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Nuremberg History: WWII & The Nazis
Nuremberg’s WWII sites are vast and varied. The city of Nuremberg has a long and storied history that stretches back long before National Socialism became an established party in Germany. In fact, it was this very history that first drew the Nazis to the city in the first place. The creators of the “Third Reich” were drawn to Nuremberg’s connection to the previous two realms of German power. During the First Reich, the Holy Roman Empire, Nuremberg had served as one of the locations of the Imperial Diet (central forum). During the Second Reich (the German Empire), the city expanded into a major industrial and cultural hub.
Nuremberg was home to stunning German architecture, a historic castle and an industrial economy. It was the perfect German city to witness the public rise of the Nazis, the implementation of some of their most notorious decrees, and the doling out of final punishments following their swift and ultimate downfall.
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The Nuremberg Rallies
The Nazi rallies made their first appearance in Nuremberg in 1923 and were held sporadically during the party’s rise to power. Beginning in 1933, the rallies were held annually, before ceasing in 1938. The rallies were full-scale productions featuring large numbers of party members, parades, festivals, entertainment, speeches and much more.
The most famous Nazi Party Rally was held in 1934. German filmmaker, Leni Riefenstahl documented the rally which was attended by over 700,000 Nazi supporters. The film became known as Triumph of the Will. It became a massive theatrical success and served as a pinnacle example of the use of propaganda in film.
The Nuremberg Laws
On September 15, 1935, a series of laws were introduced which would forever alter the lives of millions. Known as the Nuremberg Laws, these decrees were designed to severely limit the rights of Jewish people residing in Germany.
The original Nuremberg Laws consisted of two components. The first was known as the Reich Citizenship Law. This law stripped Jews of their right to German citizenship by declaring them a separate race from those of “German or related blood.” Second, the Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honour banned marriage or sexual relations between Jews and “pure” Germans in order to protect against “race defilement.”
The Nuremberg Laws were later expanded to provide a definition for who was considered Jewish. They also went on to include additional people including “Gypsies and Negroes.” These laws were the first legal step in ensuring the Jews and other groups of people were not afforded proper protections under the law.
If you are interested in a more detailed look into some of the top WWII destinations, check out my travel guides.
The Nuremberg Trials
Following the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on May 7, 1945, it was time for justice to be served. The Nuremberg Trials began on November 20, 1945 in the very city which held such symbolic significance to the Third Reich. The original trials (additional trials would be held later), saw 12 high-ranking Nazis sentenced to death, 3 received life imprisonment, 4 received reduced prison terms and 3 others were acquitted.
Some of the notable accused at the trials included:
Hermann Göring – Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe – Göring was sentenced to death by hanging but died of suicide by cyanide capsule the night before his scheduled execution.
Rudolf Hess – Deputy to the Führer until 1941 – Hess was sentenced to life in prison. He was serving his sentence in 1987 when he committed suicide at the age of 93.
Martin Bormann- Head of the Nazi Party Chancellery and Hitler’s private secretary – Bormann was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. However, he had already committed suicide in May 1945. He was tried due to lack of evidence of his death.
Albert Speer – Hitler’s personal architect and Minister of Armaments and War Production – Speer was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. He served his full term and was released in 1966.
The Nuremberg Trials were not only important for the justice they hoped to serve, but also for the changes they brought to international law. The trials introduced several terms which did not exist before and are still widely used today. These terms include “crimes against humanity,” “crimes against peace,” and “genocide.”
Top WWII Sites to Visit in Nuremberg
Due to its close association with the rise, reign and fall of the Nazis, it is unsurprising that Nuremberg’s WWII sites are plentiful. I have outlined the top sites below.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
When considering visiting WWII sites in Nuremberg, the courtroom in which the Nuremberg Trials occurred (Courtroom 600) will certainly top most lists. Visitors can explore Courtroom 600 itself as well as the adjoining exhibition which explains the trials as well as their aftermath. The exhibit is explored through an app based audio guide available in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish.
