How to Visit Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Memorium Nuremberg Trials is one of the best WW2 museums in Germany.
Check out our travel guide on the Memorium Nuremberg Trials. It covers tips on what to expect, how to get there, and opening times.
When it comes to Germany's WW2 history, Nuremberg is one of the best places to go. After visiting the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds in the east part, we followed the inner route through the city to the opposite side of the city where the Memorium Nuremberg Trials can be found. It was a weekend with light traffic, so we got there fairly quickly. The biggest problem was to find a parking spot, but more about it later.
So, why should you visit Memorium Nuremberg Trials in the first place? It's a fascinating museum housed in the Palace of Justice, including the original Room 600, where the trials were held. If history is your thing, this museum is among the best things to do in Nuremberg.
So here's everything you should know about visiting the Memorium Nuremberg Trials before you go.
A Quick Look Into History
The main reason to visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials is the history, so we're gonna keep this section brief. Nuremberg Trials were held in Nuremberg by the Allies to convict the Nazi leaders for invading other countries and their war crimes.
The important part is that the trials also served as a testimony of atrocities Nazi leaders committed during WW2 and a closure of this dark period for Europe (unlike WW1).
There were several reasons why the Nuremberg Trials were held in this city. The main one was that Nuremberg was in the center of the Third Reich, viewed as one of the symbols of Nazi Germany.
And why Palace of Justice was selected for the trials? The reasons were mostly pragmatic. The building was mostly undamaged, housed a court, and contained a prison.
The Memorium Nuremberg Trials is a must-visit for all history buffs.
Visiting Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Memorium Nuremberg Trials is technically a two-story museum housed in the eastern part of the Palace of Justice. It has a separate entrance that is accessed from Barenschanzstraße. It's easy to visit and it will surely keep you occupied for a few hours. The museum itself, which comprises Courtroom 600 and an exhibition room, is well laid out and easy to explore.
It's not a traditional museum with walls of text (only in German) and visual exhibits like the Deutsches Museum or Margravial Opera House but rather a place where you can sit (or stand) and listen to your English audio guide.
It might sound a bit tedious, but it's not. Quite the opposite. Plus, the chance to sit in the actual Courtroom 600 is eerie and surreal.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials is easily explored with an audio guide.
Nuremberg Trials Exhibition
The Nuremberg Trials is a complex topic that has many layers. So it's great that the museum is not just about the trials. It's also about what events led to them and what happened afterward (so you will learn about WW1 or even The Hague Court).
The museum allows you, through the audio guides, to follow the events as they unfold in chronological order.
The section about the Nuremberg Trials is very informative. It includes tons of information on all parties involved: prosecutors, defendants, jurors, interpreters, and press, indictment, how the evidence was gathered, what the final verdict, subsequent trials, the technical aspect, or the legacy, and much more.
The sheer amount of information you can hear or read here is mind-boggling. Remember, some of the information can be tough to hear, though it's not as overwhelming as in Mauthausen or Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Age Restrictions: By the way, if you want to visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials with kids, the museum recommends that they should be at least 14 years old and have a basic knowledge of WW2.
Audio Guide: During our visit, we could use the audio guide without headphones. While we initially used it without headphones, we found that using the wired earbuds (3.5 jack) we had from the Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg significantly enhanced our experience. This decision proved to be a game-changer, as it eliminated any external distractions and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the museum's narrative.
The main exhibition hall is on the upper level, so you might want to stop at Courtroom 600 first as it is on the lower floor.
The exhibition at the Memorium Nuremberg Trials is both informative and fascinating - you could spend the whole day here!
Self-Guided and Guided Tours
The exhibition is well done and contains an incredible amount of information, so you don't need to worry about missing something important. Note that while the Memorium Nuremberg Trials can be easily explored on your own, guided tours are also available.
Photography
Photography is allowed at Memorium Nuremberg Trials, including Room 600.
Courtroom 600
Courtroom 600 is the original courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946. Since 2020, Courtroom 600 has been part of the Memorium Nuremberg Trials experience. This means that Courtroom 600 is no longer used for trials, as it was transformed into a remembrance site open to visitors.
One of the highlights of the visit is the Courtroom 600 media presentation - Judgment at the Nuremberg. This short and interestingly done movie brings Courtroom 600 back to life.
It's shown only at certain times each day (every day except for Tuesday at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm right in Courtroom 600), so it's worth it to time your visit for the presentation. Don't worry if you miss it, though. You can still enter Courtroom 600, sit at the gallery, and listen to your audio guide.
So, we headed first to Courtroom 600, listened to the audio guide, and then headed upstairs to the main part with all the exhibitions. We spent about an hour or so there and then returned to Courtroom 600 for the movie. After the movie finished, we headed back upstairs to see the remaining exhibits.
By the way, the courtroom was remodeled over the course of time but, at first glance, looked almost identical to the appearance we knew from the WW2 documentaries.
Courtroom 600 is where senior Nazi officials were tried for their war crimes after WW2.
Cube 600
In front of the main entrance to the Memorium Nuremberg Trials is Cube 600, a small gallery with temporary exhibitions.
At the time of our visit, the main exhibition was named Traitors or Heroes. It told the story of the resistance fighters led by Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, who attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944.
The assassination plan known as Operation Valkyrie failed, and all those involved were executed. They considered themselves freedom fighters but were labeled as traitors, a narrative that continued even after the war.
In 1952, Braunschweig Regional Court decided that the July 20 plot was lawful, and Otto Ernst Remer was sentenced to imprisonment, changing the opinion on the coup and the people behind it. The topic and the exhibition's name, including the word heroes, are thought-provoking, as many of the plotters were interested in military victory and were involved in German war crimes.
