Travels in Germany - Rothenburg ob der Tauber

As mentioned previously, we began our first vacation to Germany in the city of Munich. From there we took a train to our next stop, the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg is one of the towns situated along the Romantic Road tour that stretches through beautiful southern Germany.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Like most towns in Germany, Rothenburg suffered damage during World War II. Around 40% of the town, mainly in the eastern half, had to be repaired or rebuilt after being bombed, but this still left a good deal of the old town intact.

To say that Rothenburg is enchanting is an understatement. We spent two nights there and just loved our time leisurely strolling past the half-timbered buildings and popping into the pretty shops perched along the old cobblestone lanes.

View from Town Walls

Rothenburg’s old center is completely encircled by its town walls that encompass over 40 towers and gates. Much of the walls are original, dating back to 1400. There are various entry points providing access to the mostly covered sentry walk perched high atop the walls. The walk provides stunning views of the town’s red tile roofs and beautiful countryside as you slowly circle this wonderful town.

Imperial City Festival

As if the town wasn’t enough fun on its own, we happened to be there the first weekend of September, which is when their yearly Imperial City Festival takes place. During the weekend festival, members of historical groups dress in medieval fashion and reenact snippets of daily life in celebration of the Imperial City’s golden age. The entire old town becomes one large Medieval camp, transporting locals and visitors back to another time. Not to be missed in the evening, is the Burning Town fireworks display.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The town itself is the most interesting site in Rothenburg, but there are other attractions to enjoy. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, 500-year-old late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views of the town and countryside. The Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum is full of instruments used for punishment and torture.

In the evening, the Night Watchman's Tour is extremely popular with adults and children alike. The watchman jokes and tells tales as he stokes his lamp and takes tourists on his amusing rounds.

Countryside Stroll

It's easy to break away from the crowds and take a stroll in the lovely countryside. Trails lead wanderers to the Tauber River or the little village of Detwang.

Christmas Shop

There is plenty of shopping for those that enjoy picking up mementos or gifts, including an enormous Christmas shop with an attic that houses a German Christmas Museum. In addition to Christmas ornaments, prints and wood carvings, wine glasses and beer steins are also popular items to purchase and ship home. 

Simply Charming Rothenburg

There is also plenty of good food of all kinds to be had in charming restaurants nestled within the pretty medieval buildings.

If possible, it is best to spend the night to fully appreciate Rothenburg. Cozy hotels abound and most include a nice breakfast.

The day trippers are gone by evening and as the town breathes a sigh of relief, a tranquil air descends. It is lovely to stroll the quaint lanes by lamplight, enjoy a relaxing meal and feel a part of Germany’s past, if only for a brief while.