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One day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Best Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated: October 13, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 2 Comments

One day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is about how long most travelers dedicate to this lovely little city actually. It’s pretty small but very famous—known for being the most adorable medieval/fairytale town this side of Narnia.

But because this town is known so well for just this one thing and not all of the other truly amazing things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber , most people simply stop by on a day trip between bigger cities like Munich or Frankfurt.

While Rothenburg is totally worth more than just a day, I (more than anyone) understand that there are just too many magical places in Germany to see and not enough time. So, I’m here to help you make the most of your quick visit.

For 11 of the others, check out my post on the best day trips from Munich .

A magical Rothenburg day trip

Everyone’s Rothenburg day trip will be different, depending on when you arrive and when you leave, how you get there, and your personal preferences and abilities. For the purpose of this post, I’m going to lay out the contents of a FULL one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From morning until night. You can adjust accordingly.

I will also include some additional information you’ll need for your Rothenburg day trip to make sure you travel happily ever after.

Is Neuschwanstein Castle also on your Germany road trip bucket list? If so, check out my 10 crucial Neuschwanstein tips and my guide to where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle .

One day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: What to do

Though everyone who visits makes a bee-line straight for the city’s famous little square (it is cute), there are actually a lot of great things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Everyone has different priorities, desires, and abilities though. So, what you choose for your one day in Rothenburg is entirely up to you. I’ll do my best to offer suggestions, but take a look at this full list of sights and activities and feel free to fill in other things that pique your interest.

However, there are a few things that you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re here. Your one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber should include:

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Most hotels here include, or at least offer, a great breakfast spread and this will be the best way to fuel up for your magical Rothenburg day trip. (Find your perfect Rothenburg hotel here .)

Grab some schneeballen

From there, head on out to second breakfast. Yes, you’re a hobbit now. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is still technically part of Bavaria, but it’s also proudly part of the Franconian region of Bavaria. What that means for you is all new delicious foods and drinks to try.

Head over to one of Rothenburg’s fabulous bakeries for a coffee and some schneeballen. Schneeballen (German for “snowballs” are a local treat that call Rothenburg home. They are made from fried pastry crust and covered in a variety of sugary toppings. They come in big (softball sized) and small (pool ball sized).

You can find them at bakeries all over Rothenburg, but my favorites are:

• Bäckerei-Café Friedrich Schöbel
• Bäckerei Striffler
• and the Zuckerbäckerei   

Check out the Plönlein

The world famous Plönlein—German for “small square with a fountain”—is what this city is known for. It would be weird of you to come all the way here and not see the most famous thing here. It’s quick; it’s free; you’ve got nothing to lose.

Really it’s just a super picturesque little square that looks straight out of a Disney movie. Well, it did inspire Disney’s Pinocchio. And Rothenburg did inspire Walt Disney World’s Germany pavilion at Epcot. So, there you have it.

This is going to be the hottest spot in town all day so get there before the biggest crowds do, or get there before you forget to get there. This is what you came for.

Walk the city walls

You should also make sure to walk the city’s medieval walls. This is such a unique way to explore the city (only three cities in Germany still have intact medieval walls like this one) and get great photos and views.

From the Plönlein, veer left, go through the tower arch, and turn left after the Landwehr-Bräu am Turm (the cute red/yellow building). Look straight ahead and you’ll see a staircase going up the side of the wall.

Take those steps up to the walkway and take a left. You can walk this path all the way around to the other side of town. (It sounds farther than it is.) Along the way, enjoy the views of Rothenburg’s rooftops and uniquely enchanted architecture. Look for cats in backyards and unicorns in alleyways. You never know.

This is another free activity that won’t take up too much of your time (maybe 45 minutes to an hour at most). However, it’s not exactly accessible for all. The steps up and down are steep (but do have handrails). The walking path is fairly uneven (given that it’s been walked on for hundreds and hundreds of years). And the clearance is critically low for anyone taller than me and Lord Farquaad. Just watch your head—s’all I’m saying.

Wander aimlessly

You should definitely spend a good chunk of your one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber not “doing” anything at all. Just walk. This place is so adorable that even just wandering aimlessly around the town will be so aesthetically rewarding.

From the end point of the Tower Trail, walk straight through the parking lot and back into the thick of the Old Town. Stroll the streets at your leisure and just check it all out. It’s impossible to get lost here, so just wander without a map. But definitely have your camera out because this place is CU-UUTE!

You can pop by the Pope’s house, pop into St. James’s Church (if you’re into popping into grand European churches like I am), pop into some shops, sleuth out of some of the city’s hidden Holocaust memorials, and more.

Head over to the Burggarten and check out the great views of Rothenburg from the wall on the left. You can see the Plönlein from here as well as all the way down into the valley. (Check out my post on what to do in Rothenburg odT for all the details and where to find all these places.)

Hang out at the Marktplatz

At some point, make your way over to the Marktplatz, the town’s center. Hang out here, have a beer, and be sure to check out the mayor chugging his wine when the clock strikes the top of the hour. (More on that in this post .)

If the weather is nice, you can head up into the town hall’s tower for amazing views over the city . If you thought Rothenburg already looked like a miniature Christmas village, just wait until you see it from above. The tower climb takes 220 steps up a typically European corkscrew staircase, costs 2.5€, and requires a bit of maneuvering when you get to the top. But WOW, those views.

Time for lunch

Afterwards, head over to the Reichskuchenmeister hotel/restaurant for lunch . This is my favorite spot to eat lunch in Rothenburg. If the weather is nice, opt for seating in the delightful little beer garden. If not, the indoor restaurant is just as nice. Order yourself a flammkuchen and a kellerbier and tell ‘em Ashley sent ya. (It won’t get you anything, but it felt right to say that.)

Some light hiking

If you have nice weather, I highly recommend taking a walk outside the city walls and down into the valley. This short hike will take you about an hour round-trip and isn’t too demanding. You can see many of Rothenburg’s coolest sights in just this one quick excursion.

You can leave from the Burggarten and follow a trail down through the vineyards, to a lovely little church, then the double bridge over the Tauber River, keep going to see Toppler Castle, over the covered bridge, then back up to the Burggarten. All the while you’ll have awesome views of Rothenburg up on the hill.

Or visit a museum

If you aren’t blessed with good weather, skip the valley and pop into one of Rothenburg’s handful of museums . Its most famous museum is definitely the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum which is open year-round and offers some great traditional German Christmas ornaments and decorations.

The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum is not far behind. My personal favorite is the Rothenburg Museum for its enormous and very cool collection of artifacts and its historical location.

Early dinner

After your magical afternoon in Rothenburg, have yourself an early-ish dinner in town. My #1 recommendation is Zur Höll (German for “To Hell”). This small restaurant opened over 1,000 years ago and you can still dine its candlelit cave. (No joke.)

The food here is unforgettable and it’s really the best place to eat in Rothenburg. It’s small and popular so reservations are required. Make them as soon as you know you’re going to Rothenburg! They typically have a 5:00pm and an 8:00pm sitting. Opt for the 5:00 dinner so you won’t have to miss…

The Night Watchman tour

Each night, the famous Rothenburg Night Watchman takes brave visitors on a night walk around Rothenburg . He tells stories of Rothenburg’s medieval past and of the importance of night watchmen. You’ll learn all kinds of cool things but don’t think it’s purely educational. This tour is hilarious too (and in English).

Night Watchman tours happen every night at 8:00pm and cost 9€. Meet at the Marktplatz (look for the tall medieval guy with the stick and the lantern), no reservations required, pay him directly after the tour.

Have yourself a merry little nightcap

After the Night Watchman tour, have yourself a few local beers at one of Rothenburg’s cozy taverns. My favorites are:

• Weinstube Löchle (part of the Reichskuchenmeister hotel/restaurant)
• Weinstube zum Pulverer
• Landwehr-Bräu am Turm

Pop by the Plönlein again

I know, I know—you’ve already seen the Plönlein, but trust me. At night, the Plönlein is so much cooler! Now that all the day tourists have left, you can enjoy a people-free Plönlein that looks so much more fairytale-y at night. The entire town is empty and quiet, the moon and stars are out, and it’s just you and the wooden puppets that come to life at night. Actually, pretend I didn’t say that.

One day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber by season

Because your ideal Rothenburg day trip itinerary will vary slightly based on what time of year you visit, I have broken this post down by season. Plan accordingly.

Rothenburg day trip in the fall

If your one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber occurs towards the beginning of the fall season, your taste buds are in for a treat. Every year for just a couple of weeks at the end of September/beginning of October is the season for federweisser and zwiebelkuchen. Say what?

Federweisser (German for “feather white” which says nothing about what it is) is a young, sweet wine distinctive to the Rothenburg area. I’m not necessarily a “wine drinker,” per se, but I love this stuff and look forward to my glass (or two) every year.

Zwiebelkuchen is just as the name implies = onion cake. While not really a “cake,” zwiebelkuchen is more like a quiche that’s heavy on the onions, cream, and bacon. But the best part is that zwiebelkuchen and federweisser are traditionally served together. And you can only get them during this brief period in the fall.

