Come for the small-but-charming biergarten, stay long enough for some dumplings at this 16th-century building positioned right at the foot of the town’s castle. (The name, which translates to "witches' cottage," unfortunately comes not from a fairy tale but references a former resident, an eccentric older woman local children thought was a witch.) If you’ve done your exploring for the day—or need a thirst-quencher midway through—get a stein of the local Zirndorfer and Tucher beer to rehydrate before carrying on. Inside, it’s cozy and cute, with its half-timber architecture acting as dividers between the nook-like booths.

After an exhaustive tour of the castle, we stopped for a snack at Hexenhäusle a half timbered former gatehouse that was once the residence of a witch. It wasn’t just the view of the castle that was magical – the “burning and strong” Witches Schnapps was a little too fiery for us. But we did refresh ourselves with a dark blackcurrant brew.

The listed, historical guest house which has been unchanged since 1877 and the historical garden with its 400 seats invite you to enjoy a snack in the shade on hot days and hearty Franconian cuisine during a cozy evening. The Hexenhäusle is located directly below the castle wall and offers a one-of-a-kind view of the Imperial Castle.

It’s a great place to go sit outside on a warm summer evening and enjoy a cool, refreshing fresh beer. The beer garden here is spacious and leafy green and sits in the castle moat just below the the castle itself. What a gorgeous view!

Under the old trees with a wonderful view of the Kaiserburg, beer, snacks and roasts taste twice as good. Telephone: 0911 490 29 095 Web: Hexenhäusle