Nuremberg is a large city with a very large old quarter. It's filled with many many monuments and several churches and a lot of other really neat features to see during a visit.
You could easily spend a day or two or three there exploring everything that it has to offer and you probably still would have other things to see that you had missed somewhere along the way.
After checking out the Handwerkerhof village and the Schöner Brunnen fountain we made our way up to the historic castle that's located right in the heart of the city.
Actually, its sort of on the Northwestern edge of the old town.
Along the way we passed another large cathedral called St. Sebald (Sebalduskirche Nürnberg).
There were so many large churches in the city and we didn't end up going inside any of them, which is very uncharacteristic for us really (or me at least).
Near the church is the town hall building. It contains a medeival prison inside that offers tours if you're into that sort of thing.
I was satisfied just viewing the architecture of the buildings exterior.
From there it was just a short walk up to the castle - all uphill mind you.
It was nice that the castle is located on a hill because from up there you can get a pretty decent view of the city.
That in itself made it worth the climb.
It actually wasn't a bad hike at all, unless maybe you happen to be a small dog with tiny legs that likes to be carried... He looks happy now!
On the backside of the fort is a small green space with a small network of outer defensive walls.
Apparently Nuremberg was an important finance and market trade center during the Holy Roman Empire period in history.
That made it a major stop over point for rulers who were touring the realm.
The castle was built and renovated throughout the middle ages for the purpose of housing important rulers who were touring the empire. Source for the above info.
The grounds and buildings within the walls are well restored as you can see in the photos.
You couldn't spend much time inside the interior courtyard but I personally thought it was worth a quick pop in to check it all out.
We didn't take a tour inside the castle either, so I couldn't tell you if it is worth it or not. You would have to decide that yourself.
We saw a lot of nicely preserved half timber buildings along our walk. I always like half timbers.
The building in the photo above is of the Albrecht Durer house, which is another city monument. Durer was a famous German painter.
We stopped for a beer in the afternoon at a pub in the plaza above. On the left hand side of the photo you can just make out a large metal statue on the ground. It's of a big crazed and wild looking rabbit thats also worth checking out.
Running directly through the old quarter is the Pegnitz River.
There are several bridges that cross it in various parts, all of which make for some really spectacular views.
I liked finding little nooks and crannies to view the water, as you can see.
Waterways and bridges in cities really add that extra something special in my opinion.
The evening is probably the best time to check them out.
That golden hour lighting really makes them pop in that romanticized travel way.
Know what I mean?
The sky in the evening was nice and clear and full of clouds when I took the photos as well.
That always helps with pictures.
We did a loop around the old town before heading back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. We passed the Lorenzkirche again from a different angle along the shopping street.
We passed this historic clock tower as well. Just another monument to see in the city.
Speaking of clocks though, look at the time... that about does it for our day in Nuremberg.