You can find this combination at many of Rothenburg’s restaurants, but my favorites are at Zur Hoell. Be sure to ask for it when you’re there.  

And if you’re around at the beginning of September, check out the Imperial City Festival . During this fall weekend the entire city transforms itself into one giant Renaissance festival, basically. The city already feels like a Medieval wonderland, but now imagine it with everyone in costume, playing medieval games, and saying things like Huzzah !

Rothenburg day trip in the winter

If your one day in Rothenburg ob der Taubers falls in the early winter, you’ll be able to take advantage of the lovely little Rothenburg Christmas market .

Known locally as Reiterlesmarkt , this market has all the traditional goodies—glühwein, all kinds of delicious German Christmas market foods , gifts and décor galore, and, of course, schneeballen.

Rothenburg’s Christmas market opens the day after Thanksgiving and ends right before Christmas. If you thought this town already looked like a miniature Christmas village the rest of the year, wait until you see it now.

Rothenburg day trip in the spring

Your one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the spring will be full of blooming flowers, warmer days, and a couple of great festivals.

Rothenburg’s Spring Awakening Festival is all about bringing the town back to life. Easter traditions, colorful flowers, and the beginning of the hiking season in Rothenburg are all things you can look forward to.

The Master Draught Festival (also known as Meistertrunk ) honors the city’s mayor who saved the city from destruction by chugging a 3.5-liter tankard of wine. For real. Get all the details in my what to do in Rothenburg post .

Rothenburg day trip in the summer

Because summer is the peak travel season for just about everywhere in Europe, be prepared for bigger crowds and busier restaurants, museums, tours, and beyond. But, you’ll also see nicer weather.

Make sure to spend some time at a beer garden or relaxing patio in the Marktplatz. Take advantage of the extra sun and make sure to work in a quick hike down to the valley. But also head way up into the town hall tower for awesome views of Rothenburg.

Where to park in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for the day

If you’ll be driving into town for your Rothenburg day trip, rest easy knowing there are a number of day visitor parking lots in Rothenburg. These lots charge a small fee from 9am to 6pm. This page has a great map of where you can find all of these lots – just click on the orange box in the map key.

However, the lot I would personally suggest is the large one at the top of the map called “Schrannenplatz.” This lot is big and, while it’s still “in town,” it’s on the outskirts so it’s easy to get to and out of. From this lot, it’s just a 4-minute walk to the Marktplatz.

Driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is definitely the fastest and easiest way to get there. (It is the jewel of Germany’s Romantic Road, after all.) Yes, there are trains and buses, but none of them come directly from the major cities so the trip will take you quite a long time (when it doesn’t have to).

Need a rental car? Check out Germany’s best rental car deals here .

Day trips to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Another easy way to spend just one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is by taking an organized tour from one of the larger cities . This is a super popular way to see the city. And while I will always advocate for spending more time here, if you absolutely can only swing one day here, consider a tour. Check out these options:

Full-Day Tour of Rothenburg from Frankfurt

This full day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber includes private luxury transportation from Frankfurt, an expert guide, and admission to the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum. (And great reviews!)

Romantic Road, Harburg, and Rothenburg day trip from Munich

This full day trip from Munich will stop at the medieval castle in Harburg as well as spend an afternoon in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Private transportation and your own guide make this an easy day trip.

From Munich: Rothenburg and Nördlingen Day Trip by Bus

Though Rothenburg is the main destination on this day trip, you'll also get to see other gorgeous cities on the Romantic Road like Nördlingen and Dinkelsbühl.

From Frankfurt: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wine Tour

Ok this may be the winner. This day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Frankfurt includes wine tastings. Check this one out for sure.

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you are blessed with enough time to spend the night here, I highly recommend it. This way, you get to take advantage of a great dinner, the Night Watchman tour, and seeing this fairytale town at night after all the day trippers have left. It’s quiet, dark, and magical. Check out these options:

• Akzent Hotel Schranne – Nice hotel with a great breakfast and it’s right next to the big parking lot I just described. The hotel restaurant is fabulous and the location is perfect. You can even hop on the medieval wall right here!
• Burghotel – Very highly-rated hotel that is just too cute. Perfect location, amazing reviews, historical property, nothing bad to say here.
• Hotel Reichskuckenmeister – I’m in love with this hotel’s restaurant, beer garden, and wine bar so… I imagine this is also one of the best places to stay in town as well.

What to pack for Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Don’t forget these few essential items for your trip to Germany and your one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

• European outlet adapter – You’ll need these in order to charge your electronics in Germany
• Germany guidebook – for the rest of your Germany sightseeing
• Germany customs and culture guide – These small guidebooks are worth their weight in schnitzel!
• Packing cubes – Stay organized if you’re going to be living out of a suitcase

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Rothenburg and the Romantic Road

A fantastic day in the middle ages.

,,,,Rothenburg … the famous walled city, frozen in time … it is every bit as amazing it as you have always heard! Let us take you to Rothenburg for the day and transport you into the feudal world of the middle ages. Spared from destruction during the 30 Years War (a great story we will tell you all about), the heart of Rothenburg has stayed pretty much the same ever since. Thus, we can visit a town with its defensive walls still entirely intact, complete with towers and elevated walkways. Rothenburg is full of winding lanes and half-timbered houses. We show you this fantastic city and cover its rich history – it was once one of the 10 largest cities in the entire Holy Roman Empire!

On top of all of this, Rothenburg is also known as the Christmas Capital. It is home to the Käthe Wohlfahrt chain of Christmas stores and their fantastic Christmas Museum – a visit not to be missed for any fan of Christmas.

To get to Rothenburg we drive along a stretch of the famous Romantic Road, which gets its name from the well-preserved medieval trading route with medieval  towns and castles along its way. There is an optional stop at  Harburg Castle, pretty much unchanged since the 15th century. We always stop for coffee in pretty Dinkelbühl which is also a completely walled town with a distinctly different story, architectural look and feel than Rothenburg.

The photos below were taken during past tours. The galleries for Rothenburg, the Romantic Road (incl. Dinkelsbühl) and the Tour Options (Harburg Castle) show how wonderful Rothenburg and the Romantic Road are!

Tour Highlights

• Private tour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Munich
• Personal tour of the completely walled city of Rothenburg with intact medieval architecture
• Plenty of free time in the afternoon for exploring and shopping, for instance at the:
• Christmas Museum or the Museum of Medieval Criminal Justice (aka torture museum)
• Optional photo stop at Harburg Castle, one of the most impressive remaining medieval castles in Germany
• Coffee break in picturesque Dinkelsbühl

Tour Details

• Door-to-door transportation to and from your hotel or designated place
• Start time is usually 8:30 or 9:00 and we arrive back in Munich around 6:00 or 6:30 pm
• Always an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly driver/guide
• Simple and transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• It is a long drive to Rothenburg from Munich (ca. 2.5 hrs), but well worth it!

Tour Options

• Overnight trips to Rothenburg are also possible, as are combinations with other destinations.
• One popular combination is a two-day Rothenburg and Nuremberg trip.
• We also often combine Rothenburg with Neuschwanstein Castle on a two-day tour.
• Rothenburg is a great overnight stop on longer distance transfers, e.g. from Munich to Frankfurt.

Tour Pricing

• The prices for our private tours are group prices, i.e. one price for the entire group.
• Our listed prices are for up to 6 travelers. We are able to accommodate a 7th person for a small extra fee.
• Please contact us for a price for 8 or more travelers.
• Entrance fees are extra (listed below)
• Single traveler discounts available

Tour Price:  EUR 970,-

• Additional charge for 7th person:  EUR 40,-
• Harburg Castle:  EUR 3,-
• Criminal Justice Museum:  EUR 5,-

All our tours can be customized to suit your needs and interests. Use the button below to get more information.

Rothenburg ob der tauber gallery  .

Romantic Road Gallery  

Tour Options Gallery

Rothenburg & Harburg

Time travel to the Middle Ages on the Romantic Road

Travel through time on Germany's oldest and most popular holiday route on the romantic road. Lean back and enjoy the impressive nature and scenery on this road trip along this former trade route through Franconia. The romantic road Germany starts in Würzburg, Lower Franconia and ends in Füssen, near famous castle Neuschwanstein. The road cuts through bavaria from north to south as it passes Lower and Upper Franconia as well as Northern Bavaria. Many famous medieval cities like Dinkelsbühl are located directly at the "Romantische Straße", others like Nuremberg, Bamberg or Bayreuth are just a few kilometers away. You could spend days and weeks exploring the magnificent sights along this wonderful road through Germany, but we want to show you the most magnificent places.  Our first stop will take you to Harburg Castle, whose history dates back to the year 1150. On a tour through one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved castles in southern Germany, you will get impressive insights into a long gone time.

Afterwards we continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The delightful, world-famous Bavarian medieval town will enchant you with its largely preserved old town, half-timbered small houses and the impressive and still largely intact city walls. 

