• Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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  • A fairytale, charming Medieval small town overlooking the banks of the Tauber River, in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. The highly popular town among local and foreign tourists, is known for its well preserved picturesque medieval old town and completely intact surrounding walls, and for being part of the popular German Romantic Road between Wurzburg in the north and Fussen in the south.
    The best way to enjoy the town is to stroll the old town narrow cobbled alleys and small squares, observing the pastel colored Medieval half-timbered houses with turrets, wooden bay windows, red roofs, and flower boxes. While strolling, window shop the small shops, especially those with Christmas items the town is famous for which are available all year round.
    Be sure to spend time walking along the 4 km, 12th century walls encircling the town, with their 40 towers and gatehouses, enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the old town and the Tauber Valley.
    Visit the town’s Market Square with its 15th century fountain, and the 16th century Renaissance column with the St George and the Dragon sculpture at the top.
    Observe the nearby Impressive 16th century Renaissance Town Hall (Rathaus) and climb its 13th century 60 meters high tower for magnificent scenery of the town, the pastoral countryside, and the Tauber Valley. Explore the 15th century pilgrimage church of St. James, St. Jakob Kirche, with the magnificent 16th century Holy Blood Alter depicting the Last Supper, and the 14th century stained glass in the East Choir depicting scenes from the Passion and the Life of Mary.
    If you are lucky and your visit is on Christmas, be sure to enjoy one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, the amazing 500 years old market operating in the Market Square throughout December.
    From the Market Square stroll along Schmiedgasse st. with its brightly painted houses, restaurants, cafes and small shops, all the way to Plonlein where you would take a picture of the most photographed point in Rothenburg, its beautiful half-timbered houses and the 13th century Medieval towers of Siebers and Kobolzeller.

    Have a relaxed leisure time at the popular Court Garden, Burggarten, with its beautiful flower beds, sculptures, and the wonderful sceneries of the old town and the Tauber valley.
    Visit some of Rothenburg’s Museums, including the Medieval Crime Museum, the German Christmas Museum, and others.
    A recommended tour in Rothenburg is the Rothenburger Turmweg, a 2 hour guided night tour of the town walls and other historic landmarks. Book the tour in the town’s visitor center, or at rothenburg-tourismus.de.
    Spend at least half a day in Rothenburg, but as the town can get quite crowded, consider visiting in the evening when most of the tourist’s one day tours depart, and peace and romance returns to its lovely streets.
    To reach Rothenburg, take a train from Munich (2.5 hours), Nuremburg (1 hour), or Frankfurt (3.5 hours), or rent a car and better enjoy much more great attractions of the Romantic Road.

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