Highlight • Monument
Hiking
4.5
(33)
Cycling
(1)
Road cycling
(1)
The Alte und neue Universitätsbibliothek, or Old and New University Library, stands as a prominent architectural and academic landmark in Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. This significant site, located at an elevation of 283 meters, represents the combined historical and modern library facilities of the Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg. It serves as a central hub for learning and research within the Middle Franconia region, showcasing a rich blend of architectural styles and intellectual heritage.
Visitors are consistently drawn to the impressive scale…
Tips
August 13, 2020
Hiking
January 14, 2023
Hiking

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Old and New University Libraries

4.4
(14)
72
hikers
18.0km
04:49
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(5)
28
hikers
3.17km
00:48
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
43
hikers
15.2km
04:05
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 280 m
Weather
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Tuesday 9 June
16°C
9°C
89 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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While the library buildings themselves are not typically dog-friendly indoors, the surrounding urban area of Erlangen offers various parks and green spaces suitable for walks with leashed dogs. For specific dog-friendly trails, you might need to venture slightly outside the immediate city center.
The Alte und neue Universitätsbibliothek is primarily an indoor attraction, but its central location in Erlangen makes it a good starting point for winter city walks. The city's parks and pedestrian zones are generally accessible in winter, offering a chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere or a quiet stroll, depending on conditions. For more extensive winter hiking, you would need to explore areas outside the immediate urban environment.
For autumn walks in Erlangen, it's best to dress in layers. Temperatures can vary, so a light jacket or sweater is advisable, along with comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to explore nearby parks or trails, waterproof outerwear might be useful on damp days. The library itself is indoors, so you can shed layers once inside.
Erlangen's city center, where the library is located, is rich with cafes and restaurants. You'll find numerous options within a short walking distance, ranging from traditional German bakeries and coffee shops to international cuisine. Many offer outdoor seating when the weather permits, perfect for relaxing after exploring the area.
While the library itself is an architectural highlight, offering views of its impressive structures, Erlangen is relatively flat. For panoramic scenic viewpoints, you might need to explore slightly elevated areas on the outskirts of the city or nearby hills, which can be reached by public transport or a short drive.
The immediate vicinity of the Alte und neue Universitätsbibliothek is urban. However, Erlangen is surrounded by green areas and forests. For 'hidden gem' nature trails, consider exploring the areas along the Regnitz river or the nearby Franconian Switzerland region, which offers diverse landscapes and less-trafficked paths a short distance from the city.
While the library is in the city, the wider Erlangen-Nuremberg region, particularly the Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz), is renowned for its hiking. You can find numerous top-rated loops there, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes through forests, past rock formations, and along rivers. These typically require a short drive or bus ride from Erlangen.
Starting from the library, you can easily create circular urban walking routes that explore Erlangen's historic city center, its university buildings, and nearby parks. For longer circular walks that venture into nature, you would typically need to use public transport or a car to reach a trailhead outside the immediate city.
The Old University Library, built in Art Nouveau style between 1910 and 1913, and the New University Library, constructed between 1970 and 1974, are located directly opposite each other in the heart of Erlangen. They form a central part of the Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg campus.
Yes, the Alte und neue Universitätsbibliothek is centrally located in Erlangen and very well-served by public transport. This makes it an excellent starting point for combining a cultural visit with access to various outdoor activities in and around Erlangen, as public transport connections to surrounding areas are well-established.
While not directly adjacent, the library is within walking distance of several family-friendly parks in Erlangen's city center. These parks offer green spaces for children to play and for families to relax, providing a nice complement to a visit to the library.
The Old University Library is particularly notable for housing invaluable historical collections. These include numerous valuable manuscripts, the margravial graphic collection, and a significant coin collection, all originally forming part of the house library of Margrave Friedrich von Bayreuth.