Overview

The Justizpalast Nürnberg stands on Fürther Straße as one of Germany's most historically charged judicial buildings. Completed in 1916, this massive stone structure served as the courthouse where the Nuremberg Trials took place from 1945 to 1946. Those trials, formally known as the International Military Tribunal, prosecuted prominent Nazi leaders after World War II and reshaped international law. Today the Justizpalast Nürnberg functions as a working courthouse and a museum documenting this pivotal period, open to visitors who want to understand both the building's architecture and its role in postwar justice.

Why this place matters

The Nuremberg Trials established several legal precedents that still matter today. They introduced the concept of crimes against humanity into international law and demonstrated that individuals could be held accountable for state actions, regardless of rank or orders received. The trials were broadcast and documented extensively, making them the first major war crimes proceedings to reach a global audience. Visiting the Justizpalast Nürnberg gives you direct access to the courtroom where these arguments unfolded and where verdicts were delivered that would influence international justice for decades.

Beyond the legal history, the building itself reflects early 20th century German institutional architecture. Its neoclassical style, with heavy stone facades and imposing proportions, embodies the formal authority courts were meant to project. The contrast between the building's original purpose as a civil courthouse and its transformation into a tribunal for war crimes creates a layered historical narrative.

Quick facts

• Built in 1916 as a regional courthouse
• Hosted the International Military Tribunal from November 1945 to October 1946
• Still functions as an active courthouse today
• Located at Fürther Straße 110, roughly 2 kilometers north of Nuremberg's Old Town
• Museum sections document the trials and legal proceedings
• Guided tours available in German and English
• Advance registration typically required for visits

Getting there

The Justizpalast Nürnberg sits in the Gostenhof neighborhood, north of the medieval city center. If you're using public transport, take the U1 subway line toward Langwasser and exit at the Rothenburger Straße stop, then walk about 8 minutes south on Fürther Straße. The building is on the left side of the street, marked by its unmistakable stone bulk and flags out front. Street parking exists nearby, though the area can fill up during weekday business hours when the courthouse is actively hearing cases.

Coming from the Old Town on foot takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. You'll head north through the Handwerkerhof quarter and continue along Fürther Straße until you see the palace's heavy stone facade.

The layout and experience

Visitors typically enter through a side entrance rather than the grand main doors, which remain reserved for official court business. Once inside, you move through corridors that still carry the weight of their original function. The museum sections are scattered across several floors, so expect to climb stairs and navigate the building's somewhat labyrinthine layout.

The centerpiece is the main courtroom where the tribunal sessions occurred. Standing in the space where defendants sat, where judges presided, and where witnesses testified creates an immediate sense of scale and formality. The room is austere rather than ornate. The architectural choices, from the height of the ceiling to the positioning of the witness stand, all served the purpose of formal judicial proceedings.

Display panels and exhibits line the corridors and side rooms, offering documentary evidence, photographs, and written accounts of the trials. Some material is graphic or disturbing by design, so prepare yourself mentally before arriving. The museum does not shy away from the severity of what was prosecuted.

Main highlights

The main courtroom itself is the essential stop. Walking through the same space where the tribunal convened, seeing the layout of the benches and desks, and understanding the physical arrangement of power and testimony gives context that no photograph or video can fully replicate.

The exhibition materials include documents from the trials, photographs of defendants, and information about the legal arguments that shaped the proceedings. You'll find details about the structure of the tribunal, which involved judges and prosecutors from the four Allied powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, and France.

A dedicated section covers the outcomes of the trials, including which defendants were convicted, sentenced, or acquitted. This helps contextualize the legal reasoning and shows how the tribunal approached different categories of responsibility.

History and background

The Justizpalast Nürnberg opened as a regional courthouse in 1916, serving the Franconian legal system. During World War II, like most German institutions, it operated under Nazi authority. After the Allied victory, the building was selected as the venue for prosecuting Nazi leadership, partly because Nuremberg held symbolic weight as the site of Nazi Party rallies and had been heavily damaged in bombing, making it a visible symbol of defeat.