After more than two hours in the main building, we were exhausted, in a good way, by the sheer amount of information Memorium Nuremberg Trials provides. And we were not alone as the gallery was completely deserted apart from the single museum worker.
Entry fee: Cube 600 is free to enter.
Lucie reading a wall of text in Cube 600, part of the Memorium Nuremberg Trials experience.
Where to Go Next
We headed from Memorium Nuremberg Trials to our hotel - Park Inn by Radisson Nurnberg - on Frauentorgraben Street, and after we checked in, we headed to the city center.
Our favorite stops were the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, and the whole Altstadt area around Pegnitz River.
What Are the Opening Times for the Memorium Nuremberg Trials?
Memorium Nuremberg Trials has seasonal opening hours. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM between April and October, on Monday and Wednesday to Friday. On weekends, the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. It's closed on Tuesday. In the off-season, the museum is usually open from 10 AM to 6 PM and remains closed on Tuesday.
As mentioned above, Courtroom 600 is now part of the museum, allowing visitors to see it more often. Still, it can be closed for special events.
What's the Admission Fee to Memorium Nuremberg Trials
The entry fee to Memorium Nuremberg Trials was €7.50 per adult at the time of our visit, and the tickets were sold only at the site.
How Much Time Do I Need
Despite its relatively small size, the museum is packed with information and displays regarding the Nuremberg Trials. We spent more than two hours in the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, but there was still plenty of material we simply didn't have the energy to absorb.
If you're pressed for time, an hour gives you a basic overview of what the Nuremberg Trials were about. Note that the experience will feel rushed.
So, we recommend keeping your schedule flexible, as the topic is extremely interesting, and you may be tempted to stay longer. In fact, 3-4 hours here will provide a fairly comprehensive experience on the topic of the Nuremberg Trials.
When Should I Visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials?
You can visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials all year round. When it comes to weather, the best time to visit Nuremberg is from mid-spring to mid-autumn. Winters are cold with short days in this part of Bavaria, but ideal for visiting museums. We don't have to mention that the Memorium Nuremberg Trials is also one of the best places to visit on a rainy day in Nuremberg.
They did a fantastic job with the audio-visual presentation in Courtroom 600.
Ways to Get to Memorium Nuremberg Trials
You can easily reach the Memorium Nuremberg Trials by car, public transit, or walking. The museum is located less than three kilometers from the city center. If you're already staying in the city, the easiest way to get there is by using public transport. As the museum is within walking distance from the city center, you can also walk or cycle there.
If you're arriving from another city like us, stopping at the Memorium Nuremberg Trials makes sense. Otherwise, ditch the car and use public transport. If you're planning a road trip in Bavaria, check rental car prices here.
By Car: We arrived at Memorium Nuremberg Trials by car from Regensburg, with a stop at Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Nuremberg is about 110 kilometers northwest of Regensburg, 170 kilometers north of Munich, and 220 kilometers east of Stuttgart. If you are road-tripping Bavaria, you can reach Wurzburg in 75 minutes, Bamberg in 45 minutes, and Bayreuth in 60 minutes.
Parking
If you arrive by car, note that no designated parking is available at Memorium Nuremberg Trials. Paid street parking is available in front of the Palace of Justice, but finding an empty spot can be problematic.
After several minutes of driving around, we found free parking on one of the streets behind the Palace of Justice. If the situation allows, use public transport instead.
By U-Bahn: Barenschanze is the nearest U-Bahn station to Memorium Nuremberg Trials (Maximilianstraße is also viable option).
By Bus: Both Barenschanze and Maximilianstraße also have bus stops.
On Foot: You can easily reach Memorium Nuremberg Trials on foot from Nuremberg's city center. The easiest way is by taking the scenic walking route along the Pegnitz River. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get there on foot, depending on your pace.
By Bike: You can also rent a bike or e-scooter in Nuremberg (the city is bike-friendly). So the ride from the city center to Memorium Nuremberg Trials should be a matter of minutes.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. Travel smarter and safer!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Hotels in Nuremberg
Nuremberg offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. There are excellent hotels along Frauentorgraben Street, conveniently situated on the edge of the Old Town. The Old Town is a fantastic place to stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of Nuremberg.
Here are our recommendations for the best hotels with convenient access to the Memorium Nuremberg Trials.
Park Inn by Radisson Nurnberg | Situated less than 2 kilometers from Memorium Nuremberg Trials, Park Inn is a modern hotel with functional rooms, an excellent breakfast, and a convenient location. Paid parking is available at the hotel.
Holiday Inn Nurnberg City Centre | Situated in the Old Town, about two kilometers from Memorium Nuremberg Trials, the Holiday Inn is a great place to stay. This modern hotel has soundproofed rooms, good food, a gym with a sauna, and paid parking.
Hotel Agneshof Nurnberg | This centrally located hotel with affordable rooms is perfect for those who want to stay in the Altstadt. Expect cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a fantastic location. Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg is about 2.5 kilometers from Hotel Agneshof.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials is housed in the Palace of Justice.
Is Memorium Nuremberg Trials Worth a Visit?
If you're interested in WW2 history, Memorium Nuremberg Trials is one of the best places to visit in Nuremberg. It contains tons of information on the Nuremberg Trials and everything that's connected with it. All things considered, Memorium Nuremberg Trials offers a unique experience and is worth visiting.
If you want to see more similar places, our Bavaria itinerary also includes places such as Eagle's Nest or Dachau Concentration Camp.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
