Rothenburg ob der Tauber walking tour & city guide
A perfectly preserved medieval fairytale town.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, on Germany's Romantic Road, looks like it has stepped straight out of a storybook. Its half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, towers and complete town walls have barely changed since the Middle Ages, making it one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
The medieval town
The Market Square is overlooked by the Town Hall, whose tower you can climb, and the Councillors' Tavern with its clock. According to legend, the town was saved in the Thirty Years' War when its mayor drank a huge tankard of wine in one go, and figures re-enact this 'Master Draught' in the clock windows several times a day.
The Plönlein, a small fork in the road with a yellow half-timbered house between two towers, is the most photographed spot in town. St James's Church holds a beautifully carved wooden altar by Tilman Riemenschneider.
The walls and the valley
You can walk along much of the covered wooden walkway on top of the town walls, looking down onto the rooftops. The Castle Garden, on the site of the old castle, offers views over the Tauber valley below.
In the evening, the Night Watchman leads an entertaining tour through the lantern-lit streets, telling stories about medieval life.
Visiting tips
Rothenburg gets busy with day-trippers in the middle of the day, so stay overnight to enjoy the quiet mornings and evenings. The Käthe Wohlfahrt shop and Christmas Museum are open all year, and the Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market adds extra magic in December.
Top sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- 1
Plönlein
The most famous view in town.
- 2
Market Square and Town Hall
Climb the tower for views over the rooftops.
- 3
Town wall walk
A covered walkway along the medieval walls.
- 4
St James's Church
A gothic church with a famous carved altar.
- 5
Castle Garden
Views over the Tauber valley.
- 6
Night Watchman tour
An evening tour by lantern light.
Food markets & where to eat in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Market Square
Cafés and bakeries in the heart of town.
Herrngasse
The wide main street with traditional inns.
Bakeries along Schmiedgasse
Shops selling Schneeballen pastries.
Wine taverns
Franconian wine in cozy cellars.
Food to try in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Schneeballen
Balls of fried pastry dough, dusted with sugar or chocolate.
Franconian sausages
Grilled sausages with sauerkraut.
Franconian wine
Dry white wine, served in flat round bottles.
Schäufele
Roast pork shoulder with a potato dumpling.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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