Nördlingen: The Complete Guide

Nordlingen

Nördlingen is a historic town in the region of Swabia, located in Bavaria, Germany. It is situated in a large meteorite crater, and the town’s unique location has made it a popular tourist destination.

One of the town’s most notable attractions is its well-preserved medieval walls, which encircle the town and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the walls and towers, which date back to the 14th century, and take in the picturesque views of the town and the nearby Ries Crater.

Another popular attraction in Nördlingen is the St. George’s Church, which is located in the town’s central square. The church features a striking Gothic interior, and its tower provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape.

The town also has a number of other historic buildings, including the historic town hall and the Heilig-Geist-Spital, a former hospital that now houses a museum and art gallery.

Nördlingen is also known for its annual Kinderzeche festival, which celebrates the town’s history and culture. The festival takes place in July and features a range of events, including traditional music, dance performances, and a historical parade.

Overall, Nördlingen is a charming town with a rich history and a range of attractions for visitors to explore. Its unique location and well-preserved architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Bavaria.

History of Nördlingen

Nördlingen’s Prehistoric and Early Medieval Foundations (Prehistoric–9th Century)

Evidence shows human activity around Nördlingen dating back to the Neolithic era, with flint tools and pottery fragments uncovered near the Ries crater’s rim. By the early Middle Ages, a wooden refuge and small market community had formed on the raised plateau above the crater basin. This nascent settlement leveraged the meteorite-formed terrain for natural defense and slowly evolved into a stop for regional trade routes.

Nördlingen in the High and Late Middle Ages (10th–15th Centuries)

In the 10th century, Nördlingen emerged as a fortified market town under ecclesiastical and noble oversight. Stone walls and gate towers began replacing timber palisades in the 11th and 12th centuries, culminating in the impressive circular fortifications that still gird the town today. The 13th century brought Imperial Free City status, fueling a boom in crafts—especially cloth-weaving and tanning—and the expansion of the marketplace around St. Georg’s Church.

Nördlingen’s Role in the Reformation and the Thirty Years’ War (16th–17th Centuries)

During the 16th century, Nördlingen’s city council adopted Lutheran reforms, closing monasteries and reorganizing church property. However, the town’s strategic walls drew it into conflict during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1634, the Battle of Nördlingen saw Imperial-Spanish forces defeat the Swedish-Protestant army in a bloody engagement that left parts of the town damaged and its economy strained for decades.

Nördlingen’s Early Modern Recovery and Baroque Influence (18th Century)

After the devastations of war, Nördlingen entered a period of slow recovery in the 18th century. Baroque architecture softened the medieval skyline, as wealthy merchants financed new townhouses and ornate guildhalls. While the walls and towers remained integral defensive symbols, they were also transformed into promenades and viewpoints, reflecting a quieter era of civic pride and cultural renewal.

Nördlingen’s Industrialization and 19th-Century Growth

The 19th century introduced rail connections that integrated Nördlingen into wider economic networks. Small factories and workshops sprouted near the station, producing machinery parts and textiles. Population growth prompted limited expansion beyond the medieval walls, with new residential quarters emerging along the river and main roads—as well as the first public schools and hospital.

Nördlingen through the World Wars and Reconstruction (20th Century)

Nördlingen experienced minimal direct bombardment during both world wars but still contributed manpower and materials to wartime efforts. In the post-1945 era, reconstruction emphasized modern utilities while preserving historical fabric. Restoration projects in the 1960s and ’70s stabilized the ancient walls and rehabilitated the Daniel tower, ensuring the medieval core remained intact amid gradual modernization.

Nördlingen’s Contemporary Heritage and Community (21st Century)

Today, Nördlingen balances living traditions with tourism. Annual medieval markets and wall-walking festivals celebrate the town’s unique circular fortifications, while local industries in precision engineering and renewable energy drive economic vitality. Community initiatives have reinvigorated traditional crafts workshops, and adaptive reuse of old mills and barns has created art spaces and cafés—blending centuries-old heritage with modern communal life.

