Memorium Nuremberg Trials

Memorium Nuremberg Trials sits in the Altstadt district of Nuremberg, occupying the original courthouse where the Nuremberg Trials took place from 1945 to 1946. This is not a museum in the traditional sense. It is a working courthouse where you can visit one specific room: Courtroom 600, the actual space where the prosecution of Nazi leaders unfolded. Walking into this room means standing where history's first major international war crimes tribunal convened. The weight of that fact shapes the entire experience.

The building itself sits at Bärenschanzstraße 72, a five-minute walk from Nuremberg's central train station. The facade is functional postwar architecture, rebuilt after the city's destruction in World War II. There is nothing ornate about the approach. You arrive, enter through a small lobby, and climb stairs to reach the courtroom.

Why this place matters

The Nuremberg Trials established a legal precedent that persists today. Before 1945, no international body had prosecuted leaders of a defeated state for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The trials convicted 24 major Nazi figures and set standards for accountability that influenced every international tribunal since. The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, traces its authority back to principles established in this room.

For visitors, the courtroom offers something rare: direct access to a space that shaped modern international law and human rights doctrine. You are not looking at a replica or a reconstruction. The room is largely as it was, with the same wooden paneling, the same layout, the same judges' bench where Allied prosecutors presented evidence of genocide and systematic murder.

Quick facts

• Trials took place from November 20, 1945 to October 1, 1946
• 24 major Nazi figures were prosecuted in Courtroom 600
• The courtroom is part of a functioning courthouse, still used for trials today
• Entry is free but access is limited to the courtroom only
• Guided tours in English are available on specific dates
• The visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes

Getting there

From Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof (the main train station), walk northeast for about five minutes. Head up Königstraße, then turn onto Bärenschanzstraße. The courthouse is on your left. If you are using public transport, trams U2 and U3 stop near the Altstadt area, though walking from the station is straightforward and gives you a sense of the city's layout.

Parking exists in the surrounding area, but the Altstadt can be congested during business hours. If you drive, use a parking garage rather than street parking. The address is clear on maps, and most navigation apps will direct you accurately.

The layout and experience

You enter the building through a modest lobby. There is no grand entrance or museum-like setup. Staff at the desk will direct you upstairs. The stairwell is narrow and functional. You climb to the second floor where Courtroom 600 occupies a corner of the building.

The courtroom itself is smaller than many people expect. The judges sat elevated at the front, facing rows of seats for defendants, lawyers, and observers. The dock where the accused sat is visible. The interpreters' booths remain, a reminder that four languages were used during the trials. Sunlight enters from tall windows on one side. The room feels austere and purposeful.

There are no interactive displays or multimedia presentations inside the courtroom itself. What you encounter is the space, the objects within it, and the weight of knowing what happened there. Some visitors find this restraint powerful. Others wish for more context or explanation. The lack of didactic material is intentional, preserving the room as a historical artifact rather than turning it into a curated exhibit.

If you book a guided tour, a historian will walk you through the trial's chronology, explain the layout, and answer questions. These tours add significant depth, especially if you have limited prior knowledge of the Nuremberg Trials.

Main highlights

The courtroom itself is the highlight. Stand where the judges sat. Look at the dock where Hermann Göring, Joachim von Ribbentrop, and others faced charges. The interpreters' booths show how the trial managed simultaneous translation in English, French, Russian, and German. The architecture of the room reflects Cold War era courthouse design, built for function rather than grandeur.

The windows overlook Nuremberg's Altstadt. You can see the city that was bombed, rebuilt, and now thrives again. This contextual view matters. The trials happened in a city that had been leveled, in a defeated nation rebuilding from rubble. The courthouse itself was one of the few buildings sturdy enough to host the proceedings.

History and background

The Nuremberg Trials began in November 1945, less than six months after Germany's surrender. The chief prosecutors came from the four Allied powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, and France. Justice Robert H. Jackson led the American prosecution team. The trials lasted almost a year, with testimony from hundreds of witnesses and thousands of documents entered as evidence.

The chief defendants included Göring (who died by suicide the night before his scheduled execution), Ribbentrop (Nazi foreign minister), Albert Speer (architect and armaments minister), and others. Some were convicted and executed. Others received prison sentences. The trials established that individuals could be held accountable for following orders if those orders violated international law. This principle, often called the "Nuremberg Principle," remains foundational to international humanitarian law.

