Voyage of the Wandering Momager: Secrets Behind the Walls: The Fascinating, Fierce, and Freaky History of Nuremberg Castle

Article: Alicia De Roma (a.k.a Loco Coco)

Photos: Norma Fincher

High above the medieval skyline of Nuremberg, Germany, stands a fortress that has witnessed centuries of secrets, sieges, and stories: the mighty Nuremberg Castle. But behind its stone walls lies more than just history — there’s mystery, myths, and a few bizarre surprises that even the locals whisper about.

A Fortress Fit for Emperors

Dating back to at least the 11th century, Nuremberg Castle (Nürnberger Burg) was one of the most important imperial castles of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1050 to 1571, almost every emperor stayed here at some point during their reign. This wasn't just a pit stop—it was a symbol of royal power and a political hub. The emperors didn’t own their own castles, so they traveled from one fortress to another. Nuremberg Castle was one of their crown jewels.

A City Protected by Myth and Stone

The castle’s position atop a sandstone ridge made it nearly impenetrable, but the town didn’t rely only on strong walls. Local legend claims that a dragon once lived beneath the city in the sandstone caves and guarded the castle from invaders. Some say the dragon still sleeps beneath the old city… waiting.

Weird Fact: A Medieval Bathroom Worth Talking About

Believe it or not, one of the oldest surviving features of Nuremberg Castle is its medieval toilet system. Known as a “garderobe,” it’s essentially a stone bench with a hole, but what makes it weirdly fascinating is that the waste dropped straight down the outer castle wall. Enemies attempting to scale the wall weren’t just met with arrows… let’s just say it wasn’t a pleasant climb.

Hidden Treasures & Secret Passages

While much of the castle is open to tourists today, rumors persist that hidden tunnels beneath the castle once allowed VIPs to escape during sieges—or sneak in under the cover of night. And while no treasure has been officially “discovered,” stories of buried gold and hidden relics continue to swirl.

The Deep Well That Keeps Secrets

One of the castle’s coolest (and creepiest) features is the Deep Well, which plunges over 50 meters (164 feet) into the earth. Legend has it that the well holds not only water—but lost secrets. Tour guides demonstrate its depth by pouring water and waiting... several suspenseful seconds later, you hear it splash. Some believe it was also used to toss in confidential messages—or enemies.

War, Wreckage, and Restoration

The castle was badly damaged during World War II bombing raids. But like a phoenix from the ashes, Nuremberg Castle was painstakingly restored in the post-war years, preserving both its Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience.

Did You Know?

• The castle includes a chapel with two levels, one for royalty and one for commoners—emphasizing the divine social order of medieval times.

• The castle's "Kaisersaal" (Emperor’s Hall) still holds ceremonial weapons and suits of armor, but it's the intricate murals on the walls that whisper tales of ancient power plays.

• During the Middle Ages, the castle doubled as a prison. Some visitors claim to feel a sudden coldness in certain corners—especially near the former dungeon…

Final Thoughts

Nuremberg Castle is more than just a pile of stones and turrets—it’s a living legend perched above one of Germany’s most storied cities. Whether you come for the imperial history, the panoramic views, or the creepy old toilets, this fortress promises a journey into the unexpected.