Hersbruck combines Late Gothic church art and traces of its town fortifications with museums, hiking trails and cycling routes along the Pegnitz. This gives you different ways to shape your trip: explore history and architecture, or set aside time to follow paths through the river valleys.
Church Art and Town History
Hersbruck’s church art includes two Late Gothic altars: the Church of St. Elizabeth at the hospital was built in the first half of the 15th century and contains a Crucifixion altar with carvings from the Veit Stoss school. St. Mary’s Town Church has a significant shrine altar dating to around 1480. The two churches thus represent distinct yet nearly contemporary expressions of Late Gothic art.
The town’s fortifications can also be seen in specific structures. The Wall Walk forms part of the last town fortifications, built in the 14th or 15th century. Its covered, accessible battlement walkway is 5 to 6 metres high and about 1.5 metres thick. The Gänsturm, also known as the Schwalbenturm, was built as a round tower in the 15th century. From 1537 to 1895, it collected spring water, which was carried through wooden pipes to six fountains in the town centre.
The Water Gate was rebuilt in 1601/02 and stands by a bridge over a constructed branch of the Pegnitz. Hersbruck Castle was built before the year 1000 as a fortress to protect the Pegnitz bridge. Prager Straße offers another perspective on the town’s history: it forms part of the “Golden Road” between Nuremberg and Prague and was incorporated into the town’s fortifications in the 15th century. Tall townhouses with hop-drying floors and hoist projections stand along Prager Straße.
Museums with Different Areas of Focus
The German Shepherds’ Museum in Hersbruck is Germany’s only museum dedicated to shepherds’ culture. Interactive stations let visitors explore the relationship between people and farm animals through hands-on activities. The museum is housed in a two-storey townhouse dating from 1524. The building also contains local history collections and a crafts department. Special exhibitions focus on shepherds, crafts, everyday culture and art.
Contemporary art, painting, sculpture and object art are the focus of the Hersbruck Art Museum. A visit also includes a walk through the sculpture garden of the small half-timbered house. The K5 Regional Art Forum Hersbruck offers a different perspective on art from the region, with changing exhibitions by local artists. So if you want to choose by subject, the range extends from shepherds’ culture and crafts to painting and sculpture.
Hiking and Cycling Along the Pegnitz
Almost all of Hersbruck’s circular hiking trails start and end at the town’s two railway stations, so you can also begin your hikes using public transport. Other hiking trails pass through Hersbruck and follow the Pegnitz or lead through its side valleys. For cycling, the Five Rivers Cycle Route runs directly through the town, connecting the valleys of the Pegnitz, Vils, Naab, Danube and Altmühl. Cycling routes along the Pegnitz and through its side valleys also pass through Hersbruck. Hiking and cycling therefore offer different ways to include the river landscape in your trip.
Plan Guided Tours and Seasonal Activities
Guided town tours are offered year-round and take you on a journey through medieval Hersbruck. Check the dates before your trip. The Hersbruck Strudelbad is also seasonal. Its listed facilities include swimming and non-swimming pools, an extensive sunbathing lawn, and play and sports facilities for the whole family. The Pegnitz flows between the pools and the sunbathing lawn. If you plan to visit, check the season in advance.
The Shepherds’ Day at the Shepherds’ Museum commemorates the origins of shepherding in Hersbruck with a traditional festival. The programme includes traditional music, “Patschen” (a traditional clapping performance), a small arts and crafts market, and a visit from the Three Wise Men with their camels. Check the event dates if you would like to include the festival in your trip. The Pendolino train runs to Nuremberg; the journey takes around 15 minutes. As connections may change, it is advisable to check the timetable for your planned travel day.
For the broader travel overview: Nuremberg Land.
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