The trials ran for 11 months, from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946. Twenty-four defendants were tried, including Hermann Göring, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and Albert Speer. The proceedings established that following orders from superiors was not a defense against charges of crimes against humanity. Twelve defendants received death sentences, seven received prison terms, and three were acquitted.

After the trials concluded, the building returned to its function as a courthouse. The Cold War created complications for its preservation and commemoration, since it existed within the American occupation zone of West Germany and later West Berlin's sphere of influence. A museum documenting the trials was eventually established to ensure the historical record remained accessible.

Tickets and entry

Admission to the museum sections is typically free or involves a modest donation. However, visiting the building requires advance registration and you must be part of a guided tour. Tours generally run at scheduled times on specific days, and they fill up, especially during summer months and around anniversary dates related to the trials. Contact the courthouse ahead of your visit to book a slot and confirm the tour language and schedule.

Tours are led by trained guides who speak German and English. A tour usually lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the guide and the group size. Children are permitted, though the content is mature and may not engage younger visitors. Teenagers and adults typically find the experience more rewarding.

Best time to visit

The building operates year-round, but tours are more frequent during the warmer months. Spring through early fall tends to offer more tour slots, and the weather makes the walk to the building more pleasant. November marks the anniversary of the trials' opening, and the museum often organizes special programming around that date.

Avoid visiting on weekdays during normal court hours if you're sensitive to noise or disruption, since the building remains an active courthouse with ongoing cases and court activity. Weekday afternoons and weekends tend to be quieter for museum visitors.

Photography tips

Photography rules vary depending on what area you're in. The courtroom itself may have restrictions, so ask your guide before taking pictures. Corridor displays and exhibition materials often allow photography for personal use. The exterior of the building, with its imposing stone facade, makes for striking photographs, especially in afternoon light when the stonework shows texture and shadow.

Facilities and preparation

The building has basic facilities. Restrooms are available, though they're functional rather than modern. There is no café or shop inside, so if you plan to spend several hours on a tour, consider eating before or after your visit. The building can be cold in winter, so dress in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are important since you'll be moving through multiple floors and corridors.

The museum does not provide extensive printed materials in English, so if you're not fluent in German, a guided tour in English is strongly recommended. Some panel text is available in English, but not all.

Combining with nearby attractions

The Justizpalast Nürnberg sits about 2 kilometers from Nuremberg's Old Town, which contains the Imperial Castle, the Sebalduskirche church, and the Albrecht Dürer House. After visiting the courthouse, you can head south to explore the medieval center. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Grounds is in a different part of the city and covers related but distinct historical material, focusing on the Nazi Party's use of Nuremberg rather than the postwar trials.

The Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, a smaller exhibition space dedicated specifically to the trials, is located elsewhere in the city and complements a visit to the Justizpalast Nürnberg by providing additional documentary and contextual information.

Sample visit plan

Arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled tour to allow time for registration and orientation. The tour itself runs 90 to 120 minutes. Plan an additional 30 to 45 minutes if you want to walk around the exterior of the building or explore the neighborhood before or after. If you're combining this with a visit to the Old Town, budget at least half a day total, including travel time and lunch.

Practical tips

• Book your tour at least one week in advance, especially in summer
• Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress warmly in winter
• Use the U1 subway for the most reliable and direct route
• Request an English-language tour when you register
• Eat before your visit, as there are no food facilities inside
• Allow time to absorb the experience; rushing through diminishes the impact
• Read a brief summary of the trials before visiting to get more from the tour

FAQ

Can you visit the Justizpalast Nürnberg without a guided tour? No. Access to the building is only by guided tour. Individual visits are not permitted due to the building's ongoing function as a courthouse.

Is the courtroom where the trials actually happened still the same? The main courtroom where the tribunal convened is preserved and shown to visitors. Some architectural details and furniture may have changed or been restored over the decades, but the essential layout and space remain from the 1945 trials.

How long should I plan to spend there? A guided tour typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. With travel time and time to absorb the experience, plan at least three hours total.

Is it appropriate to bring children? Children are permitted, but the content is serious and often disturbing. Teenagers and adults typically get more from the experience than younger children.

What language are tours offered in? Tours are conducted in German and English. When booking, specify which language you prefer.