Visiting the medieval walled town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany
Sited in a crater along the Romantic Road
Just like its Bavarian neighbours north along the Romantische Straße of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen is a rare example of medieval town entirely encircled by its historical walls and towers.
Marktplatz and Tanzhaus
Gary and I have visited all three towns, and I’ll be upfront with you; Nördlingen isn’t quite as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl.
However, it has an incredible amount of charm, history, and the crowds are few and far between.
Quick Links
Medieval walls, ramparts and Löpsinger Tor
Nördlingen has the colourful quaint half-timbered buildings and an ancient covered medieval sentry wall but also has the feel of a town that’s very much still in the hands of its locals.
Touchy-feely town map
The location of Nördlingen is exceptionally unique as it sits in the middle of a giant crater created 15 million years ago. It is believed that the meteorite that hit the earth forming the Ries crater was 1km wide.
Romantic Road
If you’re looking to visit Bavaria, be sure to pick up the Romantic Road. You may recognise Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Neuschwanstein from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There are also the lovely towns of Füssen and Augsburg to visit.
Treading in ancient footsteps
We love visiting these historic Bavarian towns, as so often it’s not just the beautiful buildings in the heart of the city that have a story to tell. If you wander just a few streets back, this is where daily life unfolds, and some little gems can be found.
So, armed with our map, we set off on a discovery of the historic walled town of Nördlingen to see what we could find within its 3km walls.
The Klösterle, once a Franciscan monastery
Gabled home in Hafenmarkt
We didn’t need to wander too far, as right next to our hotel NH Klösterle Nördlingen in the centre of town, is the Klösterle. Once a Franciscan monastery, then after the Reformation in 16th-century it was used as a granary.
A reference guide
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Marktplatz, Nördlingen
Heading into the Old Town square, there are so many buildings full of character. Immediately you’ll notice the striking Gothic hall church, of St George’s. Although it’s the 90m tower that will catch your attention, which is named “Daniel’. If the mood takes you, you can even climb up it.
St George’s Church
Daniel Tower on St. George’s Church
Just by the church in Marktplatz is the 15th Century Trading Hall, known as the Tanzhaus. This beautiful hall was mainly used by the Cloth Traders of the town.
The local storks appear to have made the top of the Tanzhaus their home too.
15th Century Tanzhaus – Trading Hall
Then there’s the attractive Rathaus, which no German town would be complete without.
This 13th-century Town Hall has been used continually since 1832, by the ‘parliament’ of Nördlingen.
Take a peek around the back of the Rathaus, and there’s an incredible flight of Renaissance style stairs built-in 1618.
A bit more info
If you’re tempted with visiting Bavaria, the local tourism website gives some handy pointers.
13th Century Rathaus (Town Hall)
Rathaus with external Renaissance stairs
Tanners District
Stroll to the north within the ancient walls, and you’ll find the ‘Tanners District”. Here amongst the peaceful cobbled lanes are half-timbered homes, gabled buildings, and a tranquil stream keeping the watermill turning.
16th Century half-timbered building
Neumühle – Bottom driven watermill
Immaculate homes with the Nördlingen town walls
This is a lovely part of the town and so quiet. The only folk who were around, were groups of archers out and about, on an organised event and locals tending to their gardens.
Picturesque balconies on a local home
Gates, Towers and medieval walls
As I mentioned, one of the unique points of this historic town is the medieval wall that completely encircles Nördlingen. Having thankfully escaped the devastation that WWII inflicted on other cities and villages around the country, you must take to the ramparts a go for a stroll.
St George’s church and Daniel Tower
Strolling along the walls
You get a wonderful view across the rooftops of Nördlingen, with the centre point always being Daniel tower. The townsfolk have even made an effort to paint their satellite dishes terracotta colour, so they don’t stand out.
Feilturm, this tower was once used as a prison
Spitzturm rebuilt in 1592
Hit the road
Discover more of Germany on a road trip like us, if your unable to bring your own car or are flying into this lovely country give Rental Cars a go, as they search multiple well-known car hire brands for the best deals.
Nördlingen to Munich is around 90 miles (155km) or alternatively if you’re in Nuremberg, it is only 60 miles (96km).
Stroll around the ramparts
There are so many towers strategically located all around the ancient walls. Various levels of restoration have been carried out over the centuries, one of the towers Feilturm was once used as a prison.
Reimlinger Tor
Along with the numerous towers are five gates leading into Nördlingen centre. The Reimlinger Tor is the oldest of the five, parts of which date from the 14th-century. This road leads to Augsburg along the ‘Romantic Road’.
Deininger Tor
Löpsinger Tor
Continuing further around the ramparts we come to the Deininger Tor and then Löpsinger Tor. The Löpsinger Tor now houses the ‘Townwalls’ museum which is displayed over six floors.
Silver Screen
To get a bird’s eye view of Nördlingen, take a look at the final scene in the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. As the elevator soars above the rooftops, you’ll see Nördlingen below.
Quirky little things
Just strolling around the lanes of any village, town or city you come across some unusual things. It’s what makes a place unique and memorable. In historical locations like Nördlingen in Bavaria, you never know what you’ll find.
Greeting at your front door
Cheeky little fella
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