Discover Lauf a.d.Pegnitz
Accommodation in Lauf an der Pegnitz
An imperial castle on an island in the Pegnitz, a market square on a historic trade route and an industrial museum in listed buildings: Lauf a.d.Pegnitz brings together different chapters of its history with experiences for culture enthusiasts and active visitors. The museum has interactive stations for families and an audio guide that particularly appeals to children and teenagers. Those who prefer to explore the town by bike will also find several different routes to choose from.
Castle history and the old town
Emperor Charles IV had what is now Wenzelschloss Castle built on the island in the Pegnitz between 1356 and 1360. It was built on the site of the imperial castle that had previously been destroyed and served primarily as a resting place for the emperor on his way to his residence in Prague. This gives the building a special role: it was not the Prague residence itself, but a stop on the journey there. Anyone interested in the castle’s history and other historic sites can use the free audio guide “What did Emperor Charles IV do in Lauf?” Twelve listening stations provide information about historic sites and buildings; the guide is aimed especially at families, children and teenagers.
The market square also tells the story of Lauf’s location on former trade routes. It was laid out in the 13th century on the “Golden Road” between Nuremberg and Prague. The Old Town Hall stands free in its centre, and two town gates frame the square. Shops and restaurants around the historic market square invite visitors to shop and dine. This makes it possible to combine a glimpse into the town’s history with time spent in the old town, rather than treating the market square as just a single attraction.
Those who would like to explore more historic interiors can visit the Coat of Arms Hall and the exhibitions of the town of Lauf in the Imperial Hall and the Herrenstube through the Stadtführer Lauf e.V. and Altstadtfreunde Lauf e.V. A beer tour that can be booked in advance takes visitors through the historic old town and ends with a beer tasting at the museum. This offers different options for a cultural visit: architectural history, town history, or a tour that ends with a tasting.
Industrial history to see and experience
The Lauf Industrial Museum presents more than 120 years of industrial history across 4,000 m² and 14 listed buildings. Its interactive stations explain technical concepts through experiments and play. They include a model steam engine that visitors can set in motion and trains that are powered by muscle. Alongside its historic buildings, these features give the museum a practical dimension that may be particularly interesting for families with children.
Among the machines demonstrated in operation is the water-powered rye mill. It is run during demonstrations and every year on Whit Monday for German Mill Day. The Reichl grinding mill and the hammer mill at the Industrial Museum are also still operated to show visitors how they work. The Engelhardt hammer mill is one of the last surviving facilities of its kind in Bavaria. Together, these sites illustrate different aspects of craftsmanship and industrial work in Lauf.
Cycling through the town on the Pegnitz
The Lauf circular cycle route is 35.6 kilometres long and invites you to explore the town on the Pegnitz and its districts by bike. In addition, the town of Lauf’s cycle network connects with the Industrial Heritage Cycle Route, the Five Rivers Cycle Route and the Paneuropean Cycle Route from Paris to Lauf to Prague. The Five Rivers Cycle Route passes the Industrial Museum, which is also a stop on the Industrial History cycle tour. If you would like to combine a bike ride with a museum visit, you can take these specific route connections into account when planning your day.
The Senses Cycle Route, which leads to Tauchersreuth, offers a different perspective. Tauchersreuth is considered Lauf’s highest point and has a viewpoint. So, alongside the town loop, there are cycle routes with their own distinct focuses: from exploring the districts and industrial heritage to a viewpoint at Lauf’s highest point.
Choose the right focus for your stay
Castle and town history, the Industrial Museum with its working machinery, or a cycling tour each offer a different experience. For a family outing, the audio guide and interactive stations provide practical inspiration; cyclists can choose between the 35.6-kilometre circular route and the regional connections mentioned above. Choosing what to do each day can help you set the focus of your trip without letting a single experience define your entire stay.
More places to explore: Henfenfeld, Reichenschwand, Happurg, Schwaig near Nuremberg, Burgthann, Schwarzenbruck, Simmelsdorf and Feucht.
For the regional travel overview: Nürnberger Land.
