Nuremberg lies in the Middle Franconian Basin at an average elevation of 301 meters above sea level – one of Germany's highest major cities west of the Alps. The Pegnitz River runs through the city at 295–310 m; the medieval Imperial Castle on its sandstone bluff rises to 370 m. Unlike Munich to the south, Nuremberg sits not on Alpine gravel but on red Keuper sandstone of the South German Scarplands.
That works out to roughly 988 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 290 m, putting Nuremberg about 11 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 301 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 49.4539° N, 11.0752° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | 520 | Germany |
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
| Stuttgart | 246 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Nuremberg (301 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Chemnitz | 300 | Germany |
| Freiburg | 273 | Germany |
| Regensburg | 344 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Nuremberg above sea level?
Nuremberg averages 301 m above sea level. The Pegnitz flows at 295–310 m; the Imperial Castle sits at about 370 m; western and northern outskirts reach over 400 m.
Is Nuremberg higher than Munich?
No – Munich at 520 m is considerably higher. But Nuremberg (301 m) is higher than Berlin (34 m), Hamburg (8 m), Cologne (59 m) or Frankfurt (103 m).
What rock does Nuremberg sit on?
Nuremberg is built on red Keuper sandstone from the Triassic period. This porous sandstone was easy to quarry and shaped medieval building – many historic buildings, including the Imperial Castle, use it directly.