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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
English tour slot, fewer crowds
Old Town Hall and Medieval Dungeons
Best Time
English tour slot, fewer crowds

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.
"A fascinating tour with an excellent guide, offering a chilling glimpse into medieval life."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Informative Guided Tours
Meeting point outside Old Town Hall
Engaging guides bring history to life with humor and fascinating details about dungeon life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Dungeon Tour in Advance
Language Options & Audio Guides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🗣️ Language is Key
Confirm your English tour booking. If needed, ask for an audio guide.
👟 Watch Your Step
There are stairs and low ceilings. Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of your head.
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.
⏰ Don't Be Late!
Tours start exactly on time. Arrive a few minutes early to find your guide.
🗣️ Language is Key
Confirm your English tour booking. If needed, ask for an audio guide.
👟 Watch Your Step
There are stairs and low ceilings. Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of your head.
📱 Bad Reception Downstairs
Don't rely on your phone for translation inside the dungeons.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Each guided tour of the medieval dungeons is limited to a maximum of 20 participants to ensure a more intimate and manageable experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour typically lasts around 50 minutes, providing a concise yet informative journey through the historical prison cells and chambers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the medieval dungeons. Please consume any refreshments before or after your tour.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Nuremberg's Dungeons
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.
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.
Navigating the Dungeon Tour Experience
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit