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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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One day in rothenburg ob der tauber: a free walking tour.

Threading its way through the towns and villages of Bavaria’s medieval heartland, the Romantic Road is quintessential Germany. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the most compelling town on this route and one that is easily reached by rail.

But what should you do if you have just one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany? As I visited Rothenburg as a day trip from Nuremberg, this is where I can help you.

Ready to plan your perfect Rothenburg day trip ?

In this article, I spill the beans on why you should visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, how to make the most of your time there and how to get there. There’s even a map and a Rothenburg free walking tour to kickstart your day.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

What is Rothenburg, Germany Known for?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous as one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, with wonky half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and an intact town wall with stone towers. This is a 14th Century town alive and kicking in the 21 st Century.

Planning Your Day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Free Walking Tour (+ Map)

It’s a breeze to explore Rothenburg in one day on foot. The main sights in town are no more than a 15-minute walk from each other or from the train station.

If you like to map it out, here’s one that I prepared earlier. For an interactive map, simply click here or on the image itself.

For a more structured itinerary, you can use this map as a framework for a Rothenburg self-guided walking tour . Excluding walking along the town wall, the distance between these Rothenburg landmarks is just over one mile (2 km).

One Day in Rothenburg: Top 10 Things to Do

1. soak up the medieval splendour of rothenburg market square (marktplatz).

Rothenburg Market Square ((Marktplatz) is a one-stop shop of medieval marvels.

From the town’s heyday around the year 1300, this has been Rothenburg’s beating heart. Thanks to its strategic location on the route from Würzburg to the Alps – today’s Romantic Road – Rothenburg was an important trading town and Germany’s second-biggest city.  

The 13 th Century Old Town Hall dominates Marktplatz. Part Gothic, part Renaissance, it was partially rebuilt following a fire in 1501.

Your reward for scaling the 220 narrow steps to the viewing platform at the summit of the Old Town Hall’s tower is a bird’s eye view of Rothenburg and its surroundings. Check the seasonal opening hours here .

The clock crowning the neighbouring Councillor’s Tavern puts on a show at the top of the hour between 10 am and 10 pm when its little doors flip open and wooden figures re-enact the Meisertrunk (“Master Draught”) legend. It’s a big tourist draw but I found it underwhelming.

The Renaissance New Town Hall occupies the entire long side of the square.

Even in medieval times, it was location, location, location, and the town’s wealthiest citizens lived in and around Marktplatz. Some of the finest houses are on the square and in the neighbouring streets.

The townsfolk once drew their water from the colourful St. George’s Fountain , which dates from the early 1600s. Two typical half-timbered buildings tower above the fountain.

2. See a drop of Christ’s blood at St. James’s Church

For centuries, pilgrims have been following the Camino de Santiago or “Way of St. James.”

On their way to venerate the remains of St. James at Spain’s Santiago de Compostella, pilgrims had rest stops at important Christian sights. Rothenburg and St. James’s Church (St. Jakob’s Church) was one of these stops, for which they have to thank a drop of Christ’s blood.

Visiting this beautiful church is one of the unmissable things to do in Rothenburg, and its highlight is the carved wooden altarpiece that holds the Holy Blood . The relic itself is held in a rock-crystal capsule set in a cross in the centre of the shrine.

This wonderful work of art was created by Würzburg native Tilman Reimenschnieder between 1499 and 1504. He was known as the Michelangelo of German woodcarvers and sculpted this altarpiece around the same time as Michelangelo was liberating David from a block of marble from Carrara .

St. James’s High Altar has a magnificent altarpiece with painted panels by Friedrich Herlin and carved wooden statues. To the left of the main altarpiece is the stone Tabernacle of the Holy Eucharist , depicting Jesus overcoming death by standing on a skull.

As you leave the High Altar, take a look at the paintings on the rear of the altarpiece, especially the face of Christ painted on the veil of Veronica.   

GOOD TO KNOW

Try to visit St. James Church in the morning when the sun shining through the windows in the east choir floods the church with colour.

Address : Kirchplatz, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Opening hours : 10 am – 6 pm. Hours are shortened in the winter months.

3. Take time out in the Convent Garden

This former Dominican monastery garden is an oasis of tranquillity in Rothenburg.

Back in the day, nuns and monks cultivated this medicinal herb garden to concoct cures and disguise the rancid taste of rotting food. Today’s herb garden is flourishing and its plants are carefully labelled, with the number of crosses on the sign indicating how poisonous the herb is.

4. Enjoy the views from Castle Garden

Although the burg (castle) was taken out of Rothenburg in 1356, the location of the former Stauferburg is now the town’s Castle Garden. All that remains of the castle is the small Blasius Chapel, in front of which is a memorial to local Jews slaughtered in 1298.

