St. Lorenz Lutheran Church

The basics

A staple on tours of Nuremberg’s highlights, travelers can glimpse the magnificent structure of St. Lorenz Church on both bus and guided walking tours. Alternatively, it’s easy to visit the church independently for a more in-depth exploration without time restrictions or visit during a self-guided outdoor escape game. Undoubtedly one of Nuremberg’s most Instagram-worthy spots, it also features on tours that take travelers on a journey to discover the city’s most photogenic places.

Things to know before you go

• The church is entirely wheelchair accessible.

• Don’t miss the medieval stained glass of the Volckamer Window—one of the church’s masterpieces.

• The church is nicknamed “God’s refrigerator,” so wearing layers is wise as it can get quite chilly inside, even in summer.

How to get there

Located at Lorenzer Platz 10 in Nuremberg’s Old Town (Altstadt), it’s easy to get to St. Lorenz church on foot. If traveling by public transport, you can get the U1 Fürth Hardhöhe U-Bahn train from Nürnberg Central Station to Lorenzkirche stop—it’s then around a 1-minute walk away.

When to get there

Traditional services typically occur on Sunday mornings, and there are also short prayers, communion services, and prayers for peace throughout the week. Opening hours are shorter public holidays, so checking the schedule in advance is advisable. If you want to climb the tower, you can do this during guided tours—but it’s best to book these in advance. It’s also possible to visit the church for concerts.

History of St. Lorenz Church

The construction of St. Lorenz Church is estimated to have started between 1234 and 1315 when it was built on the site of a chapel that was dedicated to “Saint Lorenz to the Holy Sepulchre.” Improvements continued throughout the years, with a hall choir being built between 1439 and 1477; then, the church became one of Germany’s first Lutheran churches in 1529.