• Highlights: Panoramic road "Romantic Road", Harburg, Rothenburg,
• Languages: English and German speaking guide on board
• Audio Comments in 7 other languages: Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian

Additional costs / extras: Admission Castle Harburg 10 € (payable on site resp. on the bus by credit card or debit card only, the guided tour at Harburg Castle is in English language only)    

Karlsplatz 21 / Stachus  (Sonnenstr. next to BUDDY hotel)

69,- € (plus additional charges)

59,- € (plus additional charges)

39,- € (plus additional charges)

Tour Description

• We send you on Germany's oldest and most popular holiday route on time travel to the Middle Ages. Lean back and enjoy the impressive nature and scenery on the Romantic Road. Our first stop will take you to Harburg Castle, whose history goes back to the year 1150. On a tour through one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved castles in southern Germany, you will get impressive insights into a long gone time.
• Afterwards we continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The delightful, world-famous small town will enchant you with its largely preserved medieval old town. Stroll through the winding streets, enjoy the excellent Franconian cuisine or go shopping on the numerous small shops.
• Additional costs / extras:  Admission Castle Harburg 9 € (payable locally - no cash accepted - credit card oder debit card only)

Important information

• We recommend that you buy your ticket online in advance.
• Tickets are also available at our stop at " Karlsplatz 21 / Stachus " (located in Sonnenstraße next to BUDDY hotel), at the Tourist Information Office as well as in many hotels in Munich. Just ask for day trips from Autobus Oberbayern.
• The seats on our tours are limited. Tickets are subject to availability.
• All of our modern coaches are equipped with air conditioning.
• Please arrive at the bus a minimum of 20 minutes before departure.
• Unfortunately, this tour is not barrier-free.

What else do we have to offer?

Discover the most beautiful sights in Bavaria and Austria with " DAYTRIPS by Autobus Oberbayern ".

On a compact day tour we take you from Munich to top destinations like Neuschwanstein Castle , the Zugspitze , Salzburg and more!

Frequently asked Questions

In our FAQ section you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

Savvy Travel Advice

A Guide to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Planning a Perfect Day in Rothenburg Germany

Last updated: November 23, 2017 - Written by Jessica Norah 19 Comments

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a cute medieval town in Germany that is the perfect place to spend a day or two. Rothenburg has a lot to offer visitors, including photo-perfect medieval views, tons of shopping, a few interesting museums, a spectacular 500-year-old wood carving, and one of the funniest one-hour walking tours in Germany. Rothenburg is also the place to go if you want to get into the Christmas spirit as it hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in the world. So if you are planning a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we’ll provide you with a good general guide of how to plan a day in Rothenburg, give you our top seven things to do in Rothenburg, and provide tips based on our own visit to Rothenburg.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information about Rothenburg ob der Tauber

How to get here.

You can arrive and depart via car, train, or bus.

By Car: First, make sure you follow your map or set your GPS to Rothenberg ob der Tauber and not one of the other Rothenburgs in Germany. If you are staying in a hotel or apartment within the Old Town, you should check to see if they have a designated parking area. If not, you can always drive in and drop off your luggage, but the public parking areas are located right outside the Old Town that line the outside of the town walls. It is about a 7 minute walk from the parking lots to the main square in Rothenburg’s Old Town and parking is 5 euros per day.

By Train: Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a small train station that is located a 10 minute walk or a 2-minute taxi ride from the main squire in Rothenburg’s Old Town.

By Bus: If you are interested in driving along the Romantic Road, but don’t have a car, you can take the Romantic Road Coach , which is a seasonal daily bus that stops in Rothenburg and several other stops along this popular route. However, the bus only stops for a short time in Rothenburg so to really spend any time here it would be wise to get off and overnight here and wait to depart the next day. Check the website for details about stops and ticket prices.

Tour:  Tour companies like Viator  also sell day, overnight, and multi-day tours that include stops or overnight stays in Rothenburg.

How Long Should I Spend in Rothenburg?

This is a matter of preference and certainly you can walk around the town and take in some good views in a couple of hours. You can get a good overview of the town during a day trip. However, I would recommend at least one day (preferably two) and one night to really allow yourself enough time to explore Rothenburg. To plan your time, I would make a list of the things you want to do here and then calculate how long you’ll need for each. A couple of nights here would allow you the luxury of setting a slow pace in exploring this medieval town.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Well, this all depends. If you want the best weather, come during Spring, Summer, or early Fall. If you want the most festive time, come during the month of December for the Christmas market when everything in Rothenburg is at its busiest. If you want to avoid tons of tourists, avoid Spring, Summer, early Fall, and the entire month of December. Unfortunately, Rothenburg is a very popular town and draws a lot of crowds so if you go during good weather or during a festival or Christmas market, expect crowds. However, if you stay overnight in Rothenburg, you’ll likely be able to enjoy peaceful mornings and evenings as most visitors come only for the day.

Where Can I Find More Information about Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Two great resources are the official tourism website for Rothenberg ob der Tauber and the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tourism Office located on Market Square (Marktplatz 2, telephone: 09861/404-800). Check the website’s event calendar as Rothenburg hosts a number of festivals and events during the year.

Plan Your Trip: Top Seven Things to Do in Rothenberg ob der Tauber

Take a stroll..

Our favorite thing to do in Rothenburg is to simply take a walk and admire the views. The town is small and easy to stroll on your own. However, you have a lot of options. You can take a self-guided walk with a good guidebook, take a group or private walk led by a guide from the Tourist Information office (Marktplatz 2), and/or go on the almost daily Night Watchman’s Tour . I would recommend doing a more serious tour of the main sites during the day and then head to the Market Square at 20:00 (8:00pm) to join the Night Watchman (real name Hans-Georg Baumgartner) for an entertaining 60-minute medieval tour in English. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to take a walk and avoid other tourists, but note the hours of any sights you want to visit along your stroll. If you have two or more days to spend in town, You might also consider renting a bike and exploring some of the countryside around Rothenburg.

G o Shopping.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a shopping mecca for many visitors to Germany. While you can buy all the normal German souvenirs here from cuckoo clocks to beer steins, there are also some unique gifts that can be found here. Some of our favorites include original etchings of Rothenburg, Christmas tree ornaments, and a DVD from the Night Watchman. For a complete guide to shopping and souvenir ideas, check out our article devoted to shopping in Rothenburg . Also, note that investing in the latest edition  Rick Steves Germany guidebook can save you money at several shops in Rothenburg.

Go to Church.

St. Jakob’s Church (St. Jackobskirche, a.k.a. St. James Church as “James” is “Jakob” in German) is the one must-see church in town (located at Klostergasse 15, can enter for a 2 euro fee, audioguide available for fee). This 14th century church holds the amazing 500-year-old Heiligblualtar (Holy Blood Altar) that was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider. To find the wooden altar depicting the Biblical scenes of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the Mount of Olives, look for a set of stairs at the back of the church that lead behind the pipe organ. Also don’t forget to check out the rest of the church, including the stained glass windows and the High Altar (a.k.a. Twelve Apostles Altar), which are both worth a look.

Other churches that are worth a peek if interested in old churches, are the 14th century Franciscan church (Franziskanerkirche, located on Herrngasse, free) and the 15th century Gothic St. Wolfgang’s Church (St. Wolfgangskirche, located north of the Klingentor, 1,50 euros). If you are interested in learning more about the churches of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can check out the main tourism website or this website on Rothenburg churches (in German) . Rothenburg also has an interesting (although not very positive) Jewish history and is actually supposedly home to the only remaining Jewish late medieval street in Europe (Judengasse). If you are interested in the Jewish history of Rothenberg, there is a good Jewish exhibit at the Reichsstadt-Museum and the Tourist Information office can guide you to remaining Jewish sights in town.

Climb the Walls.

As noted above, walking around Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best things to do while you are here. However, this town has the added fun of having the best preserved medieval walls in Germany and you are free to walk most of it. Most of the walk is also covered and we were able to do it even when it was raining a bit outside. There are many places you can enter, typically there are steps near the towers. While parts of the wall are the original medieval walls built in the 13th and 14th centuries, parts of the wall were destroyed by American bombs during World War II. However, the damaged walls were completely rebuilt with worldwide donations (you’ll see plaques of all the donors’ names as you walk along the wall). Make sure to take time to examine some of the gates and towers. Best times to go, first couple hours after sunrise or around sunset. We went around sunset and had our section of the wall almost to ourselves.

Go Out to Eat.

Rothenburg is a great place to chow down on some Bavarian or Franconian specialties. If you want German food and a historical ambiance, there are several places serving up hearty Germany food in historical settings such as Altfränkische Weinstube , Baumeisterhaus , Reichs-Küchenmeister , and Gasthof Goldener Greifen , If you are on a very tight budget, try Bosporus Café (located at Hafengasse 2) for cheap Turkish food or pick up food at the little family grocery store (located at Rödergasse 6 below Pension Elke) and have yourself a picnic. We stayed in an apartment, and picked up deli meat, bread, fruit, and coffee at the grocery store for an inexpensive dinner. For local specialties, try one of the schneeballen (a Rothenburg pastry specialty which consists of pastry dough balls rolled in sugar, cinnamon or dipped in chocolate or frosting) and some of the local Franconian wine.

L earn Some History.