From here, there are wonderful views of Rothenburg’s medieval skyline and across the Tauber Valley.

5. Visit Rothenburg’s Medieval Crime Museum

Rothenburg’s Medieval Crime Museum is the most unlikely tourist attraction but it weirdly works.

Stuffed with diabolical instruments of punishment and torture, this is Europe’s largest museum on legal rights. Shame masks, racks, thumbscrews – it has the lot.

Don’t miss the cage of the baker’s baptism behind the museum’s gateway.

If a baker was caught cheating with ingredients in the Middle Ages, he would be placed in this cage to be publicly scorned, Worse still, he would be plunged into icy water. 

At the museum’s entrance, you’ll see the creepy Child Catcher Carriage from the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , which was filmed in Rothenburg.

Address : Burggasse 3-5, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Opening hours : Click here for current opening hours.

6. Snack on a Schneeball

Don’t leave town before trying Rothenburg’s tasty pastry.

Schneeball or Schneeballen (snowball in English) is a heavenly cloud of sweetness made from layers of shortcrust pastry and dusted with sugar. They are widely sold in bakeries and cafes in town.

Thanks to their generous shelf-life – around eight weeks – schneeballen make good presents for the folks back home.

7. Snap a shot of one of Germany’s most photographed streets

Plölein is Rothenburg’s most famous landmark. Featuring a small fountain in front of a timber-framed house, flanked by the two towers of the old city wall, it is perfectly picturesque.  

If it looks familiar, this may be because you recognise it from the 1940 Disney animation Pinocchio , which was inspired by Rothenburg.

8. Visit the shop where it is Christmas year-round

Jingle All The Way down to Rothenburg’s famous Christmas village. Founded in 1964, Käthe Wohlfahrt is the largest and most famous vendor of traditional German Christmas products.

This is truly a festive wonderland, with animations, Christmas music and a massive selection of high-quality toys and decorations.   

If you are a lover of all things Christmas, visit the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg. The town is also home to one of Germany’s most popular Christmas market s. In 2023, this will take place between 1st December and 23rd December.

9. Walk Rothenburg’s city wall

Time permitting, take a stroll along Rothenburg’s old city wall. Clocking in at just over a mile and a half, the complete walk will take you less than an hour.  

You can enter or exit the ramparts at most of the city’s towers. I followed the wall for a short distance from Siebertstor.  

10. Join the Night Watchman’s tour

Finally, to bring the ramparts to life with a cheeky wink, join the cheesy Night Watchman’s Tour . Described as a “Medieval John Cleese,” the Night Watchman makes his rounds of Rothenburg as he dishes out entertaining nuggets about the town’s history.

The Night Watchman tour sets off from Marktplatz at 8 pm every night (except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). From January to April, there are no tours on Sundays.

Day Tours to Rothenburg

It is perfectly feasible to visit Rothenburg as a day trip by train from Munich or Frankfurt, and I’ve included how to do this at the end of this post. But if you want to see the bits of the Romantic Road that are not reachable by rail or simply want someone else to take care of the arrangements, an organised day tour is worth considering. 

You will also benefit from the knowledge of a guide and if you are a solo traveller, a day tour can be also an excellent way to  meet other travellers .

Here are a few excellent options:

Rothenburg and Romantic Road day trip from Frankfurt

This guided tour along the Romantic Road includes a photo stop at the Würzburg Residence, one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe . You can also choose your group size.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Rothenburg and Romantic Road day trip from Munich Highlights of this guided tour include Harburg and the scenery of the Nördlinger Ries, the giant depression left by an ancient meteor in the Swabian landscape.

How Long Do You Need in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

You can see the best of Rothenburg in one day. I spent around four hours in the town and managed to see everything that I wanted.

However, there’s something to be said for staying overnight in this visitor honeypot to enjoy Rothenberg once the tour buses have departed.

How to Do a Rothenburg Day Trip by Train

Thanks to excellent train connections, it’s easy to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber as a day trip from Nuremberg, or even Munich, Frankfurt or Stuttgart.

Germany has several towns called Rothenburg. Make sure that you don’t arrive in a nondescript Rothenburg by selecting “Rothenburg ob der Tauber” when planning your train journey.

You can check train times here .

READ THIS NEXT: 6 Magical Day Trips from Nuremberg by Train

Nuremberg to Rothenburg day trip by train

Rothenburg ob der Tauber was one of my day trips from Nuremberg . With its lovingly restored medieval buildings, a meandering river crisscrossed with historic bridges, a clutch of excellent museums and arguably the tastiest sausages in Germany, Nuremberg is an excellent base in Upper Bavaria.

There is no direct train from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You will need to change trains at Ansbach and again at Steinbach.

This is not as tricky as it may sound and the journey time is just a shade over one hour. Connecting trains operate every two hours.

READ THIS NEXT: One Day in Nuremberg Old Town, Germany

Rothenburg day trip by train from Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart

Although longer journeys, it is also possible to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber as a day trip by train from Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.

Munich to Rothenburg by train

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Change trains at Nuremberg, Ansbach and Steinach

Frankfurt to Rothenburg by train

• Fastest journey time: 3 hours
• Change trains at Würzburg and Steinach

Stuttgart to Rothenburg by train

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Getting from Rothenburg Train Station to the Old Town

Rothenburg’s railway station is an easy 10-minute walk from the Marktplatz in the heart of the old town.

Turn left out of the railway station and follow the green-on-white signs for Aldstadt . This will bring you to Röder gate at the entrance to the old town.  

The Romantic Road Bus

The Romantic Road bus is an alternative way of getting to Rothenburg and beyond.

From May to September, this service runs between Frankfurt and Munich, serving key destinations of the Romantic Road, including Rothenburg. It is not especially cheap and you may be better off getting to Rothenburg by train.

Is Rothenburg Worth Visiting for a Day?

Rothenburg will enchant you with its fairytale-like charm. In just one day you will be able to stroll its medieval streets, walk its town walls, eat its tasty pastry and step inside a place where it is Christmas 365 days a year.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber in one day

Discover Rothenburg ob der Tauber in one day - we offer you an overview of the best sights and a possible daily itinerary for your discovery tour of the city. Below you will find an idealized daily routine in and around the old town of Rothenburg after you wake up in the morning in one of the city's hotels, guesthouses or youth hostels.

9.00:XNUMX a.m. - Breakfast and tour of the tower path

If you are not catered for in the hotel, the morning starts in one of Rothenburg's many bakeries. The bakery trade continues here. The famous snowballs are more for the afternoon and evening. But delicious pretzels, fresh rolls and homemade bread with fresh side dishes sweeten the start of the day. In addition to the bakeries, we can also recommend the city's cafés with freshly made spreads and finely selected breakfast offerings. On the Rothenburg Map the filter leads breakfast to happiness! The Rothenburger Turmweg and you can walk along the city wall before breakfast or immediately afterwards. Access to the wall is always open, and the tower path is always barrier-free as a walking path. In the morning light the city radiates a very special atmosphere. There is still little going on on the city walls and you can enjoy your journey through time to the fullest. 

11:00 - Museum or church: the main thing is culture

They open from 10 a.m Museums in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the high season (from January to March it starts at 13 p.m., but we take more time on the tower path). We visit the Medieval Crime Museum (around two hours), the RothenburgMuseum (90 minutes), the German Christmas Museum (45 minutes) or the History Dungeon (45 minutes). In the Church of St. Jacob we look at the Holy Blood Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider (90 minutes), in the Wolfgangskirche we marvel at the battlements (60 minutes). For lunch we fortify ourselves in a classic Franconian restaurant. If the weather is good, you can go outdoors - the restaurants in Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer some fine outdoor areas. In addition to Schäufele and bratwurst, the lunch menu also offers the fine Italian cuisine: numerous restaurants bring Mediterranean flair to the city. And afterwards there is ice cream in one of the halls.

14:00 p.m. - Fresh air, good visibility and informative tours

At 14 p.m. we either close public city tour and find out everything about the city. It always starts at the market square. Or we explore the city's alleys on our own. In addition to the many shopping In Hafengasse, Schmiedgasse or Galgengasse we enjoy the green lungs of the city: the castle garden . We reach the park through the castle gate and are amazed at the view to the south of the hospital or to the north of the small town of Detwang. They both go even higher accessible towers of the city: the town hall tower on the market square and the Röder tower.

19:00 p.m. - Fine or wine dining - and then a laugh with the night watchman

After an eventful day, we let ourselves be pampered: from fine dining to a hearty stop at a wine bar or restaurant, Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers a wide range of restaurants. We make ourselves comfortable there with good conversations - but not too much. It starts at 21.30:XNUMX p.m Night watchman his rounds through the market square. If you would like to find out more about life in days gone by before eating, then the tour with the craftsman's widow Walburga or the ghost tour is the right choice.

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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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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.

Rothenburg Night Watchman Tour: The Best City Walking Tour Ever?

I will tell you this: I’ve been on my fair share of city walking tours in Europe. Actually, I’ve been on them everywhere.

My all-time favorite is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Night Watchman tour .

I mean, I’ll update you if this ever changes, but I kind of doubt it. This tour is the bomb.

On this tour the Night Watchman will take you to all the central Rothenburg ob der Tauber sights, and teach you all about the city’s most important (and some lesser-known) history. I simply can’t recommend this delightful, affordable experience enough.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour!

Who is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Night Watchman?

The Night Watchman is a German guy with excellent English speaking and storytelling skills, who will teach you all about the rich history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

He does this whole educational, entertaining tour from the perspective of a Medieval times city night watchman! These guys patrolled the gates of a city back in the day, and knew the goings-on and city secrets better than anyone. Plus, his costume is excellent.

I don’t know how long the Night Watchman has been giving his dusk walking tour of Rothenburg, but judging from a quick Google search it looks like the answer is: a while .

And it shows! He was one of the best historic re-enactors and tour guides I’ve ever seen. I worked in the National Park Service, which required me to do very similar things (explain complex topics to wide-ranging audiences in a fun, animated way, though my costume was a little less crazy).

I know a good story-teller when I see one, because I’ve been trained in story-telling. This guy could be a Park Ranger any damn day of the week.

Feel like popping over to Austria next? Check out my guide to a perfect day in Salzburg !

How much does the Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Night Watchman tour cost?

Perhaps the best part of this incredible tour is the reasonable price.

Adults: 8 Euro

Teens: 4 Euro

Kids under 12: Free!

Honestly, I would’ve tipped that much anyway because the tour is so excellent, so it’s truly a bargain. I know you might be used to free walking tours, like those offered through hostels and such, but this guy does this for a living . And he’s stellar. He could’ve charged twice as much and I would still say it’s worth it!

You pay at the end of the tour, which is quite the honor system considering how many people are on a tour. He’ll give you change if you don’t have exact.

Like fairytale cities? Check out my 4 day Prague itinerary 😉

Is the tour appropriate for children?

Absolutely!

There were a ton of kids on the tour when I went, and as long as they aren’t disruptive it’s totally fine. In fact, it looked like the Night Watchman enjoyed interacting with them!

The tour accomplishes something quite rare in historical education, in that I think it was truly accessible to everyone. It doesn’t pander to the audience, either, which I appreciate. I am wary of people in costume=cheesy tours, but this wasn’t the case in my opinion.

Also, while we’re on the subject of age, there’s not too much walking on this tour for folks of all ages. There were young kids and older grandparents alike—everyone seemed to love it!

How does one join the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour?

You don’t need to sign up in advance or anything for the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour. Simply show up at Market Square in front of the Town Hall at 8:00 PM. From March to January, this is true every single night .

From the months of January to March there are limited hours; just Saturday tours. Again, it’s at 8:00 PM at the Town Hall!

Chances are, you’ll know just where to wait based on the massive crowd. Apparently the Night Watchman has had tours of 300 people! Yikes. I imagine that is during holiday weekends and such, because my tour was much smaller.

You’ll know the tour is starting when a man dressed as a Medieval Night Watchman, cape and all, strolls up with his torch and starts addressing the crowd. Pretty straightforward situation there.

What does the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour include? How long is it?

The tour is an hour long , and it goes by remarkably quickly.

The tour starts at the Market Square Town Hall and meanders through the streets, in and out of the gates of Rothenburg.

The Watchman will stop at various points of interest, like the aforementioned Medieval city gates, and give little talks and tell stories about their significance.

You’ll see several interesting historical spots and learn a lot about the city on this tour. If you arrive in Rothenburg later in the day, the Night Watchman tour would therefor be a great first stop. It puts much of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in historical context, which enriches the experience of exploring it on your own the next day!

Heading into the Mediterranean? Check out my 10 day Italy itinerary !

Why should I go on the tour?

If I haven’t convinced you already, I’m not sure what else I can say… other than, this is one of the best activities in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber. It really made my trip memorable.

Going on this tour also gives you the chance to do something I desperately, aggressively recommend you do: spend the night in Rothenburg. It’s a hotspot for day trippers, as the midday crowds leave no question of.

My favorite moments in Rothenburg ob der Tauber were in the evening and morning, when I felt a calm descend over the city.

The Night Watchman takes full advantage of this quiet calmness, and he makes you feel as if you could be walking around Rothenburg hundreds of years ago. It really makes you experience the city in a unique way!

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The “no pre-booking just show up” is the information all the other websites I’ve looked at were lacking! Thank you!

Hi Kaisa, we will be doing this tour in mid Sept. and we are looking forward to it. I was wondering, how can everyone hear him if there is such a big crowd? Does he wear a microphone? Is everyone crowding behind him and then would we miss what he is saying if we are not close to him? I am hoping the crowds won’t be bid when we are there. Thanks for your info, Diane

We took the Night Watchman’s (Hans Baumgartner’s) tour back in 2004. It truly was the best walking tour I’ve ever been on. And afterwards, Hans joined us for a bier.

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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.

Plan your trip?

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This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

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

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

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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