Tiergärtnertor Square, or Tiergärtnertorplatz, is one of the most atmospheric corners of Nürnberg’s Old Town. Set below the Imperial Castle, it brings together cobblestones, half-timbered façades and the medieval Tiergärtnertor gate in a compact space that rewards a slow wander.
The square sits on the edge of the historic Castle Quarter, beside Albrecht Dürer’s House, where the artist lived and worked. Look for the bronze hare by Jürgen Goertz: an eccentric, distinctly unflattering response to Dürer’s famous watercolour of a young hare. The gate and surrounding fortifications are reminders of Nürnberg’s importance as a medieval imperial city.
Come early for a quieter look at the architecture, or in the evening when the square becomes a sociable gathering place, especially in warm weather. Outdoor tables fill quickly, but you can also linger over a drink on the cobbles. The square is best reached on foot through the Old Town; wear comfortable shoes for the uneven paving and uphill approach.