The idea
The Hotel Karl August isn’t just a hotel – it’s a vision brought to life by the Schmelzer family, who are well-known in Nuremberg. Gerd Schmelzer, a successful local entrepreneur, has a deep passion for the city’s growth and charm. A few years ago, he took on the challenge of transforming a neglected area between the Old Town and the Pegnitz River, turning it into something vibrant and full of life.
This vision led to the creation of Augustinerhof, a lively and modern urban district. The area now features a stylish complex with an underground parking garage, a 120-room hotel complete with a small spa and swimming pool, and several unique dining options. These include the French brasserie Nitz, the daytime café Pique Nique, an ice cream shop (Bonbon), and the fine-dining restaurant Tisane. Additionally, there’s the Karl August market for young creatives, the Museum of the Future, and a large courtyard for strolling and relaxing.
All of this is just 300 meters from Nuremberg’s Main Market Square, home to the famous Christkindlesmarkt each year.
It’s rare to feel so relaxed in a city hotel. Part of the charm comes from the fact that there’s no road – just a pedestrian passage where people stroll by. The lobby itself is grand, with a spacious lounge area full of inviting sofas, the Pique Nique café to the left, and the brasserie just beyond, where the coffee machine is always roasting beans or a waiter is bustling around.
In Brasserie Nitz, we meet Omar Schmelzer, the warm and easygoing son of Gerd. Omar is sort of the steward of the whole project. He has a passion for great food, beautiful design, and likes to support creative people and artists. He wants both guests and locals to feel equally at home here. Omar says, “”With Karl August, we set out to create a true neighborhood – a place where everything connects and makes sense together. That’s the heart of the whole project.”
So, if you’re in the mood to enjoy a memorable culinary evening with colleagues, you can simply walk over to the Michelin-starred restaurant Tisane. There, everyone dines around a custom-made stone bar, gathering around the chef like in Manhattan, and afterward, can retire in style to the comfort of the hotel.
The rooms
Karl August offers 120 stylish and elegant rooms. We got to try out an apartment with a small kitchenette, dining table, and a very modern bathroom, plus a balcony overlooking the Pegnitz River, where the evening sun streamed in. Top marks! There’s also the compact Cosy Single room, 16-18 square meters, perfect for business trips, and the spacious Family Suite with 70 square meters, a freestanding bathtub, and a fully equipped kitchen for four.
Wellness
On the top floor, there’s a charming wellness area with true design-hotel character. It includes a small swimming pool (4×10 meters, heated to 28°C), relaxation rooms, a fitness gym, and a sauna. For those interested, beauty treatments and massages are also available, thanks to a partnership with a nearby studio.
Culinary I
In the morning, guests at Karl August have two options: a quick coffee with a croissant or small bites at Café Pique Nique, or a full breakfast with an extensive menu and table service at Nitz, which comfortably accommodates all guests. The seating is cozy, with natural light through large windows, creating a warm atmosphere. There’s a French touch to everything – tiered serving trays, café au lait, and croissants. Later in the day, Nitz transforms into a brasserie, offering French classics like steak tartare, oysters (Les Huîtres), and bouillabaisse.
Culinary II
The Michelin-starred restaurant Tisane deserves a special mention. Located just across from the hotel entrance, subtly tucked next to the Bonbon ice cream shop, its entrance has the feel of a chic nightclub. Inside, a massive stone – carved on-site – serves as the centerpiece bar. Sixteen guests are seated around an open kitchen, where they can watch chef René Stein work his magic. The menu? Delicacies like scallops with spinach and a spinach sauce enhanced with yuzu and brown butter, and squab in a vermouth reduction, complemented by squab glaze and tortelli filled with squab leg. Typically, the tasting experience includes around 16 courses.
Ideal for
Everyone visiting Nuremberg.
Price
Doubles from around 169 euros.
Booking & Contacts
Hotel Karl August
Augustinerhof 1
D-90403 Nuremberg
Germany
T +49 911 37 67 66-0
info@karlaugust.de