It would be difficult—and a shame!—to visit Rothenburg and not learn at least a bit of its rich history. From its time as privileged imperial city to its demise during the Thirty Years’ War to its revival in the last century due to tourism, the town has an interesting and rich history. One of the best ways to learn about the city is to take one of the guided tours mentioned earlier or do a self-guided walk with a good guidebook. But the city also has a few interesting museums that are worth a stop.

First the Imperial City Museum (Reichsstadt-Museum, Klosterhof 5, 4 euros) offers a good history of Rothenburg through the ages and is probably the best museum to visit to get a good detailed history of the city. You might also want to visit the Craftsman’s House (Alt-Rothebnburger Handwerker-haus, Alter Stadtgraben 26, 3 euros) for a look at everyday medieval life for craftsmen set in a house originally built in 1270 or, if you are willing to leave the town center, the Toppler Castle (Topplerschlösschen, Taubertalweg 100, 1,50 euros) which is a 14th century castle tower/house that contains furnishings from the 16th to 19th centuries. If you want to learn more about the Thirty Years’ War and the Meistertrunk (interesting story of how the mayor of Rothenburg saved the town by drinking a tankard of wine), you can pay a quick visit to the Historical Town Hall Vault & Dungeon (Historiengewölbe mit Staatsverlies, located at the Town Hall, 2,50 euros) or simply watch the free brief daily enactment of the famous event from the clock tower in Market Square. The most kid-friendly museum in Rothenburg is the privately-run Doll and Toy Museum (Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum, Hofbronnengasse 13, 4 euros) which contains a large collection of dolls, model trains, stuffed animals, and other toys from the past 200 years.

Perhaps the most unique museum in town is the Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum, Burggasse 3, 5 euros) which is a unique and eclectic collection of items related to crime, torture, law, general history, and medieval customs. It contains a collection of old legal documents, penal codes, rules of etiquette, seals, coats of arms, shame masks, torture devices, and even a random collection of film posters. Ethan and I spent about 2 hours in this musuem and had to rush through as there is a lot of information here in English and we found it very interesting. 

Get into the Christmas Spirit.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the perfect place to visit for those who love Christmas. First, it is the home to the head offices for Käthe Wohlfahrt stores , which sell traditional Christmas ornaments and the stores are open year-round. If you are really into Christmas, you can visit the small German Christmas Museum (Deutches Weihnachtsmuseum) located in the upstairs of the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village Shop (4 euro entry). Second, Rothenburg hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany from the end of November to Christmas. All the main sights are open during the Christmas Market (Reiterlesmarkt ) and it is the busiest time of year for this little town.

We wish you a perfect day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Have you been to Rothenburg? Feel free to ask us questions or share you own travel stories or tips to this town.

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HANIE MASRA Post author

June 9, 2022 at 8:33 am

Hye, Cant wait for our travel to this magnificent place of Rothenberg. We actually will be there for a day trips this Nov and can you recommend/ advise to us where can we left our luggage so that we can stroll without hassle. I’ve check the DB website and it doesn’t show that the train station have a locker storage. Hope you can help us and shared some info. Tq >< and have a nice day

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 10, 2022 at 3:50 am

Hello Hanie,

I know the train station in Rothernbug used to have storage lockers. But if these have been removed, and you are arriving by train. I’d maybe contact one of the nearby hotels like Hotel Rothenburger Hof (located across the street) to see if you can pay to leave luggage for the day. I know the hotel has luggage storage for guests of the hotel, but they may let you store luggage for a fee so I’d check. They might also know where else allows luggage storage in Rothenburg ob der Tauber if they do not.

Hope that helps!

Best, Jessica

Hanie Post author

June 10, 2022 at 10:09 pm

Hye Jessica,

Omg thank you so much Jessica for the help 🙂 Will research more on these. Tq tq

Raj Post author

December 2, 2019 at 6:14 am

Hi Jessica, I am planning to visit Rothenberg ob der Tauber this Saturday 7th Dec with my wife and a friend. We are on a very tight schedule so, we are would reach there at around 10 am and have to leave at 4 pm. Considering that you have mentioned that the town will be really busy during this time, could you please suggest how wisely I can spend my day out there for just 5-6 hours. Please advise which places within the town I should visit and which places can I skip. Thank you very much in advance for your reply. Best Regards Raj

December 2, 2019 at 12:30 pm

You still have most of a day so you can still see most of the things we mention if you want. You just have to decide what is most interesting to you and prioritize your day accordingly. So you can still stroll around the town and walls, visit the church, go shopping, have lunch, and of course explore the Christmas Market. Since you have limited time, I’d limit to just one museum (if any are of interest to you).

You won’t, of course, have time for any of the evening activities, like the Night Watchman’s tour.

Yes, it will probably be very busy as the Rothenburg Christmas Market is popular and will bring in more visitors than usual. So just be prepared for that.

Enjoy your visit, Jessica

Carmen Montanaro Post author

September 1, 2019 at 7:40 am

I wish to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber on New Year’s Eve for the day from Nuremberg and I was wondering about the trains. Unfortunately, I can’t stay overnight. Any info of the trains operate on New Year’s Eve

Thanks in advance

September 1, 2019 at 1:29 pm

I just took a quick look at the DB train schedule ( https://www.bahn.com/en ) and it looks like the train schedule is currently only showing through mid-December so I would check back next month. But if you need to know now, I’d contact the train company and ask if they have their holiday schedule finalized.

If the trains aren’t running when you need them to, you can take a look at bus schedules or book a private day tour from Nuremburg which includes hotel pick-up in the morning and then drop-off in the evening. It looks like the tour is available on New Year’s Eve.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Natasha Kettle Post author

February 16, 2017 at 5:09 am

Wandering the streets of Rothenburg felt like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale!

February 16, 2017 at 7:02 am

Hi Natasha, Glad to hear that you enjoyed your time in Rothenburgh ob der Tauber so much! It can really feel like a fairytale town, especially in the mornings or evenings. I hope I get a chance to return again! Best, Jessica

Mihaela Post author

November 3, 2016 at 4:13 am

Thank you! We’re going in December, especially for the Christmas market. But we’ll be there for 3 or 4 days (we haven’t decided yet, we may spend 1 day in Nuremberg), so I hope for a more relaxed vacation even with a lot of tourists around :))

travelcats Post author

November 3, 2016 at 4:18 am

Hi Mihaela, Glad this article was helpful and have fun in Rothenburg. Christmas is a very busy time to be there (and in several German towns with Christmas markets) but it is also a magical time to be there. I would try to be up early and wander around after sunset for a more peaceful experience as many people will be day tripping into the town. Nuremburg is a good choice for another day as it is much larger than Rothenburg with several visit worthy sites such as the Documentation Center and Imperial Castle, and also has its own Christmas market. ~ Jessica

bdj Post author

September 22, 2014 at 8:11 pm

The link to the local grocer was invaluable. It’s nearly impossible to find such entities (convenience store, ATM, self-serve laundry) on any website when trying to plan a trip. Very wise. Very helpful. Much obliged.

September 22, 2014 at 8:34 pm

Glad this was helpful bdj! We bought sandwich food and snacks at the grocery store for dinner one night in Rothenburg.

NW Post author

June 19, 2014 at 6:06 pm

Thanks for sharing this! I love Germany and am such a fan of visiting Germany!

June 19, 2014 at 6:10 pm

Glad you enjoyed the post on Rothenburg ob der Tauber! We are big fans of Germany too.

Louisa Post author

November 30, 2013 at 4:04 am

Great pics! I love that etching of Rothenburg. All these pics I’m seeing on travel blogs of Germany are making me very keen to go back there.

November 30, 2013 at 5:44 pm

Thanks Louisa, Germany is a very pretty place, but I love all your pictures from Italy and can’t wait to visit there!

bevchen Post author

November 30, 2013 at 1:06 am

Nice photos! I’ve heard Rothenburg is pretty but touristy, and this post confirms that. I love that you said to avoid “Spring, Summer, early Fall, and the entire month of December”. 😀

November 30, 2013 at 5:43 pm

Yeah, unfortunately, like many popular places Rothenburg is well-visited and can be quite crowded. However, the crowds are definitely there for a reason as it is a very picturesque place with some great history. Although we were there in May, when we strolled around in morning, walked the walls in the evening, or visited museums around closing time, the crowds were not bad at all and we often had places to ourselves. It was mainly the afternoons and early evenings that were crowded. I would definitely plan an overnight or two here for that reason:)

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rothenburg

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Not only is it one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, the old Bavarian Imperial City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also considered one of the most attractive towns in Germany . For these reasons, it's definitely one of the most popular stops on the country's Romantic Road tourist route.

Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber , Rothenburg's walls and towers look much as they did in the 16th century, while many of the buildings inside the walls are even older.

Among these fascinating points of interest are the 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus); the 14th-century Council Tavern, with its old clock and mechanical figures; and several fine old churches. Half-timbered houses with their characteristic steeply pitched roofs line the narrow stone-paved streets, some housing museums that explore Rothenburg's long and fascinating history.

The chief attraction for tourists, though, is the charming old town itself, so spend some time strolling through it and walking along its walls.

To learn more about the best places to visit and other fun things to do in this historic German town, read through our list of the top attractions in Rothenburg.