Address – Bärenschanzstraße 72, 90429 Nürnberg, Germany
Website – Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Hours – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Tickets – 7.50 € (adult)
Looking for more WWII sites? Check out WWII Sites in Europe: The Ultimate Guide.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Housed in the unfinished Nazi Kongresshalle (Congress Hall), this museum covers everything from the rise of the Nazis to the importance of Nuremberg to the party. It also contains exhibits on the crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis and the justice brought forth at the Nuremberg Trials.
***Please note, a new permanent exhibit is being constructed at the museum. It is scheduled to open to the public in late 2026. Please check the website for updates.
Address – Bayernstraße 110, 90478 Nürnberg, Germany
Website – Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Hours – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Tickets – 7.50 € (adult)
Nazi Party Rally Grounds Outdoor Sites
In addition to the Congress Hall, which now houses the museum, visitors to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds can find a variety of sites dedicated to hosting the massive events held annually in Nuremberg. Some of the sites existed before the Nazis and were repurposed. Some of the sites were envisioned but never begun. Still other sites were partially constructed and never completed. Only a handful of the sites listed below were ever completed.
Interior Courtyard of the Congress Hall – This colosseum-like structure was designed to hold over 50,000 people. It would have been the future site of Nazi rallies and is the largest remaining Nazi-built structure.
The Fairground – This area continues to host fairs as it did both before and during the time of the Nazis. It is also the site of a former zoo.
Cornerstone of the German Stadium – This stone is the only part laid of what would have been the largest stadium ever built. It was designed to hold over 400,000 spectators.
Great Dutzendteich Lake – A recreational site since the 18th century, this lake helps visitors appreciate the scale of the massive Congress Hall.
Municipal Stadium – This stadium was used for Hitler Youth parades from 1933 to 1938.
The Zeppelinfield Grandstand – Perhaps the most famous site of the entire grounds, this grandstand was the stage for many Nazi speeches. It could hold up to 50,000 spectators.
Zeppelin Field – This sprawling field could hold up to 200,000 people. It was the site of parades and other political events.
Wanner’s Restaurant – This was another leisure location taken over by the Nazis during their time in Nuremberg. The restaurant was destroyed during the war.
Luitpold Hall – This hall was used as a convention center by the Nazis. It could hold up to 16,000 people.
Luitpold Grove – This area served as another parade ground. It had grandstands for spectators.
Memorial Hall – What started as a memorial to the 9,855 soldiers from Nuremberg who died in WWI was expanded to also include the “Martyrs of the National Socialist Movement” in 1929. Today, the memorial honors the victims of WWI, WWII and those affected by National Socialist tyranny.
The Former Dutzendteich Station – This train station was expanded during the 1930s to accommodate the tens of thousands of people arriving to Nuremberg for rally events.
Back of Zeppelinfield Grandstand – This is the area of the grandstand through which Hitler would have entered to access the “Führer’s Podium.” It is also where important guests accessed their positions on the grandstand.
Transformer Building and Workers’ Housing – Built to supply the grounds, this transformer station was capable of powering a whole city. Nearby were houses built for workers of the grounds.
“Strength Through Joy” City – This field was once the center of the “Strength Through Joy” organization which hosted amusement events and special festivals for rally goers.
Stationbad Swimming Pool – Another recreational facility built before the war, this pool was used by members of the Nazi party.
Great Avenue – This grand boulevard was designed as the centerpiece of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Once completed, it would have stretched for several kilometers and connected the rally grounds with the historic old town of Nuremberg.
Ruins of the Märzfeld Foundations – Designed as a training ground for army maneuvers, the “March Field” would have held up to 250,000 people. It was also designed to have 24 viewing towers surrounding it.
Former Märzfeld Station – A second train station was envisioned in order to accommodate all of the visitors arriving to the rallies. Instead of serving its original purpose, the station ended up transporting 2,000 Jews from surrounding areas to extermination camps.
Silberbuck Hill – This artificial hill was created from piled up rubble from various Nazi construction projects.