Visiting Nördlingen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Nördlingen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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8 Best places to See in Nördlingen

This complete guide to Nördlingen not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Nördlingen and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Rathaus am Marktplatz, Nördlingen

Nordlingen Marktplatz E1684081905147
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007
Rathaus am Marktplatz, also known as the Nördlingen Town Hall, is a historic building located in the center of the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. The building dates back to the 14th century and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The building's most distinctive feature is its impressive tower, which stands over 130 feet tall and dominates the surrounding…
Location: Marktplatz, Nördlingen, Germany | Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Rathaus am Marktplatz, Nördlingen

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Saint George's Church, Nördlingen

Noerdlingen Sankt Georg
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tkx
Saint George's Church is a prominent landmark and historic church located in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. The church dates back to the 14th century and is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and impressive size. One of the most notable features of the church is its impressive tower, which stands over 300 feet tall and is visible from…
Location: Saint George Church, Marktplatz, Nördlingen, Germany | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Saint George's Church, Nördlingen

Here are all your hotel options in Nördlingen.

The Daniel Tower

Kirchturm Daniel
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Rufus46
Kirchturm Daniel, also known as the Daniel Tower, is a prominent tower located in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. The tower is part of the St. Georg church, which is the main church in Nördlingen. The Daniel Tower is the tallest tower of the church and stands at a height of approximately 350 feet (106 meters). It was built…
Location: Kirchturm Daniel, Windgäßchen, Nördlingen, Germany | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting The Daniel Tower

Explore Nördlingen yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Nördlingen City Museum

Nordlingen City Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007
Located in the historic Holy Spirit Hospital, the Nördlingen City Museum (Stadtmuseum) is a treasure trove of history spread across four fascinating floors. Through its engaging exhibitions, the museum delves into the rich tapestry of life in Nördlingen, showcasing the beliefs, customs, and significant events that have shaped the town. Visitors can immerse themselves in the profound changes brought about…
Location: Vordere Gerbergasse 1, 86720 Nördlingen, Germany | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Nördlingen City Museum

Nördlingen City Museum

Nordlingen City Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007
Located in the historic Holy Spirit Hospital, the Nördlingen City Museum (Stadtmuseum) is a treasure trove of history spread across four fascinating floors. Through its engaging exhibitions, the museum delves into the rich tapestry of life in Nördlingen, showcasing the beliefs, customs, and significant events that have shaped the town. Visitors can immerse themselves in the profound changes brought about…
Location: Stadtmuseum im Hl.-Geist-Spital, Vordere Gerbergasse 1, 86720 Nördlingen, Deutschland | Hours: March 14th to November 5th Tuesday-Sunday 1.30pm-4.30pm | Price: Adults €5.00 All admission tickets are also valid in the RiesKraterMuseum on the day of purchase! | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Nördlingen City Museum

Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Infozentrum Geopark Ries
© Geopark Ries information center
The Infozentrum Geopark Ries is a compact and complimentary exhibition dedicated to the Nördlingen Ries and Geopark. While there may be some overlap with the neighboring Rieskrater Museum, the focus here is primarily on the local area, showcasing aspects such as flora, fauna, and enticing walking trails for visitors to explore. Within the exhibit, visitors can find information leaflets in…
Location: Geopark Ries, Oskar-Mayer-Straße, Nördlingen, Germany | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Rieskrater Museum

Rieskrater Museum
Public Domain / Tueftli
The Rieskrater Museum is a geological and natural history museum located in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of the Ries crater, a large impact crater that was formed by a meteorite impact approximately 15 million years ago. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and geology…
Location: Rieskrater Museum, Eugene-Shoemaker-Platz, Nördlingen, Germany | Hours: 04/01/2023 – 11/05/2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m 11/07/2023 to 03/22/2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m English audio guide available. | Price: Adult €5.00 Children €2.00 | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Rieskrater Museum

Stadtmauer Museum

Stadtmauermuseum Nordlingen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007
The Stadtmauermuseum, or City Wall Museum, is located in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria, Germany. The museum is housed in one of the towers of the town's historic city wall and is dedicated to the history and preservation of the wall and the town. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and architecture of the city…
Location: Stadtmauermuseum, An der Löpsinger Mauer, Nördlingen, Germany | Hours: 10 AM - 4.40 PM | Price: €2 | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Stadtmauer Museum

Best Day Trips from Nördlingen

A day trip from Nördlingen offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Nördlingen provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Harburg Castle

Harburg In Schwaben Burg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007
Harburg Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Harburg in Bavaria, Germany. It was built in the 11th century and is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in southern Germany. The castle consists of several courtyards and towers, including a massive 70-meter high keep that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the…
Location: Harburg Castle, Burgstraße, Harburg, Germany | Hours: 03/11/2023 to 11/05/2023: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m | Price: Courtyard Entrance: Adults €3.50 | Website | Distance: 16.2km
Visiting Harburg Castle

Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbuhl
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mylius
Dinkelsbühl, nestled in the heart of Bavaria’s Franconian region along the famed Romantic Road, greets visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval walls and colorful half-timbered houses. Begin your day wandering the pedestrianized streets of the Old Town, where artisan shops, bakeries, and cozy cafés line the cobbles. Stop for a freshly baked Brötchen and a strong German coffee at a…
Visiting Dinkelsbühl
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Augsburg

Augsburg
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Guido Radig
Augsburg, nestled in the Swabian region of Bavaria in southern Germany, offers a delightful blend of urban charm and green retreats. Begin your visit at the bustling Rathausplatz, where the Renaissance Town Hall and Perlachturm tower over lively cafés and street musicians. Just a short stroll away, the historic Fuggerei—world’s oldest social housing complex—invites you to wander its peaceful courtyards…
Visiting Augsburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Public Domain / Berthold Werner
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, nestled in the heart of Bavaria’s Franconian wine country, feels like a living storybook town the moment you step through its medieval gates. Begin your visit with a gentle walk along the town walls—each step offers a different vantage point over the terracotta rooftops and surrounding countryside. Inside the walls, the pedestrian-only lanes are lined with…
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Röttingen

Rottingen City Walls
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007
Röttingen sits in the heart of Bavaria’s Lower Franconia region, offering a wonderfully compact old town that’s perfect for leisurely exploration. Begin by wandering the medieval walls and gates that encircle the Market Square, where charming half-timbered houses give way to artisan bakeries and cozy cafés. Mid-morning, settle at an outdoor table overlooking the Tauber River to enjoy a freshly…
Visiting Röttingen
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Bad Mergentheim

Bad Mergentheim
CC BY-SA 24.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Bad Mergentheim is a spa town located in the northeastern part of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The town is situated in the scenic Tauber Valley and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and therapeutic mineral springs. One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Deutschordensschloss, or the Castle of the Teutonic Order, which was built…
Visiting Bad Mergentheim

Stuttgart

Stuttgart Castle
Stuttgart, located in the southwest of Germany in the region of Baden-Württemberg, is a city that blends modern innovation with green living. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and extensive parks, Stuttgart offers a refreshing mix of nature and urban life. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from spots like the Killesberg Park or the TV Tower, while easily accessing the…
Visiting Stuttgart
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Würzburg

Wurzburg
Würzburg sits amid the rolling vineyards of the Main Valley in northern Bavaria, Germany, making it a perfect base for exploring both river-side promenades and hillside wine trails. Its compact city center is easily walkable, with pedestrianized lanes linking café-lined squares to the Baroque grandeur of the Residenz and the cathedral. Strolling along the Alte Mainbrücke at sunset—where locals gather…
Visiting Würzburg

Bamberg

Bamberg Scaled
© 2025 Noamds Travel Guide
Situated in Upper Franconia, Germany, near the confluence of the Regnitz and Main rivers, Bamberg is a town with a rich history dating back to the 9th century, deriving its name from the nearby Babenberch castle. Renowned for its exceptional beauty, the old town of Bamberg is considered one of Germany's most captivating destinations, characterized by its medieval streets and…
Visiting Bamberg
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Füssen

Fussen
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wolkenkratzer
Füssen, nestled in the heart of Bavaria’s Allgäu region near the Austrian border, greets visitors with a picture-perfect Old Town framed by pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone lanes. Its compact pedestrian zone leads naturally from the baroque St. Mang’s Abbey to the Lech River, where shaded benches invite you to linger over a gelato or a stein of local beer. Quaint…
Visiting Füssen
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Heidelberg

Heidelberg
Heidelberg, located in the region of Baden-Württemberg, is one of Germany’s most picturesque and romantic cities. Nestled along the Neckar River and surrounded by forested hills, it offers a stunning natural setting paired with classic architecture. The city’s famous castle ruins, cobbled old town, and riverside walks create a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere that appeals to couples, photographers, and curious…
Visiting Heidelberg
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Where to Stay in Nördlingen

Nördlingen’s medieval Altstadt, perfectly preserved within its circular city walls, is the quintessential place to stay for first-time visitors. Winding cobblestone lanes radiate out from the market square and St. Georg’s Church, putting you steps from bakeries, cafés, and the famous Daniel tower. A standout choice here is Ringhotel Loew’s Merkur, which offers spacious rooms in a historic building just off the main square, plus an excellent breakfast buffet to fuel your wall walk.

Just beyond the walls, the Bahnhofviertel (Train Station Quarter) combines convenience with modern comforts. You’ll find simple guesthouses and business hotels that are ideal if you’re arriving by rail or renting a car. A reliable pick is Hotel Goldener Adler, where you can park easily, enjoy contemporary décor, and still be only a ten-minute stroll from the old town gates.

For a quieter, more residential vibe, head to the Grünes Viertel on the town’s eastern edge. This leafy district features family-run pensions and B\&Bs nestled among small parks and playgrounds—perfect if you’re traveling with children or pets. Consider Hotel am Kocherpark, which backs onto green lawns and offers cozy, cottage-style rooms with garden views.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in the wider Ries region, base yourself in one of the charming hamlets just outside Nördlingen’s walls. These villages boast half-timbered farmhouses converted into guesthouses, where you can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts and explore the gentle countryside trails by bike or on foot. A delightful countryside retreat is Landgasthof Riesblick, offering rustic rooms, panoramic views of the crater landscape, and hearty regional cuisine in its tavern.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Nördlingen. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Nördlingen Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Nördlingen

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Nördlingen in Spring

Spring (March–May) sees Nördlingen’s medieval walls ringed by blooming cherry and apple trees, making strolls along the Stadtmauer particularly charming. In late April, the Frühlingserwachen market brings local artisans to the Marktplatz with handmade crafts, seasonal produce, and live folk music. Mild temperatures and fewer visitors make spring ideal for exploring the historic core and climbing the Daniel tower for panoramic views of the Ries crater.

Nördlingen in Summer (Best)

Summer (June–August) is widely considered the best time to visit Nördlingen. The highlight is the Kinderzeche festival in early July—a lively celebration of a 17th-century legend where children march in colorful costumes, reenactments fill the streets, and fireworks crown the evenings. In late August, the Stadtmauerfest turns the walls into open-air stages with medieval entertainers, jugglers, and taverns serving local beer beneath torchlit ramparts. Long, sunny days let you soak in the town’s unique circular layout and relaxed al fresco dining.

Nördlingen in Autumn

Autumn (September–November) paints the Ries landscape in gold and rust, perfect for cycling or hiking the crater rim paths just outside town. In October, the Herbstmarkt offers tastings of Franconian wines and freshly pressed cider alongside hearty bratwurst and roast chestnuts. Crisp mornings invite peaceful wall walks shrouded in mist, while the early closing of summer attractions makes autumn a quieter, more reflective season to enjoy Nördlingen’s architectural treasures.

Nördlingen in Winter

Winter (December–February) lends Nördlingen a tranquil, snow-dusted beauty. From late November, the traditional Christmas market fills the Marktplatz with wooden chalets selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted ornaments. Carolers perform beneath the Daniel tower, and guided torchlight tours of the walls evoke the town’s medieval past. Though temperatures can dip below freezing, warm taverns and the glow of market lights create an intimate and festive atmosphere.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 4°C
  • February 6°C
  • March 10°C
  • April 16°C
  • May 18°C
  • June 22°C
  • July 24°C
  • August 25°C
  • September 21°C
  • October 16°C
  • November 8°C
  • December 6°C

How to get to Nördlingen

Getting to Nördlingen by air

Major International Airports

The closest major airport is Munich Airport (MUC), about 200 km southeast. Stuttgart Airport (STR) is roughly 150 km west, and Nuremberg Airport (NUE) lies 180 km to the north.

Airport Transfer Options

From Munich Airport, take the S-Bahn to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then a direct ICE/IC to Augsburg or Donauwörth and change for a regional train to Nördlingen. Similar connections run from Stuttgart and Nürnberg via Stuttgart Hbf or Nürnberg Hbf.

Getting to Nördlingen by train

Main Rail Operators

Typical Connections

  • From Munich: Regional Express via Donauwörth takes about 2 h.
  • From Stuttgart: IC/RE via Ulm in around 2 h 30 min.
  • From Nuremberg: RE via Ansbach and Gunzenhausen in roughly 2 h.

Getting to Nördlingen by Car

Motorways and Routes

Nördlingen sits at the intersection of the A7 and B25. From the A7, exit at “Nördlingen Nord” and follow signs into the town center.

Parking in Nördlingen

Several Park & Ride lots encircle the walls, connected by shuttle bus. Central options include the Graben-Parkhaus and Markt-Parkhaus near St. Georg’s Church.

If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling around Nördlingen

Nördlingen’s historic core is best explored on foot—circle the full 2.7 km of intact city walls for panoramic views. Local buses connect the train station to outlying neighborhoods and the Ries Crater Museum. Bike rentals at the station make it easy to explore the surrounding crater landscape along marked cycling routes.

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