perspective. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Climb the 'Daniel' Tower
Ascend St. George's Church tower for a breathtaking panorama of the circular town and crater. :ticket:
⚔️ AOT Fan Pilgrimage
Embrace the 'Attack on Titan' vibes; many fans find Nördlingen's layout inspired by 'Shiganshina.' :iphone:
👂 Hear the Night Watchman
If possible, experience the traditional night watchman's call for a touch of local history. :microphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the City Walls
Circumnavigate the town on the well-preserved medieval walls for stunning views and a unique perspective. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Climb the 'Daniel' Tower
Ascend St. George's Church tower for a breathtaking panorama of the circular town and crater. :ticket:
⚔️ AOT Fan Pilgrimage
Embrace the 'Attack on Titan' vibes; many fans find Nördlingen's layout inspired by 'Shiganshina.' :iphone:
👂 Hear the Night Watchman
If possible, experience the traditional night watchman's call for a touch of local history. :microphone:
🅿️ Park Outside the Walls
Park your car outside the historic center and explore the charming streets on foot. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nördlingen is lauded for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval charm and unique setting within a meteorite crater. Visitors are captivated by the intact city walls and the panoramic views from the church tower. While some attractions might have limited hours, the overall atmosphere is magical and transportive, offering a less crowded experience than some other popular Bavarian towns.
"Nördlingen – the city in the shooting star crater
A unique medieval city, built inside the Ries crater, formed 15 million years ago by a giant meteorite. Its complete walls, narrow streets with colorful houses and the “Daniel” tower of St. George’s Church retain the charm of past centuries. From above, the panorama reveals the reddish roofs perfectly placed in the heart of a cosmic landscape."
valentina stefanescu
""Over one hundred years ago, humanity was driven to the brink of extinction by the sudden appearance of giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The remnants of humanity retreated behind massive walls in fear of the Titans. And for a time, their long peace held. But then, one day, the peace was shattered... when a Colossal Titan appeared and breached the outer wall. Humanity received a grim reminder. We lived in fear of the Titans, and were disgraced to live in these cages we called walls.""
Emanuel Fhillipe Fhillipe
"Beautiful small town. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and circular city walls are charming. One of its unique features is that it is built inside the crater of a meteorite impact, creating a distinct and fascinating geographical setting"
Wahyu Hidayat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nördlingen is accessible by car, with parking available outside the medieval walls. Train connections are also available, bringing you close to the historic center. Many visitors arrive as part of a day trip from nearby cities like Nuremberg or Munich.
Yes, Nördlingen is a charming stop along the famous Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), making it a popular destination for those exploring this scenic route.
Absolutely! Nördlingen is a perfect day trip destination, offering a compact yet rich experience of medieval history and unique geology.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into Nördlingen's Old Town itself is free. However, there may be admission fees for specific attractions like the St. George's Church tower or museums.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the St. George's Church tower ('Daniel') and local museums. It's best to check the official Nördlingen tourism website or visit the Tourist Office upon arrival for the most up-to-date information.
Walking along the city walls is generally free, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Some sections might have specific access points or information centers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the medieval city walls, climb the 'Daniel' tower for panoramic views, wander through charming streets, visit St. George's Church, and learn about the town's unique meteorite crater history.
Yes! Nördlingen is widely recognized as the inspiration for the anime 'Attack on Titan's' fictional town of 'Shiganshina.' Fans often find the circular layout and architecture very similar. 
A half-day to a full day is usually sufficient to explore Nördlingen's main attractions, including walking the walls and climbing the tower.
Guided tours, including historical walks and themed tours (like those for 'Attack on Titan' fans), are often available. Check with the local Tourist Office for options.
Nördlingen is built entirely within the impact crater of a meteorite that struck about 15 million years ago, creating a distinct circular town layout.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Nördlingen offers various traditional Bavarian restaurants and cozy cafes within its old town. Look for local specialties and enjoy the historic ambiance.
While traditional Bavarian cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to ask or check menus beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The city walls, the 'Daniel' tower, the Market Square, and the charming narrow streets with colorful houses are all fantastic photo opportunities. The circular layout offers unique perspectives.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, minimizing crowds and capturing the town's medieval charm. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚔️ Anime & Manga Fans
+1🚶♀️ History & Architecture Buffs
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meteorite Crater Town
+1The unique geography has even led to the town's buildings being constructed, in part, from suevite, a rock formed during the meteorite impact. This means that some of the very stones you see in Nördlingen's walls and buildings are literally fragments of a celestial visitor. It's a tangible connection to a dramatic event that shaped the landscape millions of years ago.
Walking the Medieval City Walls
+1The walls feature numerous towers and covered parapet paths, providing shelter and fascinating architectural details. As you walk, you'll encounter various gates that lead into the town's charming streets. It's a fantastic way to get a sense of the town's historical defenses and its compact, integrated structure. Many visitors find this experience to be a highlight, offering both exercise and incredible photo opportunities.
Nördlingen: The Real-Life Shiganshina
+1Many visitors, particularly anime enthusiasts, come to Nördlingen specifically to experience this real-life connection. Walking through the town, especially along the walls and in the central square, can evoke a strong sense of being within the anime's world. The 'Daniel' tower of St. George's Church is often cited as a landmark that resonates with fans. While the 'big tower' might be closed at times, the overall atmosphere is a major draw for this audience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit