Rothenburg ob der Tauber, German Fairy Tale town!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a frozen-in-time picture perfect little town that is located in northern Bavaria in Southern Germany.
It’s a well-preserved medieval city with half-timbered houses, and cobbled streets all surrounded by 14th century medieval town walls.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (population 11,000) is known for its medieval architecture and was the inspiration for the Walt Disney classic movie Pinocchio. It’s higgledy-piggledy little streets and gingerbread perfect buildings could certainly have inspired endless tales from Jacob and Wilhelm, the brothers Grimm.
Rothenburg will transport you back in time to a day when fairytales and real life were not so easily distinguished!
Photo caption: the Plönlein, often associated with the 1940’s Disney version of Pinocchio.
The best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Let’s explore some of the best fun things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany!
#1 Organized tour:
Rothenburg Tourism hosts some very good organized walking tours.
- Night Watchman Tour: Learn about the fascinating history of beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber. On the Night Watchman’s tour you’ll learn how the enchantment and charm of this little village literally saved it from total destruction during World War II.
- Guided Tour of Old Town. A 90 minute walking tour offers an overview of the history of the walled city of Rothenburg with its Old Town quarter, romantic alleyways, and picturesque squares.
- Ghost tour with the executioner. On this historically based tour, the “hangman tells his tales of Devil’s work and witches’ magic…(and will) show you enchanted sights” around the village. -Rothenburg Tourism. Daytime tours suitable for children 8 and up.
#2 Rothenburg Museums
There are several very good museums in Rothenburg. Let’s explore the best ones.
The Medieval Crime Museum
One of my favorite parts of Rothenburg is the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum. They have eerie displays and genuine artifacts (almost everything on display is an actual medieval artifact!) relating to criminal trial, torture, death penalties, executioners, public humiliation, witches and robbers, etc. They even have a real Iron Maiden!
location: Burggasse 3–5, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Historical Vault- Museum above Rothenburg’s dungeon
Rothenburg Museum, located in the former jail, has an authentic dungeon. In the dungeon you’ll find a guard room, torture room, and three prison cells. The prison cells give an impression of the prison conditions at the time of Germany’s thirty years’ war.
Location: Marktplatz 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Imperial City Museum is located in a former 13th century Dominican convent which was in use from 1258 to the 16th century (1554.) The monastery kitchen, circa 1260, is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. There’s a minimal fee for entry, and may be a small extra charge if you want to take photos.
Location: Klosterhof 5, Rothenburg ob der Tauber More Museums
For a list of other Museums see the Rothenburg website’s Museums page.
#3 Rothenburg Walks
Medieval Rothenburg was fortified with a town wall that circled the city centre.
You can walk around Rothenburg on the wall that fortified this city hundreds of years ago. Walking the city walls is the best way to get your bearings in Rothenburg. The wall stretches about 2.5 miles and is the perfect place for a stroll.
The wall is covered, so makes for a good rainy day activity. As you walk along the wall you’ll see gate houses and towers.
Location: You can access the wall from several spots within the city walls. You’ll find the map in this brochure from Rothenburg Tourism.
here are a few things you can see while walking the Rothenburg City wall:
There are walking paths (also depicted on the town map pictured above) that lead from inside the walls out into the countryside and are a great place to escape some of the madness of the midday crowds.
There are 6 castle gates in the Rothenburg wall so it’s easy to sneak out for a walk through the country.
One of the main attractions in Rothenburg is the cute little village contained within the old town walls. Most attractions are just a short stroll from wherever you may be.
Explore the side streets, nooks, crannies, and recesses while you enjoy the quaintness of the town. A good time to explore the less trafficked areas of town is midday when crowds in the town center are the worst.
#4 It’s Christmas year round at Käthe Wohlfahrt
Did you know that Christmas can be found year round in Rothenburg?
Käthe Wohlfahrt’s has thousands of traditional Christmas decorations on display for your viewing (and purchasing!) enjoyment. It’s a red, green, silver, and gold feast for the eyes! The store is so big you may find yourself a little lost.
Be sure to ask about the “made in Germany” section.
For an extra cost you can also tour the German Christmas museum located in the upper floors of the store, worth visiting if you want to catch a bit of the Christmas spirit any time of year!
Location: the main store is located and Herrngasse 1, Rothenburg
#5 Churches in Rothenburg
The churches, cathedrals, and abbeys throughout Europe are architectural wonders, quite often their opulence outpaces that of some of the castles and palaces in Europe!
Rothenburg has a couple of churches worth checking out.
- The St. Jakobskirche (St. James Church and St. Jacob are apparently one in the same) Lutheran church contains a very important relic. In the 15-century A.D. Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the most famous Gothic German sculptors was paid a small commission to create the “altar of the holy blood” (Heilig-Blut-Alta.)
Location: Kirchpl. Rothenburg Germany
- St. Wolfgang evangelical church was built in 1475 and today can be seen in its original unspoiled condition. This church is small but picture perfect. If it’s open take a peek inside.
Location: Klingentorbastei 1, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
#6 Market place
The market square in Rothenburg is flanked by shops, restaurants, the clock tower, and town hall.
For a small entrance fee you can climb the 220 steps up the gothic town hall tower for panoramic views of the whole town.
Location: Markt 1, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
When your facing the town hall look to your right and you’ll see the clock tower which was build in 1683. In 1910 a mechanical scene depicting the well known (if not wholly acurate) tale of town Mayor Nusch drinking over 3 liters of wine nonstop to save the town.
Clock performances are at 11 am, noon, 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10 pm.
#7 Rothenburg’s Castle Garden (Burggarten)
The Rothenburg Imperial Castle was located in what is today called the Castle Garden.
“Where is the castle (or “Burg”) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber? You often hear this question and just as often get disappointed faces in return. Because there hasn’t been a castle in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a long time….however, the disappointment soon vanishes, because in the castle’s location is Rothenburg’s green oasis, the Castle Garden.”
-Rothenburg Tourism
Location: Alte Burg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Free things to do in Rothenburg
- The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, no need to pay for the museum to get your Christmas fix!
- The wall walk
- Walks through the countryside
- Exploring town
- The clock tower show
- The castle garden
History of Rothenburg ob der tauber
Rothenburg was a free imperial city under the Holy Roman Empire from the late middle ages until 1803 but was most likely inhabited by Celts before the 1st Century A.D.
The current town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber was founded in 1274.
In the 19th century laws were created to prevent major changes and preserve the current old world state that visitors enjoy in this wonderfully historic city today.
When to visit Rothenburg
The little square in the historic centre, known as Market Square, becomes quite congested with crowds midday. The best time to visit his area of the old town is early or late in the day. There are plenty of other things listed here that you can do to wait out the crowds.
High season is both during the summer months and during the Christmas market season.
Food in Rothenburg:
First time in Germany and wondering what to eat? We have a guide to the BEST German food!
Here are my tops picks for where you should eat in Rothenburg:
Zur Holl Restaurant:
If I had to recommend just one place to eat in Rothenburg I would steer you straight away to Zur Holl Restaurant (translates to “to hell,” in English.) What a find! How about dinner in a 1,000 year old building??? simply amazing! If they are busy inside the restaurant and the weather is nice you can dine al fresco. Delicious food!
If you sit outside, be sure to take a peek at the basement where the bathrooms are. It looks positively ancient down there! as if it hasn’t been changed in the last 1,000 years, oh my heart!
location: Burggasse 8, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany Note: reservations are recommended which can be done ahead of time through their website.
Ratsstube Cafe
Ratsstube Cafe, is located on the main town square and a great place to eat outside when weather permits.
On our plates: Bratwurst with kraut and German mustard, and Wiener schnitzel with German potato salad. Isn’t German food the best???
