University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg

NurembergGermany 49° N · 11° E Verified Oct 2026

The University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg, UB FAU) stands as a remarkable beacon of academic excellence, cultural…

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University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg
Logo of Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg
Official logo of the Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg, the university library of Erlangen-Nürnberg

University Library of Erlangen-Nuremberg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites

What the Library Is

The University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg, UB FAU) is an academic library and cultural institution in Bavaria, Germany. With approximately 5.4 million volumes, it is Bavaria’s largest academic library outside Munich. Its holdings include medieval manuscripts, early printed works, and an internationally renowned collection of Northern European prints and drawings.

The library serves Erlangen and Nuremberg through a two-city, multi-campus system. In Erlangen, it is located near the Schlossgarten and Margravial Palace; its Nuremberg branches are close to the Old Town and castle.

History

The library was established in 1743 alongside Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) by Margrave Friedrich von Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Its early collections focused on theology, law, and philosophy. It grew through acquisitions from dissolved monasteries and, later, from the closed University of Altdorf in 1818/19.

In 1961, the incorporation of the Nürnberger Hochschule für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften led to the establishment of Nuremberg branch libraries, including the Economic and Social Sciences Branch Library (WSZB) and the Educational Science Branch Library (EZB). Their integration created the library’s two-city, multi-campus system.

What to See

Collections and Treasures

UB FAU’s collections include:

  • Around 700 medieval and early modern manuscripts, including the Gumbertus Bible
  • An internationally significant collection of 15th- and 16th-century Northern European prints and drawings
  • 141 Egyptian papyruses
  • A numismatic collection of about 30,000 coins and medals
  • Over 2,000 portraits
  • The Trew letter collection, comprising 19,000 letters

The Erlangen library is housed partly in an 18th-century Baroque palace near the Schlossgarten. Historic reading rooms and palace interiors reflect its architectural setting. Its collections include rare manuscripts and prints by Albrecht Dürer and Matthias Grünewald.

The Nuremberg branch combines modern architecture with the city’s historic character. Its spacious, light-filled reading rooms, exhibition areas, and special collections are linked to Nuremberg’s academic heritage.

Research, Heritage, and Public Events

The library supports FAU’s research with services in research data management, digital scholarship, and open access publishing. Its Open Science Policy promotes knowledge sharing locally and globally, and its work attracts researchers from around the world.

Preservation of rare manuscripts, historical documents, and art is central to the library’s work. Exhibitions, lectures, workshops, academic events, and participation in city-wide events such as the Nuremberg Digital Festival engage both academic and general audiences.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

The general hours listed for the library are:

  • Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Sunday and public holidays Closed

Branch hours may vary. The separate Erlangen and Nuremberg listings provide these schedules:

Historic University Library in Erlangen:

  • Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed

Check the official website for holiday hours.

FAU Library Nuremberg:

  • Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Check the FAU Library Locations & Opening Hours page for updates.

Admission, Access, and Facilities

Admission is free, and tickets are not required. On-site access at the Nuremberg branch does not require registration. Visitors can use the library on site; borrowing privileges are available to university members. Temporary library cards for borrowing are available with valid ID.

Facilities include elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and adapted facilities. Assistance for visitors with disabilities can be requested at information desks. The Nuremberg branch is fully wheelchair accessible.

The Nuremberg branch has quiet reading rooms, group study areas, computer workstations, Wi-Fi, lockers, and a nearby cafeteria. It holds over 1 million print volumes and provides extensive digital resources. The Erlangen library has a café and social spaces.

Tours and Events

Guided tours are available by appointment or arrangement and may focus on the library’s history, architecture, and collections. Advance booking may be required. Regular exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and other events are held; check the UB FAU events page for schedules. For Nuremberg tours, see Contact.

Tips

  • The Nuremberg branch has English-speaking staff and bilingual signage.
  • Maintain quiet in the Nuremberg library; only bottled water is allowed.
  • Photography is allowed in public areas at the Erlangen and Nuremberg libraries, without flash or tripods. Permission is required for rare collections or items.
  • Public parking is available in Erlangen’s city center, though public transport is recommended. The Nuremberg branch is convenient to reach from city-center hotels and attractions.
  • Consult the official library pages before visiting for current hours and event information.
  • The original visitor information also suggests downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and up-to-date event information.

Nearby Places

Around the Erlangen Library

The Erlangen library is centrally located near the main train station and public transport. Nearby places include the Schlossgarten, Erlangen Old Town, Margravial Theater, Botanic Garden, cultural venues, and Erlangen Palace, where guided tours are available.

Around the Nuremberg Library

The Nuremberg branch is at Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, near the “Obere Turnstraße” tram stop and served by tram and bus. Nearby attractions include Nuremberg Castle, Albrecht Dürer’s House, the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Old Town, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, and local cafés.

Schlossgarten Monument in Erlangen

The Schlossgarten Monument is set in Erlangen’s Schlossgarten and reflects the city’s aristocratic heritage and urban development. The park and monument are used for relaxation and cultural exploration. Features include Baroque design, a tranquil setting, seasonal events, and exhibitions.

  • Hours Year-round, dawn to dusk
  • Admission Free
  • Getting there Tram lines 4 and 5, multiple city bus routes, or car; parking is available nearby. Erlangen is well connected to Nuremberg by train and car.
  • Accessibility Paved paths, ramps, benches, and shaded areas; the paths and facilities are described as accessible to all visitors.
  • Nearby Erlangen Palace, the Botanical Gardens, and the FAU University Library. Guided tours are available at Erlangen Palace; check the city tourism website.

Official Information

For current information, consult the University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg website and the FAU history and collections page.

Further links:

References and official pages:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the University Library of Erlangen-Nürnberg’s visiting hours?
The general schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. The general listing says the library is closed Sundays and public holidays. Branch schedules differ: the Erlangen listing gives Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; the Nuremberg listing gives Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, Saturday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Check the relevant official page for updates.

Is admission free?
Yes. Entry is free, and no tickets are required.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours are available by appointment or arrangement; advance booking may be required. Contact the library in advance.

Is the library accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. Facilities include ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and adapted facilities.

Can visitors borrow books?
Visitors can use the library on site. Borrowing privileges are available to university members; temporary library cards for borrowing are available at the Nuremberg branch with valid ID.

What attractions are near the libraries?
Near the Erlangen library are the Schlossgarten, Margravial Theater, Botanic Garden, Erlangen Old Town, and Erlangen Palace. Near the Nuremberg branch are Nuremberg Castle, Albrecht Dürer’s House, the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Old Town, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.

Is parking available?
Public parking is available in Erlangen’s city center. Parking is also available near the Schlossgarten Monument.

When is the Schlossgarten Monument open, and is there an entrance fee?
It is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.