The courtroom was chosen because the building's structure could withstand the damage Nuremberg had suffered. The city itself was symbolically important: Nuremberg had hosted the Nazi Party's annual rallies, making it a fitting location for the trials of its leadership.

Tickets and entry

Entry to Courtroom 600 is free. You do not need to book in advance for a self-guided visit. Simply arrive during opening hours, check in at the desk, and you will be directed upstairs. Visits are not timed, though staff may limit numbers if other court proceedings are happening.

Guided tours in English are offered on certain dates and require advance booking. These tours typically cost a modest fee and last around 90 minutes. They provide historical context and allow you to ask questions. If you have limited knowledge of the trials, a guided tour significantly enhances the experience. Check the Memorium's website or contact the courthouse directly for the current tour schedule, as it varies seasonally.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons. Avoid times when court sessions are in session, as the courtroom may be closed to visitors. The courthouse is typically open year-round, though holiday schedules may apply. Spring and fall are pleasant times to visit Nuremberg overall, though the courtroom experience itself is not weather-dependent.

If you want to attend a guided tour, book several weeks in advance during peak summer season. Winter months are less crowded but may have fewer tour offerings.

Photography tips

Photography inside the courtroom is permitted. The tall windows provide natural light on one side, creating contrast. If you photograph the judges' bench, the strong sidelighting can be dramatic. The interpreters' booths offer compositional interest. Avoid using flash, which is disruptive in this solemn space and unnecessary given the available light.

The stairwell and lobby offer architectural interest if you are documenting your visit. The exterior of the building is functional 1950s postwar architecture, less photogenic than Nuremberg's medieval Altstadt nearby.

Facilities and preparation

The courthouse is a functional government building, not a tourist attraction with amenities. There is no café, gift shop, or extensive facilities inside. Bathrooms are available. The building has limited accessibility for wheelchair users, though staff can advise on what is possible.

Bring water and plan to visit nearby cafés or restaurants for refreshment. The Altstadt around the courthouse has numerous options. The visit itself is short (30 to 45 minutes without a guided tour), so you may combine it with other nearby attractions.

Combining with nearby attractions

The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds is about 4 kilometers south, reachable by tram or a 15-minute drive. It occupies the grounds where the Nazi Party held its massive annual rallies, and offers extensive context for understanding the regime's ideology and spectacle.

The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a 10-minute walk away in the Altstadt, housing art and cultural history spanning centuries. The City Museum (Stadtmuseum) sits even closer, documenting Nuremberg's history through medieval times and the postwar period. The Altstadt itself, with its medieval walls, towers, and St. Sebald Church, is walkable and worth exploring.

Sample visit plan

Arrive at the courthouse by mid-morning to avoid peak afternoon crowds. Check in and spend 30 to 45 minutes in Courtroom 600, either independently or on a guided tour if you have booked one. Exit by early afternoon. Walk through the surrounding Altstadt for lunch at one of the many restaurants specializing in Franconian cuisine. Spend the afternoon at either the Germanisches Nationalmuseum or the Documentation Center, depending on your interests. If you have more time, explore the medieval city walls and towers.

Practical tips

• Arrive early in the day or mid-week to avoid crowds and potential court closures
• Book a guided tour in advance if you want historical context and have limited prior knowledge
• Wear comfortable shoes; the stairwell is narrow and somewhat steep
• Allow extra time if you plan to explore the Altstadt before or after
• Bring a jacket or sweater; courtroom temperature can be cool
• Check the courthouse website before visiting to confirm hours and tour availability

FAQ

Is the courtroom still used for trials? Yes, it remains a functioning courthouse. Occasionally it is closed to visitors due to scheduled proceedings. This is why checking hours in advance is important.

How long does a typical visit take? A self-guided visit lasts 30 to 45 minutes. A guided tour typically takes 90 minutes and provides much more historical detail.

Do I need prior knowledge of the Nuremberg Trials to appreciate the visit? Not necessarily. The space itself is powerful. However, a guided tour or prior reading significantly deepens your understanding and engagement.

Is there a museum or exhibition about the trials? Courtroom 600 itself is the primary attraction. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds offers broader context about the regime. Nuremberg's City Museum also addresses the postwar period and the trials.

Can I photograph inside? Yes, photography is permitted in the courtroom. Flash is not recommended. Be respectful of the space's historical significance.