See also: Where to Stay in Rothenburg

1. The Old Town (Alte Stadt)

2. rothenburg town hall (rathaus), 3. the old town walls, 4. plönlein: the "little square", 5. st. james's church, 6. the castle garden (burggarten), 7. medieval crime museum, 8. german christmas museum, 9. the master builder's house (baumeisterhaus), 10. klingentor, 11. spitalhof and spitaltor, 12. rothenburgmuseum, where to stay in rothenburg for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rothenburg.

The charming streets and little squares surrounded by well-kept half-timbered houses have made Rothenburg the poster child for Germany's famed Romantic Road, and for Germany itself. So as you wander through the Old Town (Alte Stadt), its familiar scenes may make you feel as though you'd been here before.

In addition to the historic Town Hall (Rathaus), here, you'll find plenty of idyllic scenes worth photographing, including the sometimes brightly painted old half-timbered homes. If you visit in late November or in December you'll get to enjoy one of the best Christmas markets in Germany .

For a real treat, book one of the many hotels within walking distance of the Old Town and venture out at night. With the tourist hordes gone (most are only passing through on a day trip), you'll find yourself having much of this remarkable district to yourself.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Germany in Winter

Dominating the Marktplatz at its center is the imposing Town Hall (Rathaus), one of the finest in southern Germany. The oldest part of this majestic building, constructed in the 13th century, faces Herrngasse. A later addition is the 16th-century, 50-meter-high tower, from which you'll find superb views over the Old Town.

The section facing the market was constructed in 1578 and includes the fine Imperial Hall, still used for theatrical performances and concerts. Also of interest are the former Council Tavern (Ratstrinkstube), added in 1466, and the old clock with its quaint mechanical figures.

Address: Marktplatz 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most popular things to do in Rothenburg is to take the walk around the Old Town Wall and its fortifications. To see everything and complete the entire loop, including a number of raised sections along the top of the wall, you'll want to dedicate around two hours of your time (less if you only want to tackle a smaller portion).

This fascinating and attractive walk is best started from the Spitaltor in the heart of the Old Town area, a massive gatehouse built in the 1500s. From here, head toward the equally stunning Rödertor, stopping along the way to enjoy the views. The next leg leads to the Klingentor and the 15th-century St. Wolfgang's Church, which now houses an interesting museum.

In all there are 42 gatehouses and towers along the walls, so be sure to allow additional time for taking photos and stopping for some sightseeing. Also allow time to stop for a coffee and a sweet " Schneeball " deep-fried pastry treat at one of the great little cafes you'll see along the way.

Fun English language private guided tours of the Town Walls and other historic landmarks are available from the town's visitor center.

Undoubtedly the most picturesque spot in an extremely pretty town, Plönlein looks like something right out of a fairy-tale book. Literally translated as "Little Square," it's really nothing more than an intersection, but is one of the best places to visit in Rothenburg for a memorable selfie or two.

The real star here is Plönlein's brightly painted half-timbered building that divides the two streets. This tall, skinny old building dates all the way back to the 13th century and was immortalized in Walt Disney's cartoon version of Pinocchio .

Don't be shy to explore the two streets the home separates. One of them heads up through the Siebers Tower , while the other slopes down to the Kobolzeller Tower . Both towers also date from the early 13th century.

Address: u. Schmiedgasse, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Just a short stroll from the Town Hall is the Lutheran St. James's Church. Known as Kirchengemeinde St. Jakob in German, as well as St. Jacobs, this attractive building was completed in 1485 and is widely considered to be one of the finest such pilgrimage churches in Germany.

Highlights of a visit to this historic landmark are the Altar of the Holy Blood, a superb wood carving dating from 1505 depicting the Last Supper, and the 700-year-old stained glass in the East Choir. The Twelve Apostles Altar shows the oldest known representation of Rothenburg.

English-language guided tours and audio tours are available.

Address: Klostergasse 15, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

In addition to its fine old architecture, you'll also find several lovely parks and gardens in Rothenburg, each just waiting to be explored.

One of the most popular is the spectacular Castle Garden (Burggarten). Laid out on the site of a castle destroyed in an earthquake in 1356, the gardens offer wonderful views of the Old Town and the famous Double Bridge farther down the Tauber Valley.

Its geometric flower beds, laid out in the 17th and 18th centuries, include eight sculptures representing the four seasons and the four elements. Other monuments of note are one dedicated to the 14th-century Mayor Toppler and the lords of the old castle, the once-dominant Hohenstaufen dynasty.

This large green space features plenty of trees and is perfect for an impromptu picnic. Grab yourself some savory sandwiches and sweet pastries from traditional bakeries such as the popular Brot & Zeit , then grab a bench or a shady spot and feel like a European as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing historic town.

Address: Alte Burg, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The fascinating Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum) deals with more than 1,000 years of crime and punishment in Europe. Particular focus is placed on the medieval period.

Highlights include artifacts used to extract confessions and inflict punishment, many of them extremely gruesome. Also interesting is the fascinating documentation and details pertaining to the often-flawed logic behind their use.

Numerous notorious criminal cases are depicted in woodcuts and copper etchings, while another exhibit deals specifically with the terrible witch-hunts that once gripped Bavaria.

Address: Burggasse 3, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg's Marktplatz is the scene of one of Germany's most popular Christmas markets , a tradition that can be traced to medieval times. But you can experience some of the season's colors and traditions all year round at the German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum).

Part store and part museum, it displays seasonal decorations and artifacts focusing on local traditions in towns like Rothenburg. Highlights include tree ornaments, nativity scenes, and numerous old figurines, including 150 figures of Father Christmas himself.

If you can, visit during the lead-up to Christmas when the town is festooned with more than 80,000 candles and four kilometers of decorations and lights.

Address: Herrngasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Strolling along the Schmiedgasse, a fine old street running south from the Marktplatz, you'll come to No. 3, the Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus). Now a hotel and restaurant, this fine old building with its spectacular façade from 1596 is widely considered to be one of the finest Renaissance houses in Bavaria.

It was here that Rothenburg's Master Builder, Leonard Weidmann, lived and worked. A testament to his skills, the house is famous for its carvings of dragon motifs, along with statues representing the seven cardinal virtues and the seven deadly sins.

Address: Ob. Schmiedgasse 3, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Constructed between 1395 and 1400, the imposing Klingentor is one of the most architecturally interesting of all Rothenburg's towers. Sitting alongside St. Wolfgang's church, it forms a gate in the town walls that's just begging to be explored.

It also served another purpose as well: as a water tower. It contains a huge copper tank that feeds the town's fountains. You can climb it for a small fee to see views across the town and Tauber Valley.

Address: Klingengasse 15, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

In the picturesque Spitalhof are a number of interesting buildings worth visiting. In addition to the Hegereiterhäuschen, a fine old home built in 1591, there's the massive 16th-century Spital Gate (Spitaltor), both built by Master Builder Leonhard Weidmann.

The last of the town's many fortifications to be constructed, Spitaltor bears the Latin inscription, Pax intrantibus, salus exeuntibus ; this literally translates as "Peace to those who enter in, good health to those who leave again."

Constructed in the shape of a figure eight, these intimidating fortifications include seven gates, a drawbridge, a portcullis, and a parapet.

Address: Spitalgasse 55, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Housed in a former Dominican convent, Rothenbu rg Museum gives a better understanding of the importance of this beautiful old town. Established in 1936, the museum details life in the convent, which was dissolved in the 16th century, including a look at the historic living quarters.

Other features are the well-preserved 13th-century kitchen and the 14th-century panels of the Rothenburg Passion. The museum's Judaica Department contains artifacts showcasing the town's Jewish heritage, and the display of European weaponry, from the Stone Age to the 19th century, which includes hunting weapons once used by Frederick the Great.

Address: Klosterhof, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

All this delightful town's attractions are inside or right along the old town walls, within a few minutes' walk of each other. Several are within sight of the Marktplatz, where a surprising number of hotels also cluster. Rarely are there so many opportunities to stay in historic half-timbered buildings right in the center of a walled medieval town. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Rothenburg:

Luxury Hotels :

• A few steps from the Christmas Museum and Burg Garden, Hotel Herrnschloesschen offers guests free breakfast. So does the Historikhotel Gotisches Haus , a beautifully decorated historic building in the same area.
• Built into town walls nearby, the Burghotel overlooks the Tauber Valley with spectacular views from its terrace and well-furnished rooms.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Just outside the walls at the entrance to the old town, Hotel-Garni Hornburg is a beautiful and hospitable manor house with large, nicely furnished rooms.
• The family-run Hotel Reichsküchenmeister , in a half-timbered house just off the market square in the center of town, has a good traditional restaurant and includes breakfast.
• In the newer part of town, only a few blocks from Marktplatz on the way from the rail station, Villa Mittermeier Hotel & Restaurant offers guests free parking. The old-fashioned Hotel Eisenhut is in a historic building next to the Christmas Museum and just off Marktplatz.

Budget Hotels:

• Between the Christmas Museum and Burg Garden, Hotel Klosterstueble is in a traditional building with a cozy courtyard and quirky rooms.
• Antiques furnish the Hotel Spitzweg , on a small quiet street a block off Marktplatz, where hospitable hosts offer free parking, an unusual feature right in the center of town.
• Near the town gate, a five-minute walk from Marktplatz, Hotel-Gasthof Klingentor has spacious rooms and also includes free parking, along with breakfast.
• Day Tour from Munich: Rothenburg is a highlight of the Romantic Road, a tourist route through some of Germany's most charming medieval towns. You can follow this route by air-conditioned coach on the Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour from Munich . There's time to stroll through Rothenburg's streets at leisure and discover its historic sights. A bonus of the tour is a stop at the 11th-century Harburg Castle, one of Germany's oldest fortifications.
• Day Tour from Frankfurt: Combine your visits to two of Germany's most popular attractions on the Frankfurt Super Saver: Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg Day Trip , a 24-hour guided excursion by coach. Skip-the-line admission to Neuschwanstein and a professionally guided walking tour of Rothenburg are included, along with round-trip transportation from central Frankfurt.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany Guide: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Rothenburg

Last Updated: April 1, 2021

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Don’t get me wrong, I loved growing up in Canada, but the glass skyscrapers in Vancouver were hardly a fit for my storybook dreams. Luckily, since moving to Germany, spots like Rothenburg ob der Tauber have remedied this problem, even for just a weekend.

Now, as far as fairytale towns go, I’d consider  Rothenburg ob der Tauber  to be the jewel in Germany’s (seriously bedazzled) crown. Commonly recognized as one of the best medieval towns in Germany, this little slice of storybook heaven will quickly capture your heart and tie it up in a big fancy bow. And while Rothenburg ob der Tauber is hardly a secret (as most critics will note), a visit is more than worth it, because while there may be heavy crowds and tourism, there is also a ridiculous amount of beauty.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Know before you go

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not the only Rothenburg in Germany! Avoid arriving at the wrong one by confirming that you are, indeed, going to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and not one of the others. You may laugh, but I drove towards the wrong one for an hour before realizing my mistake, and others have caught the train to the wrong one too!

Understand the pros and cons of on/off-season. I mean, Rothenburg is one good looking city, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it gets busy during the summer months. I went in the off-season (February) and was treated to significantly less crowds, which I loved. The flip side however was that there were reduced opening hours for the museums and less organized tours for us tourists (which start their season in April). That’s the trade-off – a Rothenburg ob der Tauber winter visit is less crowded, but the weather is moodier and hours are reduced, while a summer visit means definitely more crowds, but a more visitor-friendly atmosphere.

Know that on Sunday, most shops are closed. As with the case in most Bavarian towns, Sunday is a day of rest in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This means if you’re keen to go shopping, the majority of stores will be shut on Sunday. Many cafes, restaurants, museums and souvenir shops however will still be open.

Consider staying the night  for a more peaceful experience. Rothenburg, in all its charming glory, is very, very popular among day trippers. If you’re one to avoid crowds (like me) or just want the feeling of having this city to yourself, book a room to stay the night! The experience of walking the streets after all the crowds have gone home (or in the morning before they arrive) is just unbeatable. There’s a lot of inexpensive but cozy guesthouses to choose from. Click here to browse the best deals on where to stay.

How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

WITH A TOUR:  The simplest way is to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber is of course with a tour who takes care of all the transportation. Tours aren’t for everyone, but if you do want to book one, I highly recommend Get Your Guide , who has a low price guarantee (meaning they refund you the difference if you find a cheaper price). That way you know for sure you’re getting the lowest price possible! Here’s a day trip option from Munich.

BY CAR:  From the Rothenburg ob der Tauber tourism website: “Take Highway A7 Würzburg – Ulm to Rothenburg. Take exit 108 “Rothenburg / Tauber” and follow the signposts for the town center. After two kilometers you will come upon one of the car parks from which you can reach the old town on foot in just a few minutes.” NOTE: If you’re not staying the night at a place with parking provided, it’ll probably be easier for you to park outside the city walls and then walk in. Parking isn’t too easy to come by in the Old Town!

BY TRAIN:  The Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station is located very close to the Old Town, so you can get there by foot very easily. Remember, the train station you want to reach is ‘Rothenburg ob der Tauber’, so don’t get confused with any of the other Rothenburgs in Germany! Use the Deutsche Bahn website to plan your journey.

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train: There are frequent departures from Munich’s main station to reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The train journey takes 3-4 hours depending on which train you catch, so while it’s “doable” as a day trip, I wouldn’t recommend it because you would be really limiting your time in the city. QUICK TIP: If you are going with a group, look into purchasing a Bayern Ticket, which could be more cost effective as it grants you unlimited travel in Bavaria for up to 5 people in one day. The base cost is 25 euros + 7 euros for each additional person. For more info, you can click here for my full Bayern ticket guide.

BY BUS:  Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a popular stop along many coach bus tours. For instance, you can take the Romantic Road Coach, although be sure to do your research because the trains might be cheaper. Another option is to book a guided tour. Here are some options from Viator.

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by bus:  I would highly recommend taking the train to Rothenburg (rather than a bus), because it’s more comfortable, convenient and similar price-wise. During the off-season, there are no direct buses from Munich to Rothenburg, but from April – October, you can catch the Romantic Road Coach.  If you feel like adding Würzburg to your itinerary, Flixbus does have a route from Munich to there, and you can then catch a quick train ride down to Rothenburg.

Things to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Plönlein

This little square is probably the most iconic view you’ll find in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. An adorable half-timbered house, sandwiched by tall towers and perfect cobblestoned streets. Yup, it’s for real and it’s as close to postcard-perfect as you’ll get.

TIP: Come in the morning or in the early evening to avoid day trip crowds.

This is the city’s main hub, where you’ll find the Rathaus (town hall), the Ratstrinkstube (Councillor’s Tavern), the Tourist Information Centre and just nearby, George’s Spring.

If you plan on taking any of the city’s guided tours, this is where the meeting point will be. Also, when the Festive Season kicks in, it’s here that you’ll find the Christmas Market!!!! Giggity. *jingles some bells*

St. Jacob’s Church

This is one of the most dominant sights of the Rothenburg ob der Tauber skyline and the city’s main church. It carries a wide variety of religious artworks, including a main altar that is recognized as one of Germany’s most important.

The city walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the biggest draws of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is its well preserved walls and of course, its many awesome towers and gates. You’ll surely stumble upon these as you walk through the city, but I’m partial to Klingentor and Markusturm (so don’t miss them). Here’s a full list from the tourism board!

Old Castle Gardens

While these gardens weren’t exactly buzzing in the winter, I can only imagine how gorgeous they would be once the flowers are back in bloom. Definitely worth a stop if you come at the right time of year.

For a more thorough list of unique and significant buildings, check out this page.

Fun things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Visit the Christmas Museum. One of the quirkiest of Rothenburg ob der Tauber tourist attractions and well worth the entry fee! This museum is housed in a beautiful Christmas shop, and walks you through tons of really interesting Christmas history (e.g. where did decorative baubles come from, why do some parts of Germany have Christmas pyramids instead of trees, etc.) I’m a holiday fanatic, so I loved exploring this super fun little museum.

The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum.

This museum is a bit morbid, but don’t miss it. (And pro tip: don’t eat before coming here like I did).  If you want to know the gutwrenching and bloody details of how crime/punishment were handled back in the good old Medieval days, this is your place! It goes in serious detail about what went down, and boasts an impressive collection of artefacts (torture instruments included) that will wow you/make you squirm.

PS: It is HUGE. Like seriously huge. If you plan on doing this museum thoroughly, allow for a lot of time.

Walk the city walls. This is a must. The views are really nice, and you get a great overview of the city. The steps to climb up can be found next to pretty much any of the towers.

Try a schneeball.

These delightful looking treats can be found all around town, and are balls of fried pastry usually covered in chocolate and other wild toppings. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by it, because I had such high expectations and it ended up tasting like plain pie crust… BUT to each their own 🙂 They’re a specialty of Rothenburg, so try one if you’re curious!

Go on the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour. 

I didn’t get to do this on my visit (as the tours aren’t daily during peak season) but I’ve heard great things! It’s supposedly an awesome and funny way to learn about the city’s rich history, so be sure to give it a try if you’re staying the night.  Visit the official Rothenburg ob der Tauber website for a tour schedule. 

A simple 1 day itinerary for Rothernburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is no doubt a city best explored on foot. Here’s a rough itinerary for you to follow if you want to maximize your time!

MORNING:  Wake up/arrive early to visit Plönlein and enjoy the view before the crowds settle in. Then grab a coffee or breakfast at a cozy cafe, preparing for a busy day of sightseeing. If you feel like you’ll need a map, head over to the Tourist Information Centre to grab one. If it’s open, climb up the Rathausturm (Town Hall tower) for a great view over the city.  You can view the opening hours here.

AFTERNOON: Walk around town, enjoying the picture-perfect streets. If you prefer having a guide (and are visiting from Apr-Oct or during December), there are daily guided tours at 2pm offered through the city for 8 euros.

Make time for at least one museum. I loved the Christmas Museum, but if you’re looking for something darker, I highly recommend the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum as well!

If you still have an appetite after seeing all those torture instruments, don’t forget to grab a hearty lunch and enjoy some tasty Franconian fare. (Otherwise, eat before museum hopping!) I adore Nürnberger Bratwursts, which are little pork sausages typically served in sets, but supposedly their white asparagus is awesome as well.

LATE AFTERNOON: Walk around the city walls for some cool views and enjoy the rest of your day shopping (or enjoying a few glasses of Franconian wine!). Try a schneeball if you’re curious, but keep your expectations low, as many people don’t like them.

EVENING:  Catch the world famous Rothenburg Night Watchman tour for 8 euros! This is offered daily during peak season, but only on Saturdays during the winter. Check here for the schedule.

So, I hope you found that guide to Rothenburg ob der Tauber helpful!! It is honestly one of THE most picture perfect places I have ever been, and if you plan well, I’m sure you’ll love it too.

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Tell me – have you ever visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber? If not, what’s the most magical place you’ve been to? Let me know in the comments!

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38 thoughts on “Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany Guide: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Rothenburg”

The sites there all look great, and the houses are SO cute and colourful! A fairytale in real life for sure! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Yes it’s a gorgeous little place. Hope you get to visit soon! 🙂

Great post! I visited Rothenburg in October and loved it! I’m overdue to write a post about it, so thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

Yay! Excited to see your post, Valerie. Thanks for reading mine <3

Looks fantastic! It’s on our itinerary for May when we visit Germany but I’m thinking we need to change our plan up a little to give us some more time.

Yay!! I think one full day is adequate to get a feel for the city, but of course if you don’t wanna rush, then extra time wouldn’t hurt 😉 I’m so excited for you, Stacey. Your trip sounds awesome.

Wow how come I’ve never heard of this town before? It looks so gorgeous! I really need to visit Bavaria ASAP, because I keep seeing some beautiful cities and towns in the area! I’ve also never actually visited Germany, but hopefully I’ll finally get there during Christmas Market season this year!

Thank you for the informational post (and of course the beautiful photos) :). Bookmarked it for further trip planning!

Greetings from Transylvania!

Haha the first time I saw a photo of Rothenburg, it was on the cover of a Lonely Planet guidebook and I was soo shocked I hadn’t ever heard of it before. It’s really well worth a visit and YES all of Germany is beautiful, especially during Christmas time. I hope you get to visit this winter and see for yourself! 🙂 <3

Why did I not know about this lovely place the two times I visited my friend in Nürnberg! Next time I go I’ll have to make a trip out to this wonderland.

Ahhh Nürnberg is so close to here too!! Definitely go the next time you visit 🙂 And there’s a few other lovely towns along the Romantic Road as well (Google it!) I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to visit any others, but I’ve seen photos and they look SO cute.

It’s such a pretty town 😀 I feel like it’s almost beauty and the beast like – except it’s in Germany and not France! I miss the architecture of Europe!

That was my thought too!! I felt like Belle haha. Come back to Europe soon and visit me! 🙂

This absolutely looks like a day in a fairytale! I love it! Definitely going on the bucket list! The colorful buildings are so happy!!!! Thank you for sharing all thishappy beauty!

aww you’re welcome, Lacey. Thanks for reading!

Wow, this totally looks like a place right out of a movie or video game, I can’t believe it exists! And I never heard of it before. Thanks for the pictures and article…This is definitely going on my list when I get to go to Germany and a must visit location! I’d love to walk the city walls, try the foods, and go on the night watchman tour, sounds like so much fun and I’d probably take a million pics lol!

Right?! Hard to believe it actually exists hahah. Bavaria is full of amazing gems like this. Hope you get to see it all for yourself someday soon 🙂

Very informative post! Thanks for sharing- I had never heard of this cute little town until I saw your photos on Pinterest. I definitely want to go there the next time I visit Germany. I would love to visit the Christmas Museum.

It is honestly such a fun museum hahah. I felt like a little kid running through it! Thanks for reading, Kat 🙂 <3

There tend to be many towns of the same name in Germany. To keep from getting the towns confused Germans tend to use the name of the local river, for example you fly into Germany at Frankfurt aM on the Mainz. There is another Frankfurt in Germany Frankfurt aO on the Oder. I love Rothenburg ob der Tauber and have managed to stay there a couple of times. I rented a Fewo, vacation home, near Klingentor for a week in 2010. We walked everywhere and it is a small enough place that you can simply just stroll around. I spent a few days wandering inside the Reichsstadmuseum. You’ll learn much about the history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber by visiting there. We would pick a road and walk down it until we found something interesting, failing that we’d find another road to explore. Near the train station, across the street actually is a shopping mall where you can get meals pretty cheaply from the deli. Staying in an apartment with a kitchen helps save money on the dining bill. At Klingentor you see a half house against the wall. This was originally a barracks for troops defending the wall so they didn’t have a long way to go to get to their post. There is also a laundromat just outside of Rödertor on the left, visible from the roadway just tucked back a bit. Just in case you’ve been traveling a bit and need clean clothes.

Ahh that explains a lot! I did always wonder why it was called Frankfurt am Main sometimes haha. Thanks for sharing your experience in Rothenburg, William.. it sounds like you had a great time there! Great tips too 😀 I’ll definitely keep them in mind when I go back!

I remember that in the early 80’s the only wheeled traffic allowed in the old city walls were bikes and strollers. A little disappointed that they allowed cars in some of the roads in 2013. Still beautiful to visit!

Dodging cars mid-photo opp wasn’t ideal, but Rothenburg is still a lovely place for sure! 😉 I wish I could have seen it back before they allowed cars in. It must have been like a step back in time!

Funny, I literally heard of this place yesterday and I was just checking one of your other Germany posts and noticed you’d posted this!! Great tips as always, this is DEFINITELY on my Europe list now!

Awesome!! Hope you get to visit soon, Clazz 🙂

Love Rothenburg, it is worth visiting for 3 days. The magic happens once all of the day trippers get out of town. That is when the streets become quite and you can get some epic photos. We did and so many travels say it was not like that when we were there….

Yes – totally agree! A day trip does NOT at all do the place justice. So happy to hear you had such an amazing time in Rothenburg 🙂

Your pictures are absolutely amazing ! You are a great photographer and writer. Do you mind if I ask what type of camera you used to tAKE these pictures ? I hope to go to Rothenberg next year !!

Thanks so much, Nicole! You are too sweet. I use a Nikon D3200, a very basic beginner level DSLR 🙂 Highly recommend it! And yessss go to Rothenburg if you get the chance. It’s amazing.

Great article and fantastic photos! We went there last year, stayed 1 night and had a couple of hours the next morning. Nowhere near enough time! We are planning to go back in the future, maybe during Christmas time for several days. It is a stunning little town with so much history, and the Night watchman was a fantastic experience!

I’d love to go back at Christmas! I’ve heard their Christmas market is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Greg! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.

Thanks so much for this review of Rothenburg…fantastic pics and write-up…we were in Rothenburg in the beginning of December and the atmosphere was awesome… literally walking through a Winter Wonderland. Although I am a senior citizen Rothenburg brought out the child in me… the snow was an extra bonus for me, coming from the sunny island of Malta (we don’t get snow in winter). Planning to visit again in Spring. Meanwhile wish you loads of luck and good health for 2018. Doris Agius

Thank you so much for the kind wishes, Doris! So happy you loved Rothenburg as much as I do.

Veyr nice article! Love to love Rothenburg hehe! Cheers! xx

Thanks for the one-day itinerary! We will be arriving at around 6pm and leaving the next day around 4; so I will be flip flopping part of the itinerary. Very much looking forward to the night watchman tour!

Ahh that’s so great. Hope you have a wonderful time! <3

I’m planning a trip to Nurenberg and the nearby towns in December and your article about Rothenburg ob der Tauber was the best I have found (and I have read a lot of them). Thanks a lot! Very nicely written. The Night Watchman Tour sounds great. I will try to do it.

The best time to visit Rotenburg is in late May or early June on Pentocost weekend when the Master Draught Festival is held in the old city. I spend three days back in 1995 in Rotenburg and the experience created a lifetime memory. I hope to make the trip again some day. We stayed in a hotel in the city, walked the streets, shopped the stores, visited the museums, and ate at the quaint cafes. During the Master Draught Festival re-enactors retell the story from the Thirty Years’ War of when the city was conquered by the troops of General Tilly and only saved from destruction by the city mayor Nusch. It is said that Nusch impressed the enemy general by drinking 3 1/4 liters in one go. The story is retold by historical groups throughout the city and, in particular, in multiple theater performances in the Kaisersaal. As a keepsake from that trip, I purchased an original Black Forest German Cuckoo Clock that I still enjoy to this day.

My father, my daughter and I absolutely adored Rothenberg ob der Tauber we visited in July of 2006!! I would go back there again in a heartbeat! We also went to Salzburg and had an incredible time there. So many great memories …

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48 hours in Rothenburg – 2 Day Itinerary

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It is a popular tourist destination for both Germans and international tourists. This may be because it is such an extremely picturesque town and it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The ancient city is located in the region of Bavaria and has a population of over 10,000 people. The city is famous for its well preserved medieval walls and towers, as well as its impressive fortifications. There is plenty to do and see in this German town, so here is a 2 Day Itinerary for Rothenburg to get you started.

The best time to go to Rothenburg is during the summer months from May to September due to the warmer and more pleasant weather. Average temperatures in summer can rise to a lovely 24 degrees. Rothenburg can get quite a lot colder in winter, with January being the coldest month and regularly plummeting into minus temperatures.

Don’t let the cold put you off altogether as the Christmas market here is truly wonderful. The best place to stay is close to Rothenburg city centre as this is where all the action is. You will be close to all of the stunning buildings and sightseeing activities.

If you’re wondering how many days in Rothenburg is ideal or how many days do you need in Rothenburg? well it all depends on what your plans are? You could easily spend 2 weeks in Rothenburg or 2 months and still not see or do everything.

Below is a great guide on what to do in Rothenburg for 2 days because sometimes 2 days in Rothenburg is all you have, especially if you’re going over on a cruise or you’re short on time and want to be able to tour some of the other areas within Rothenburg.

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Table of Contents

Day 1 in Rothenburg

For the first day on your 48 hours in Rothenburg itinerary, you should spend your time exploring the city. You can start off by visiting Market Square. Here you will find some of Rothenburg’s most beautiful buildings including the Town Hall.

From here, you can walk along the cobbled streets which are lined with half-timbered houses where there are lots of shopping opportunities. There are numerous cafes to relax at with a cup of coffee, plus several restaurants where you can enjoy some traditional German cuisine.

Take a walk in the Old Town

Rothenburg is a UNESCO world heritage site and for good reason. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

The old town is small enough to walk around comfortably and the maze of narrow alleys and cobbled streets will keep you entertained for hours! The main Market Square is a fantastic place to begin your exploration of the city.

Here you will find an impressive number of shops, cafes and restaurants all around the square and beyond. The square is surrounded by medieval buildings including the Town Hall, with picturesque architecture.

Spend your morning having a leisurely breakfast at Konditorei Café Prezel or Cafebar & Confiserie where you can eat fresh breakfast pastries.

Town Hall Tower

You should make time to visit the Town Hall Tower as it is one of the most popular attractions in Rothenburg. Situated in the main Market Square, you can climb to the top and get a bird’s-eye view of Rothenburg.

Due to it being the tallest spire in the city, at 200 metres tall, you can get a really good view of the surrounding area. There are many steps to climb to the top but it is definitely worth the effort.

Explore the City Walls

The city is surrounded by strongly fortified walls that are fun to explore. The walls were built back in 1142 and were used as a defence system against enemies. They helped to protect not only the royal castle inside but the trading centre within the city.

These powerful walls meant that the city flourished and grew to become one of Germany’s largest cities back in the 15th century.

Today the stone city walls still stand tall and it is possible to walk around the entire length which is approximately two miles long.

The walls are high above the buildings it surrounds meaning you can get really good views during your walk up here.

You can also go inside some of the towers that are dotted along them for even better views. Some towers to look out for include the Women’s Tower, Gallows Gate, Kummereckturm and Thomasturm.

The Medieval Crime Museum

For your afternoon, visit the Medieval Crime Museum. It is located to the south of the city centre and is a great place to learn about the history of crime and punishment in the middle ages.

The museum is 9 euros per person to enter and has many interactive exhibits and displays.

The museum takes you through various rooms where you can see different kinds of punishments over the years as well as learn about some famous past criminals.

The museum also has a cafe on site which sells refreshments and snacks. Plus a gift shop to buy souvenirs and gifts to take home with you.

The Night Watchman Tour

The Night Watchman Tour is the perfect way to see Rothenburg at night. It is a one hour long walk through the city with a local guide, who will tell you all about its history and culture.

The tour starts in front of the Town Hall in the main Market Square at 8:00 pm for English speakers or 9:30 pm for German speakers.

There is no reservation required, but it can get very busy during the peak summer months, so be sure to arrive early enough for a good spot.

The tour runs from the start of April through until the end of December and costs 9 euros per person. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes as well as warm clothing as it can get cold at night.

Day 2 in Rothenburg

For the second part of your 48 hours in Rothenburg, you will get to experience the magic of Christmas, a huge tradition in Germany.

If you are visiting in December, make sure you also check out the Christmas markets in Rothenburg, as they are not to be missed. The city is absolutely beautiful during the Christmas season and it has a magical feel to it.

German Christmas Museum

Christmas is a huge tradition in Germany, so it is no surprise that there is a whole museum dedicated to this in the heart of Rothenburg.

If you love Christmas then it is a must-see attraction during your stay. It is open from April through to the end of December and admission costs 5 euros per person.

The museum explores all aspects of Christmas, including its history, traditions and folklore. You will find interesting exhibits on how people used to celebrate this festive time of year, including advent.

It is a really interesting museum and you will definitely learn something new. If you have kids then they will love it too as there are lots to keep them entertained.

Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store

After learning all about the history of Christmas, visit the Christmas shop! The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store is a huge ‘Christmas village’ based in Rothenburg.

The store may be Christmas themed but it is open all year round. It has the largest range of Christmas decorations for sale in the world! Making it a very important place for Christmas fanatics.

The shopping village is so large you could spend hours browsing the items for sale and it is free to visit.

Take a stroll over to the Castle Gardens, located to the east of the city. The gardens are a great place to relax and take in the views of the surrounding countryside.

The gardens are open all year round and have a number of viewpoints and structures to admire such as the Alte Burg Defensive Wall and the Aussichtspunkt viewpoint.

The gardens are surrounded by thick trees and you can see the countryside hills rolling for miles. The gardens are especially beautiful during the summer months when they are filled with flowers and the many fountains are running.

Rothenburg Museum

After some lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants in the city, head over to the Rothenburg Museum. The museum is open all year round and costs 5 euros per person to enter.

The museum has many exhibits that are dedicated to the history of Rothenburg and the surrounding area. There are also paintings, sculptures and other works of art that have been found in the area.

The museum is spread over three floors with exhibitions covering topics such as former household devices, Jewish culture and hunting weapons. The museum is housed in a beautiful building, with a courtyard in the middle and is surrounded by attractive gardens.

For the afternoon, go and hire some bikes and take a bike ride. You can hire bikes from one of the bike rental shops around Rothenburg and enjoy one of the many cycle paths in the area. Tauber Valley is a particularly scenic place to spend a few hours cycling, with some of the bicycle routes stretching for miles on end.

There are plenty of places to stop off for a drink or snack, so you do not have to worry about getting thirsty or hungry.

The bike rental shops will also give you maps of the area so that you can plan your route in advance. Try to take in as much of the countryside as you can as well as the many attractions that you will see in the area such as the Tauber Bridge.

Tauber Bridge

The Tauber Bridge or ‘Double Bridge’ is a structure that spans the River Tauber and Tauber Valley. It was built in the 14th century by the Romans and has since become an important symbol of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

It can now be seen on many postcards and posters and it is regarded as one of the most prominent features of the city.

The unique design of the bridge is what makes it so appealing. The stone bridge consists of two separate rows of arches, one on top of the other, which is not seen in many other bridge designs.

Nightlife in Rothenburg

The nightlife in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fun experience for all. There are many different bars and restaurants that can be found throughout the city, each one with its own unique ambience and charm.

The most popular bars and restaurants are located in or around the Market Square but you will also find many hidden gems located throughout the city walls. Some great restaurants include Baumeisterhaus Inh. Dieter Neupert and VITO Restaurant Cafe.

Try German Cuisine

To finish off your trip you must make sure you have sampled the local delicacies. Be sure to try some of the local sausages, which are made from various types of meat, including pork and beef. Bratwurst is a very popular type of sausage and you can find it everywhere in Germany.

It is traditionally served on a bread roll. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also famous for its apple strudel and there are many bakeries throughout the city where you can purchase this delicious treat.

Make sure that you wash all the mouthwatering food down with some high quality German beer! German beer is world-famous and there are many brands to choose from, this will be served in almost every eatery in the town.

You should also try some of the local wines, which are very popular in Germany too. One of the most famous wines is Riesling, which is produced from grapes grown in the Rhine region.

Tour ideas in Rothenburg

A great way to explore the city is to choose a guided walking tour . If you only have 48 hrs in Rothenburg then choosing a guided tour means you do not need to spend any time looking for tourist information points or asking for directions.

You can just join the tour and have someone show you around!

This tour includes seeing sights such as Rothenburg Town Hall, The Market Square, Marienapotheke and The Plönlein.

The tour lasts about one and a half hours and is a great way to get started and begin exploring Rothenburg.

Rothenburg Germany should be on your bucket list if you are wanting to travel to Europe. It is a beautiful medieval town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings and beautiful scenery that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

It is a great place to visit and enjoy the culture, food and people. This romantic city looks as though it is straight out of a postcard and therefore it has become one of the most popular destinations in Germany. Combined with its true love of Christmas, this city is a very magical place to visit.

Recommended tours in Rothenburg

• On tour with a friend and his luxury van
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Private Walking Tour
• Rothenburg Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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