Places to See in Nördlingen

A photo from the viewing platform of the Daniel at around 75m - the climb inside the tower is a steep one and is narrow in some places. Shortly before the platform there is the cashdesk and a small souvenir book and postcard stand. The view looks down onto part of the central square with the town hall and tourist office.

The symbol of Nördlingen - the Daniel church tower - is built from the stone created by the meteorite impact. Construction was started in the 15th century and, as this view from the town walls shows, the tower offers a superb view over the surrounding countryside. This feature was of major importance to the inhabitants in past centuries as watchmen could keep an eye on any approaching danger.

This martial-looking fountain is the Kriegerbrunnen (the "warriors' fountain") and was erected at the start of the 20th century to commemorate the fallen of the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent foundation of the German Empire.

The Tanzhaus (or Brothaus) is another building that dates from the 15th century. It has a varied history - used as a trading venue by the cloth merchants; as a location for receptions for visiting dignatories (thus Tanzhaus - "dancing house"); and as a bakery shop (thus Brothaus - "bread house").

The town hall (or Rathaus - rat means council in German) was originally the residence of the Counts of Oettingen. It came into the possession of Nördlingen in the 14th century and has been used as the council chamber since then - making it one of the oldest in Germany. The external staircase behind the building was built in the Renaissance style in the 17th century.

There is a covered walkway along the town walls from tower to tower. Some of the old houses built next to the internal side of the wall are the Kasarmen - houses which were built with permission and a very low rental on city land, but which had to be vacated in times of war so that soldiers could be quartered in them.

The "Hafen" in Hafenmarkt related to potters and not harbours - this was the area where potters sold their wares, close to the town centre. This was the part of the main trading area with the salt and feather markets close by, as well as the corn warehouse. Nowadays, it is a picturesque area with many old houses.

The Klösterle, as the German name suggests, was once a monastery before the Reformation and its Renaissance restyling into a granary in the 16th century.