Henkerturm, Medieval fortified tower in Nuremberg, Germany

The Henkerturm is a stone fortified tower built into Nuremberg's medieval city walls and accessible from Trödelmarkt 58. The structure displays thick masonry typical of defensive fortifications and forms part of the long defensive line that surrounded the city.

The tower dates to the Middle Ages and served as part of Nuremberg's defensive system against attacks. Its development is linked to the city's growth, as Nuremberg expanded and reinforced its walls over time.

The name Henkerturm comes from the city executioner, who lived in the rooms of the bridge structure above the tower after 1400. Since 2007 those rooms house the Henkerhaus museum, run by the association Geschichte Für Alle, which presents Nuremberg's criminal history through the diary of executioner Franz Schmidt.

The tower sits directly in the old town and can be viewed from the outside, giving clear views of the ancient city wall. It is worth exploring the area around Trödelmarkt, as other sections of the fortifications are nearby.

The name comes from the city executioner, who lived in the rooms of the bridge built over the tower, not in the tower itself. Since 2007 those rooms hold the Henkerhaus museum, which presents Nuremberg's criminal history through the diary of the executioner Franz Schmidt.