German Stadium Excavation/Silbersee Lake – This lake is a result of water filling in the pit created from the building of the German Stadium.
Former SS Barracks – Designed to house members of the SS, these barracks would go on to serve as a training post for radio operators.
World War II Art Bunker
This tunnel complex beneath Nuremberg Castle has a unique tie to the Nazi occupation of Normandy. Due to its close ties to the party, the people of Nuremberg knew the city was unlikely to escape Allied bombing campaigns. Because of this, many of the city’s priceless works of art were hidden 24 meters beneath the historic castle.
Today, visitors can explore these tunnels by guided tour. Learn how the art pieces were kept safe throughout the war and view some of the pieces still on display in the tunnels. Tours are available daily and are kept small with a 20 person maximum. Private group tours are also offered.
Address – Obere Schmiedgasse 5290403 Nuremberg
Website – WWII Art Bunker
Hours – 1:15 pm to 3:15 pm, daily
Tickets – 12 € (adult)
Stolpersteine "Stumbling Blocks"
This memorial art project was started in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig. The “stumbling blocks” are 4-inch brass plates inscribed with the names of victims of Nazi persecution. They are placed outside of their last freely chosen home, workplace or place of study (meaning they are not placed in ghettos or other areas of forced relocation.) These “stones” have been placed in cities across Europe and number over 100,000. Currently, 221 of these memorial plaques are scattered across Nuremberg.
Visit here for a map with each stone’s location around the city. A walking tour past these memorials to the victims of tyranny encompasses one of the most moving WWII sites in Nuremberg.
Plan your next WWII destination. Read all about the top WWII sites in London.
Self-Guided vs. Guided Tour of Nuremberg's WWII Sites
When it comes to planning a visit to Nuremberg’s WWII sites, one of the most important things to consider is whether to book a guided tour or explore on your own. Guided tours allow you to gain a deeper understanding of historical sites. They are also necessary to gain access to certain sites (such as the art bunkers) which may otherwise be off limits. Tour guides in Normandy are generally well-versed on many aspects of the city’s past, before, during and after the war. If you are considering exploring Normandy’s WWII sites by guided tour, I have listed some options below.
While guided tours can be beneficial to gaining a deeper understanding of the historical background, the majority of Nuremberg’s WWII sites can certainly be visited on a self-guided tour of the city. In fact, the sites that make up the Nazi Party Rally Grounds are well-signed and laid out in a way to make exploring on your own a great option. Maps of the sites are available at the Documentation Center or online.
When choosing between a guided or self-guided tour of Nuremberg’s WWII sites, my best advice is to consider both options. If time and budget allow, spend a portion of your time on a guided tour (preferably first). This will allow you to gain the knowledge of an experienced guide before setting off to explore on your own. You can visit sites the tour didn’t cover or return to sites you would like to explore in greater depth.
Travel Tips for Visiting WWII Sites in Nuremberg
When preparing for a trip to visit WWII sites in Nuremberg, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. I have outlined some travel tips below to help you make the most of your trip!
If you are looking to explore sites in the United States, check out WWII Sites in the U.S.: The Ultimate Guide.
Best time to visit (for WWII sites):
If there is one thing most people associate with Nuremberg, apart from its role in WWII, it is its Christmas market. Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in all of Europe. Because of this, expect large crowds and high prices throughout the Christmas season. While I would never discourage anyone from visiting a Christmas market, if your goal is to see Nuremberg’s WWII sites, consider visiting at a different time of year.
Summer in Nuremberg is hot. Many accommodations, particularly in the historic center, are not equipped with air conditioning. If you are traveling during the summer, consider whether or not this is a deal-breaker or opt to find lodging with A/C. In my opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Nuremberg’s WWII sites. They offer pleasant weather, smaller crowds and affordable prices.
Where to stay:
In terms of walkability and ambience, the best place to stay in Nuremberg is the city’s Old Town. The historic core of Nuremberg is charming and shouldn’t be missed. Even though many of the WWII sites in Nuremberg sit outside of the Old Town, this does not change my recommendation to find lodging in the heart of this medieval city. Sites outside of the Old Town are easily reached by public transportation (described below). After taking an evening stroll through the historic streets with the Imperial Castle looming in the background, you will not regret your choice.
