Hersbruck: City History, Museums and Paths Along the Pegnitz
Accommodation in Hersbruck
Hersbruck combines medieval city history with museums, paths along the Pegnitz and opportunities for active days. Between the battlement walk, historic houses and exhibitions, there are a variety of themes to explore during your stay: you can take an interest in art and history, consider cycling or hiking tours, or spend time at the Strudelbad swimming pool.
Discover the City’s History
The Mauerweg forms part of the city’s last fortifications, dating from the 14th or 15th century. Its covered battlement walk is accessible, about 1.5 metres thick and 5 to 6 metres high. The path illustrates the scale of the fortifications; the height given refers to the wall, not a hiking route. The Gänsturm, also called the Schwalbenturm, tells another story of the city’s historic infrastructure: the round tower was built in the 15th century. From 1537 to 1895, it collected spring water, which was carried through wooden pipes to six fountains in the city centre.
The Wassertor was rebuilt in 1601/02 and stands beside a bridge over a man-made branch of the Pegnitz. The castle offers another historic link to the river: before the year 1000, it was built as a fortress to protect the Pegnitz bridge. Prager Straße reveals another part of the city’s history. It forms part of the “Golden Road” between Nuremberg and Prague and was incorporated into the city fortifications in the 15th century. Tall burghers’ houses with hop-drying floors and hoist projections are among the street’s characteristic architectural features.
Churches also make worthwhile stops on a cultural history walk. The Spitalkirche St. Elisabeth was built in the first half of the 15th century; inside is a late Gothic crucifixion altar with carvings from the Veit Stoss school. The Stadtkirche St. Maria has an important late Gothic winged altar dating from around 1480. If you are especially interested in religious art, you can discover these two altars as distinct examples of late Gothic woodcarving.
Museums, Art and Special Collections
The German Shepherds’ Museum is devoted to shepherds’ culture and is Germany’s only museum on this subject. It is housed in a two-storey burgher’s house dating from 1524. Special exhibitions explore topics such as shepherds, crafts, everyday culture and art; the building also houses local history collections and a craft section. Interactive activity stations offer a playful way to experience how people and livestock live together. Visitors can explore the museum through its historic objects and crafts as well as its hands-on activities.
The Hersbruck Art Museum showcases contemporary art, painting, sculpture and object art. A visit also offers the chance to stroll through the sculpture garden of the small half-timbered house. The K5 Regional Art Forum Hersbruck offers a different perspective on art from the surrounding area, with changing exhibitions by regional artists. If you are interested in technology and vehicles, Dauphin Speed Event has a private collection of classic automobiles, including racing and sports cars as well as motorcycles. These varied collections let you choose according to your interests, without every attraction having to follow the same theme.
Exploring the Pegnitz and Surrounding Area
Hiking trails cross Hersbruck and run along the Pegnitz or through its numerous side valleys. Almost all of Hersbruck’s circular hiking routes start and end at the town’s two railway stations, so hikes can also begin with public transport. This station-based layout is particularly useful for planning a circular walk that you want to combine with a train journey to or from Hersbruck. Cycle routes also cross the town and follow the Pegnitz or its side valleys. The Five Rivers Cycle Route also passes right through Hersbruck, connecting the river valleys of the Pegnitz, Vils, Naab, Danube and Altmühl.
For outings focused on city history, varied guided tours of medieval Hersbruck are available year-round. The Shepherds’ Day at the Shepherds’ Museum offers a special traditional highlight. The festival recalls the origins of shepherding in Hersbruck; the programme includes traditional music, “Patschen”, a small arts and crafts market and a visit from the Three Wise Men with their camels.
Hersbruck’s Strudelbad swimming pool brings together a range of activities: it has swimming and non-swimmer pools, an extensive sunbathing lawn, and play and sports facilities for the whole family. The Pegnitz flows between the pools and the lawn. If you would like to combine swimming with other activities during your stay, you can choose from bathing, play and exercise options as well as historic and cultural attractions.
Hersbruck as a Base
The Pendolino connects Hersbruck to Nuremberg in around 15 minutes. If you would like to include Nuremberg in your travel plans alongside Hersbruck’s museums and trails, this rail connection is one factor to consider when choosing where to stay. Hersbruck offers several different starting points for your plans, without limiting your choices to just one type of outing.
More places to discover: Feucht, Röthenbach An Der Pegnitz, Winkelhaid, Happurg, Alfeld, Schwarzenbruck, Henfenfeld, Velden.
For the regional travel overview: Nürnberger Land.
