Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Why visit

Rothenburg was a rich free imperial city in the Middle Ages, then fell into decline after the Thirty Years’ War. Too poor to rebuild, it kept its old walls and houses, and in the 19th century painters and travellers rediscovered it as the picture of medieval Germany. Damaged in 1945, it was carefully restored, and today it is one of the country’s most visited towns.

What to see

• The Plönlein: the little square where two lanes split around a yellow half-timbered house, framed by gate towers.
• The market square: the Renaissance town hall and the old councillors’ tavern, whose clock re-enacts the legend of the Master Draught.
• The town walls: walk along the covered wall walk for views over the roofs.
• St Jakob’s Church: home to Tilman Riemenschneider’s Altar of the Holy Blood.
• The castle garden: views down to the Tauber valley and the old double bridge.
• Museums: the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and the German Christmas Museum.

Getting there

By car, follow the Tauber valley east through Röttingen and Creglingen, about 35 to 40 minutes. Use the car parks outside the walls, as the old town is largely closed to traffic. Public transport is possible but slow, with changes.

Tips

• Arrive before 10am or stay into the evening, when the coach groups have gone.
• Try a Schneeball, the town’s ball-shaped pastry.
• Read our Rothenburg day trip guide.