Below are a handful of recommended options. Each of the hotels listed was around during the war. Some make it known that they played host to members of the Nazi party while others keep that part of their past a mystery.
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this hotel offers modern elegance in a historic setting. The hotel remained operational during the war, but if any “unsavory” guests stayed in its rooms, the Victoria is remaining tight-lipped about it.
Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg
Unlike other hotels in the town, the Grand Hotel makes no secret of their ties to the war years. This historic hotel hosted many high-ranking members of the Nazi party as well as many people involved in the Nuremberg Trials.
This hotel dates back to 1342 and is considered one of the oldest hotels in Europe. It is located within the Old Town. It is one of the few buildings to be relatively untouched by Allied bombs during the war.
Getting around:
Nuremberg is a very walkable city, particularly in the Old Town. Many of Nuremberg’s WWII sites lie outside of the historic city walls, including the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. When walking is not an option, the city is well served by public transportation (VGN), including buses and trams.
Consider purchasing a Nuremberg Card for your time in the city. This tourist card includes free admission to many sites as well as free travel on all of Nuremberg’s public transportation options.
WWII Sites in Nuremberg: FAQs
There are many places across the world with WWII sites worth visiting. Because of this, deciding where to embark on your next WWII-related adventure can feel overwhelming. I have set out to answer some frequently asked questions regarding Nuremberg’s WWII sites below in order to help you decide if this city is right for you.
Do you know about the WWII Heritage City program? Find your next travel destination at WWII Heritage Cities: A Visitor’s Guide.
Are Nuremberg's WWII sites worth visiting?
Nuremberg played a pivotal role both during and after the war as the site of several Nazi Party Rallies as well as the Nuremberg Trials. These major events mean that the city has many WWII sites worth exploring. However, the cities main claim to war sites often revolve around its strong connection to the Nazi party. Because of this, some people may be hesitant to pay Nuremberg a visit. However, the city’s shear number of WWII-related sites make it a must-visit in my opinion.
The city does a good job of preserving and informing visitors of its past without glorifying its previous tenants. Victims of the Nazi regime are recognized in various ways throughout the city, and the purely Nazi sites are maintained but not celebrated. With all of this in mind, I believe Nuremberg is a worthwhile stop for anyone seeking a city with a lot of WWII sites.
How should I prepare for visiting Nuremberg's WWII sites?
As mentioned above, much of Nuremberg’s wartime history is closely tied to the Nazis. Keep this in mind when you are visiting these sites, particularly if you are visiting with young children who may pose difficult questions. I have listed a handful of films and books to check out before your visit in order to better understand the historical context of the sites you will explore.
Movies
Nuremberg (2005)
Triumph of the Will (1935)
Judgement at Nuremberg (1961)
Books
The Anatomy of the Nuremberg Trials: A Personal Memoir by Telford Taylor
Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial by Joseph Persico
Nuremberg Diary by G.M. Gilbert
How long should I spend in Nuremberg?
Allow at least two full days to visit all of Nuremberg’s WWII sites. The Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Documentation Center occupy large expanses. Plan on at least a half-day to explore this area. On a second day, visit either the WWII Art Bunker or Courtroom 600 (or both!) A stroll through Nuremberg to discover its many “stumbling blocks” is a great way to wrap up a tour of the Nuremberg’s WWII sites while also exploring more of this historic city.
What other WWII sites are nearby?
Nuremberg offers more than enough WWII sites to fill an entire trip. However, there are options nearby for visitors seeking to visit additional WWII sites. A 2-hour drive or train journey to the south will bring you to the infamous gates of Dachau Concentration Camp.
For a slightly closer journey, consider taking a 50 minute train ride into the nearby city of Würzburg. The city was heavily damaged during the war but offers several sites including the reconstructed Würzburg Residence and the site of the former concentration camp at Würzburg.
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