Nuremberg: a Walk Through the History of Crime

Nuremberg’s dark past is a captivating and haunting tale. Visitors can explore this history through a guided walking tour that delves into the medieval justice system. Led by knowledgeable experts, the tour takes guests to significant sites like Hangman’s House and Lochgefängnisse, where they’ll learn about the notorious executioner Franz Schmidt and the harsh punishments of the era. This two-hour experience invites travelers to reflect on Nuremberg’s grim judicial realities, leaving a lasting impression. It’s a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s haunting history and better understand the realities of its past.

Key Points

• The tour explores Nuremberg’s dark past, focusing on the city’s history of crime, punishment, and the medieval justice system.
• Visitors can learn about the notorious executioner Franz Schmidt and the grim history of the Hangman’s House Museum.
• The tour highlights key sites associated with Nuremberg’s witch hunts, medieval prisons, and public displays of corporal punishment.
• Participants can discover the harsh conditions and harsh punishments faced by inmates in the Lochgefängnisse (medieval dungeons).
• The tour provides a thought-provoking contrast to Nuremberg’s modern reputation, shedding light on the city’s dark judicial history.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The ‘Nuremberg: A Walk Through History‘ tour starts at the Hangmans House Museum in Nuremberg’s Old Town, where you will learn about its history and the notorious local executioner, Franz Schmidt.

The 2-hour guided walking tour, priced from Kč350 per person, explores Nuremberg’s dark past through visits to sites like the Weinmarkt, where witch hunts took place, and the Lochgefängnisse medieval prison.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will explore the city’s medieval justice system and its harsh punishments.

The tour, offered in German, can be booked with a reserve now, pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this in-depth look at Nuremberg’s criminal history.

Itinerary Highlights

On this 2-hour walking tour, visitors will start at the Hangmans House, learning about its history and the infamous local executioner Franz Schmidt.

Next, they’ll visit the Weinmarkt and explore the city’s witch hunt history.

The tour then takes guests to the Old City Hall to explore Nuremberg’s medieval justice system.

From there, they’ll discover the Lochgefängnisse, or medieval prison, and learn about the harsh conditions inmates faced.

The tour winds through the Hauptmarkt, site of the famous Christkindlesmarkt, to discuss crime and capital punishment.

Tour Experience and Features

This walking tour through Nuremberg’s Old Town offers visitors a guided exploration of the city’s unique landmarks related to crime and justice. Travelers can expect to visit the Hangman’s House, Old City Hall, medieval dungeons, and other sites that shed light on the region’s grim historical past.

The tour includes entry fees to these fascinating destinations, allowing participants to delve deeper into the city’s history of punishment, executions, and the medieval justice system. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended for the 2-hour excursion.

Key features of this tour include:

1. Guided walking tour through Nuremberg’s historic Old Town

2. Visits to landmarks associated with crime, punishment, and the judicial process

3. Includes entry fees to Hangman’s House, town hall, and medieval dungeons

4. Opportunity to learn about Nuremberg’s dark past in an engaging, informative manner

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have given the Nuremberg crime and justice walking tour high marks, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

Guests praised the thoroughness and depth of knowledge displayed by the tour guides, who brought the city’s dark history to life.

While some reviewers noted that having some familiarity with German would enhance the experience, even those with only introductory language skills found the tour engaging and informative.

The unique landmarks visited, including the Hangman’s House, medieval dungeons, and sites of corporal punishment, left a lasting impression on participants.

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Important Information

Itineraries for the Nuremberg crime and justice walking tour may change, so participants should check for any updates prior to the scheduled date. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and booking confirmation from GetYourGuide serves as proof of payment with no invoices issued.

When joining this immersive exploration of Nuremberg’s dark past, keep these key details in mind:

1. Expect itinerary adjustments as the tour evolves to provide the most engaging and informative experience.

2. Participants with limited mobility may find certain stops challenging to navigate.

3. Booking confirmation is the only receipt needed, as GetYourGuide doesn’t issue separate invoices.

4. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the walking tour.

Hangman’s House and Its History

The tour begins at the Hangman’s House, a foreboding structure that once served as the residence and place of work for Nuremberg’s infamous executioners.

For centuries, this building was home to the city’s official executioners, who carried out the gruesome sentences of the medieval justice system.

Visitors will learn about the notorious Franz Schmidt, one of Nuremberg’s most famous hangmen, whose meticulous records detailed the over 350 executions he performed.

Stepping inside the house, guests can imagine the grim atmosphere that must have permeated these walls, as they explore the history of capital punishment and its role in Nuremberg’s past.

This chilling site sets the stage for the rest of the macabre tour through the city’s dark judicial history.

Medieval Justice System in Nuremberg

After exploring the chilling history of Nuremberg’s official executioners at the Hangman’s House, the tour then turns its attention to the medieval justice system that dictated the harsh punishments carried out within the city walls. The group will visit the Old City Hall and learn about the severe measures taken against criminals in those times.

The tour highlights four key aspects of Nuremberg’s medieval justice system:

1. The harsh punishments, including public floggings, amputations, and executions.

2. The Lochgefängnisse, or medieval prisons, where inmates endured deplorable conditions.

3. The role of corporal punishment, exemplified at the Fleischbrücke.

4. The Schuldturm, a prison tower that held those accused of crimes against the community.

This dark yet captivating glimpse into Nuremberg’s past provides a thought-provoking contrast to the city’s modern reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Crimes Were Most Common in Medieval Nuremberg?

According to the tour overview, common medieval crimes in Nuremberg included witch hunts and violations of the justice system. The tour explores how the city dealt with these issues through various historical sites and practices.

How Did the Hangman’s Role Evolve Over Time in Nuremberg?

The hangman’s role in Nuremberg evolved from a feared executioner to a respected public official. Initially, they carried out punishments, but over time, their duties expanded to include tasks like law enforcement and maintaining public order.

Were There Any Famous or Notorious Inmates in Nuremberg’s Medieval Prisons?

Nuremberg’s medieval prisons held some notorious inmates, like Kaspar Hauser, an enigmatic figure who was found abandoned in the city and whose mysterious past captivated the public’s imagination. Other inmates were accused of heresy and witchcraft during the region’s infamous witch trials.

What Were the Punishments for Different Levels of Crimes in Nuremberg?

Punishments in Nuremberg ranged from fines and public humiliation to severe corporal punishment and execution, depending on the severity of the crime. More serious offenses like witchcraft or murder could result in hanging or beheading.

Did the Crime Rates in Nuremberg Change Significantly Over the Centuries?

Crime rates in Nuremberg fluctuated over the centuries, with periods of high criminality followed by efforts to crack down on criminal activity. Societal changes, economic conditions, and evolving justice systems all impacted the city’s crime levels across different eras.

The Sum Up

The ‘Nuremberg: A Walk Through the History of Crime’ tour offers a captivating and immersive exploration of the city’s dark judicial past.

Visitors explore the medieval justice system, visiting significant sites like Hangman’s House, where they learn about the notorious executioner Franz Schmidt and the harsh punishments of the era.

This tour provides a thought-provoking reflection on Nuremberg’s grim history, leaving a lasting impression of its once-brutal realities.

You can check if your dates are available here: