Rathaus am Marktplatz, Nördlingen

Town Hall in Nördlingen

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007

Rathaus am Marktplatz, the Nördlingen Town Hall, stands right at the centre of the historic market square and forms the civic heart of this perfectly round medieval town. Dating back to the 14th century, the town hall showcases elegant Gothic architecture, with its most striking feature being the tower that rises over 130 feet above the surrounding rooftops. From the square below, its façade, gables and clock make a strong impression, especially when framed by the colourful merchants' houses and café terraces around the Marktplatz.

Climb the tower and Nördlingen opens up in a series of red roofs, narrow streets and the full circle of city walls beyond. The views are superb and pair perfectly with a later walk along the ramparts. Inside, the Rathaus reveals ornate historic rooms, paintings and sculptures that reflect centuries of local government, trade and ceremony. Even today, it remains a working town hall, housing the mayor and council, which makes a visit feel like stepping into a living institution rather than a static museum. It is one of the best places to visit in Nördlingen if you want to understand how civic life still beats at the centre of this medieval town, and a highlight of any walking tour of Nördlingen.

History and Significance of the Rathaus am Marktplatz
Things to See and Do in the Rathaus am Marktplatz
How to Get to the Rathaus am Marktplatz
Practical Tips on Visiting the Rathaus am Marktplatz
Where to Stay close to the Rathaus am Marktplatz
Is the Rathaus am Marktplatz Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Rathaus am Marktplatz
Nearby Attractions to the Rathaus am Marktplatz

History and Significance of the Rathaus am Marktplatz

The Rathaus am Marktplatz has its roots in the 14th century, when Nördlingen prospered as an imperial town on key trade routes through Swabia. Erecting an imposing Gothic town hall in the middle of the square was a clear statement of civic pride and autonomy, symbolising the rights and responsibilities of the town council and guilds. Over the centuries, the building has been altered and restored, but its medieval core and Gothic character remain very much in evidence.

As the administrative centre, the Rathaus was where decisions about markets, taxation, building regulations and the defence of the town were made. It watched over the Marktplatz, where merchants traded grain, livestock, textiles and other goods under the eye of city officials. The tower served both practical and symbolic roles: it gave views over the town and countryside for watchmen and, at the same time, stood as a marker of Nördlingen’s status and stability.

Today, the town hall still houses key municipal offices, including the mayor and council chambers. Ceremonies, receptions and official events are held in its historic rooms, linking modern local democracy with the town’s medieval self-governance. The building’s continued use is part of what makes it so compelling: when you visit, you glimpse not just the past, but the ongoing life of a small Bavarian town that still uses its historic centre for everyday civic business.

Things to See and Do in the Rathaus am Marktplatz

Start in the market square itself, taking time to walk around the Rathaus and view it from different angles. The Gothic elements of the façade, the tower and the roofline come into focus as you move, and it is easy to imagine the square filled with market stalls and traders as it has been for centuries. On market days, local produce and crafts are still sold here, and the noise of conversation and the smell of food drifting from nearby cafés bring the whole scene to life.

Inside the town hall, visitors can admire ornate decorations, historic paintings and sculptures that chart the story of Nördlingen’s civic elite and their role in governing the town. Meeting rooms and ceremonial halls often feature wood panelling, coats of arms and portraits, reflecting the importance of the building as a place for negotiations, agreements and celebrations. Even if access is limited to certain areas, what you do see gives a strong sense of tradition and continuity.

If tower access is available during your visit, the climb is well worth the effort. As you ascend, you move through the working fabric of the building and out towards the open air. From the top, the vista stretches across the Marktplatz, Saint George's Church, the complete ring of town walls and the wider Ries crater landscape. It is an excellent place for photos and for getting your bearings before exploring further on foot.

When you step back outside, make time to wander around the square and its neighbouring streets. Historic buildings, arcades, shops and cafés form a charming backdrop to the Rathaus, and seasonal events or markets often turn the area into a lively stage for local life. Sitting with a coffee and watching people move in and out of the town hall can be as revealing as any formal tour.

How to Get to the Rathaus am Marktplatz

For most international visitors, the nearest major gateways are Nuremberg Airport and Munich Airport, both of which offer good European and long-haul connections and easy onward links into Bavaria and the Romantic Road region. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Nördlingen on Booking.com. From either city you can continue to Nördlingen by train or car.

By train, regional services connect Nördlingen with cities such as Nuremberg, Munich, Augsburg and Aalen, usually with one or more changes depending on your route.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From Nördlingen’s railway station, it is a short walk through one of the medieval gates into the old town; follow signs for the Marktplatz and you will soon see the Rathaus rising on the central square.

If you are driving, you can reach Nördlingen via the A7 motorway and regional roads like the B25 and B466, following signs into town and parking in one of the car parks just outside the walls.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. From there, walk through the historic gates and along cobbled streets to the Marktplatz, where the town hall stands prominently among other historic buildings.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Rathaus am Marktplatz

Suggested tips: Combine a visit to the Rathaus with time on the market square and nearby streets; it works well together with a climb up Kirchturm Daniel and a circuit of the town walls.
Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon is ideal, especially on market days when the square is lively; evenings are atmospheric for photos of the illuminated façades, even if the interior is closed.
Entrance fee: Free for public areas
Opening 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
How long to spend: Allow around 30-60 minutes to explore the accessible interiors and tower (if open), plus extra time to enjoy the Marktplatz and nearby streets.
Accessibility: The ground floor and some interior areas may be accessible, but tower access involves stairs and is not suitable for visitors with significant mobility issues; check in advance for step-free entry points.
Facilities: This is a working town hall, so facilities focus on administration rather than tourism; public toilets and cafés are available around the market square and throughout the old town.
Photography tip: Capture wide shots of the Rathaus with the market square and surrounding houses, then look for details like carved stone, coats of arms and window tracery; if you climb the tower, use the height to frame Saint George's Church and the circular town walls.
Guided tours: Consider joining a guided city tour that includes the town hall; local guides can explain how the Rathaus fits into Nördlingen’s history, from medieval guilds to modern municipal government.
Nearby food options: The Marktplatz and adjacent streets are lined with cafés, bakeries and restaurants, making it easy to combine your visit with a relaxed coffee, cake or meal while you enjoy views of the town hall.

Where to Stay close to the Rathaus am Marktplatz

Because Rathaus am Marktplatz stands right on Nördlingen's central square, staying in or near the medieval old town makes it very convenient to visit. For a comfortable and central base, NH Klösterle Nördlingen offers modern facilities in a historic complex only a short stroll from the Marktplatz and main sights. A family-friendly choice nearby is JUFA Hotel Nördlingen, which provides easy access to the old town, town walls and museums while giving you a relaxed place to unwind after sightseeing. If you prefer a smaller, traditional stay, Hotel Goldene Rose places you close to one of the town gates and within a pleasant walk of the Rathaus and central square.

Is the Rathaus am Marktplatz Worth Visiting

If you want to get a real feel for Nördlingen's civic life and medieval character, the Rathaus am Marktplatz is definitely worth visiting. Its Gothic architecture, historic interiors and tower views make it visually impressive, while its role as a working town hall anchors it firmly in the daily life of residents. Standing in the market square with the Rathaus on one side and Saint George's Church nearby, you are right at the core of Nördlingen's history and present. For many travellers, that blend of beauty, authenticity and activity makes the town hall one of the must-see places in Nördlingen.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (18)

Marktplatz, Marktpl. 10-12, 86720 Nördlingen, Germany, is a lively, picturesque town square in a compact old town with many bars, restaurants and well-spaced shops; visitors praise its pleasant atmosphere, plentiful ice cream stands and the impressive, walkable city walls that offer lovely views, and several recommend combining a visit with the nearby Ries Crater Museum.

Karoong kungzZ

3 months ago

"very lifely market"

Mar Kendrick Quidit

a year ago

"this place is useful to but the Legend says that wall is on Attack On Titan base on true story wall name is WallMaria"

Agnes Giehl

4 months ago

"A very beautiful old town with a wide selection of bars and restaurants. Almost all of the shops belong to a chain, but they're all well-spaced andrecommendable. Delicious ice cream is available on almost every corner in the old town. The city walls are truly worth seeing; you can walk along them, and the views are beautiful. We'll definitely be back...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Rathaus am Marktplatz

Rathaus am Marktplatz stands on the central market square in the heart of Nördlingen’s medieval old town, within the ring of city walls.

In many cases, parts of the building are accessible to visitors, especially during working hours or on guided tours, though some rooms remain reserved for administrative use.

Yes, at certain times visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside; check locally for current access times and any fees.

Around 30-60 minutes is usually enough to see the accessible interiors, climb the tower if open and spend some time on the market square.

The town hall and surrounding buildings are often attractively lit after dark, making the Marktplatz a pleasant place for an evening stroll and night photography.

Nearby Attractions to the Rathaus am Marktplatz

Saint George's Church and Kirchturm Daniel: Nördlingen's main Gothic church with a tall tower offering 360-degree views over the circular town and Ries crater.
Nördlingen Town Walls: A complete circuit of medieval walls and towers that you can walk, starting and finishing easily near the Marktplatz.
Nördlingen City Museum (Stadtmuseum): Housed in the former Holy Spirit Hospital, with four floors of exhibits on local history, art and daily life.
Rieskrater Museum: A specialised museum explaining the meteorite impact that formed the Ries crater, with impact rocks, meteorites and a small planetarium.
Infozentrum Geopark Ries: A compact information centre focused on the local Geopark, with displays on geology, flora, fauna and recommended walking routes in the crater landscape.

The Rathaus am Marktplatz appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Nördlingen!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!