Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge)
Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Nuremberg audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type bridge
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Nuremberg Nuremberg guide
About Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge)
The covered wooden Henkersteg, or Executioner's Bridge, crosses the Pegnitz beside the timber-framed Weinstadel and the Wasserturm, named for the executioner who once lived nearby.
The Henkersteg, or Executioner's Bridge, is a covered wooden footbridge over the Pegnitz in the old town, linking the Trödelmarkt island toward the Unschlittplatz. A wooden footbridge was first built here in 1457, and the crossing takes its name from the neighbouring Henkerturm, the Executioner's Tower, which housed the city's hangman. His isolated residence reflected the social exclusion of those who carried out capital punishment in medieval society.
A catastrophic flood in late January 1595 caused the bridge to collapse; German Wikipedia records that eight onlookers were swept away and died. It was rebuilt further west as the covered structure seen today, repaired several times over the following centuries, and reconstructed in 1954 after severe wartime damage. In 2000 it became a stop on Nuremberg's Historical Mile. Alongside it stand the large half-timbered Weinstadel, a former wine store leaning out over the river, and the Wasserturm.
Did you know? The bridge is named after the Henkerturm, the Executioner's Tower, which housed the city's hangman. His isolated home reflected the social exclusion of those who carried out capital punishment in medieval Nuremberg.
How long should you spend at Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge)?
Plan about ~20 min at Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge) worth visiting?
Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge) is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Nuremberg, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Nuremberg
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Hear the story of Henkersteg (Executioner's Bridge)
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