Heroldsberg can be explored through several themes: castle history at Oberer Markt, art in and around historic buildings, and trails through the town and forest. For planning, it helps to distinguish between two options: the cultural trail is about three kilometres long, while the permanent IVV hiking routes are five, ten or sixteen kilometres long.
Castles, Fountains and Art
From the late 15th century onwards, the Nuremberg patrician family Geuder had four castles built at Oberer Markt. There are also three historic medieval draw wells there. The White Castle is the town’s striking exhibition venue: across three floors, it presents changing and permanent exhibitions featuring artworks from seven centuries. The exhibitions at the White Castle focus on art; the castles at Oberer Markt also represent Heroldsberg’s architectural history.
The Yellow Castle was built in the second half of the 16th century by Hieronymus Geuder as a manor house on the foundations of an older residence. The Red Castle was built in 1489 by Martin III Geuder; Albrecht DĂĽrer was a guest there in 1510.
Different historical periods also meet around St. Matthew’s Church. Opposite the church stands the picturesque half-timbered rectory, first mentioned in 1427 and most recently renovated in 1983; it is one of Germany’s oldest rectories. The Protestant church houses an early work by Tilman Riemenschneider: a crucifix. In the forest south of the Tuspo Heroldsberg sports grounds, there are also two medieval atonement crosses dating from 1587. Their initials are E.V.V.G.S. and S.O., respectively; they commemorate the murder of Nuremberg horsemen.
Choose a Trail by Distance
The cultural trail, about three kilometres long, leads to numerous listed buildings. Information boards explain their history and special features, combining exercise with an introduction to Heroldsberg’s architectural history. For longer walks in the forest, the permanent IVV hiking trail “4-Schlösser Gemeinde” offers routes of five, ten and sixteen kilometres. These distances make it easy to choose a route based on the desired length. Check the latest trail details before setting out.
A permanent AOK fitness trail is located at the Johannisthal car park on the B2. The atonement crosses are a separate point of interest for exploring local history in the forest south of the Tuspo sports grounds. Both add to the range of ways to get active, but they do not form part of a single route.
In the surrounding area, between Heroldsberg and Kleingeschaidt near Reigelsberg, the TeufelsbrĂĽnnlein is located in the Hermannswinkel forest. From the Johnnisthal hiking car park, follow the path about one kilometre east to a signpost; from there, it is a ten-minute walk to a large rock. A devil is carved into the rock face and painted red.
Getting Here and Other Destinations in the District
Heroldsberg is easily reached from Nuremberg by the Gräfenbergbahn railway. Check the latest timetable for your specific journey. It is also well connected to the A3 motorway; this does not refer to any specific exit or journey time.
The wider Erlangen-Höchstadt destination has other distinct cultural and nature attractions. St. Andrew’s Church in Kalchreuth houses a Passion altarpiece, a winged shrine altar by Michael Wolgemut, Dürer’s teacher. A three-kilometre circular trail also runs through the Kalchreuth cherry orchards, with information boards about cherries, the landscape and Kalchreuth, as well as interactive nature stations. These examples broaden the picture of the district; they are not features of Heroldsberg.
Discover more destinations: Uttenreuth, Bubenreuth, Weisendorf, Hemhofen, Eckental, Adelsdorf, Erlangen, Gremsdorf.
Return to the wider travel overview: Erlangen-Höchstadt.