Baumeisterhaus Restaurant: a treat for the taste buds, and for the eye!
At Baumeisterhaus Restaurant, built in 1596, you can dine in an indoor multi-story courtyard while you admire the beautiful murals on the surrounding walls.
on our plates: Sweet Treats! strawberry torte and apple strudel with cream and ice cream. Germans make THE BEST desserts!
Altfrankische Weinstube
At Altfrankische Weinstube you can dine in a cozy 650-year-old-building that’s tucked away from the crowds of the main square. This adorable “oh so cozy” little place looks like it was made for hobits!
Reservation required, NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED (but confirm when you make your reservation,) closed on Tuesday at last check.
To make a reservation call 09861–6404 or contact them through their website
location: Klosterhof 7, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
stay the night at Altfrankische Weinstube! they have very nice rooms for overnight guest too! book it here!
Rothenburg Germany hotels
There are lots of nice places to stay in Rothenburg but there is one that really stands out in the crowd.
Gotisches Haus Hotel is one of the best hotels in Rothenburg and simply a MUST!
Gotisches Haus (The Gothic House) hotel, is located in the holistic center of Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany. Emperors and crown princes stayed in this 700-year-old building along the way. As an added bonus, it is right in the middle of everything.
Location: Herrngasse 13, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
How much time should you spend in Rothenburg?
For such a small space there are a lot of worthwhile activities in Rothenburg. Give it a minimum of 3 days to do it right but if your in a hurry you can get a lot done in 2 days.
Rothenburg Germany Christmas time
The winter months in Rothenburg can be quiet but each year between the end of November and the end of December Rothenburg turns into a dreamy Christmas Village, with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets.
Imagine Rothenburg at Christmastime when snow dusts the cobblestones and Christmas trees, when the smell of gingerbread, mulled wine, and roasted nuts from the Christmas market delight the senses….be still my heart Winter Wonderland!
Location: the small square (Market Square) in front of the Town Hall
There is nothing quite like a Rothenburg Germany Christmas!
Final thoughts
There you have it Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in a nutshell! What a fantastic little village. Rothenburg is a beautiful place to spend your time and with the information in this article you can plan your whole trip! and make it a fantastic fairytale adventure!
Come see Rothenburg for yourself, let it transport you back to medieval times and you may just leave a little piece of your heart behind.
As for me, I will never be near and not stop to take in some of the magic that is Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany! and be sure to explore more of Germany’s beautiful Medieval Towns!
Another popular spot in Bavaria: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle’s, King Ludwig’s fairytale castles!
Getting to Rothenburg
Rothenburg is a handy and worthwhile day trip from the German towns of Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart, the largest cities in the vicinity of Rothenburg.
For drivers
For drivers: Rothenburg is a popular stop on the Romantic Road in the Tauber Valley.
The Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is a picturesque 350 km route that winds through forests and mountains from Fussen all the way to Wurzburg.
The Schwangau website has a handy Romantic Road map, if you are interested in exploring the entire route.
parking
There are 5 parking lots that surround the old town of Rothenburg. See the Rothenburg tourism site parking lot locations, full details and restrictions.
By train
Rothenburg’s tiny train station is located within walking distance of the old town City Center (approximately 1 kilometer or .7 miles.) If you have heavy luggage a taxi will take you to your hotel.
Location: Bahnhofstr. 12, Rothenburg
New to navigating public transit? you may find my Public Transportation for beginners article helpful.
Bus tours
Bus tours to Rothenburg can be booked through places like getyourguide.
Bavaria USA
Can’t make it to Germany just yet? Check out the ridiculously cute Bavarian town surrounded by mountains in Leavenworth Washington USA!
Germany obsessed? Want to hear more about my travels around our amazing planet? You may be interested in my Germany Travel page, and be sure to submit your email address to my subscriber sign up at the end of the page to be the first to know when a new blog publishes!
Originally published at https://www.werenotinkansasanymore.com on April 6, 2022.