Rothenburg ob der Tauber Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town located in Middle Franconia, Franconia, in Bavaria, Germany. Its well-preserved half-timbered houses, picturesque lanes, and towers make it a popular destination for tourists. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the heart of Germany, making it an ideal destination for a European tour.

The town has a rich history that goes back to the Middle Ages. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. Rothenburg ob der Tauber has also been featured in several Hollywood films, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

List of Places to Visit in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rothenburg Museum - This museum has a collection of archaeological finds and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

  • Medieval Crime and Justice Museum - It showcases the history of law and punishment in medieval times with an extensive collection of torture instruments.

  • St. James’s Church - It is a Gothic church with an impressive altar and beautiful stained-glass windows.

  • City Walls and Towers - The town’s historic city walls and towers are a must-see attraction. The walls stretch for over two miles and offer stunning views of the town.

Natural Attractions of Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Tauber Valley - It is a peaceful and picturesque valley with vineyards, hiking trails, and scenic views.

  • Rothenburg’s Castle Garden - It is a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

  • Rothenburg Wildbad - It is a thermal bath with a natural spring source. The bath’s water is said to have healing properties.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a great place for hiking and biking. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside with well-marked trails.

  • The Tauber Valley Cycle Path - It is a 100-kilometer bike path that follows the Tauber River from Rothenburg to Wertheim.

  • Rothenburg’s Town Walk - It is a leisurely 2.5-kilometer walk that takes you through the town’s historic center.

Best Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Activities and Tours

  • Night Watchman Tour - It is a guided tour led by a night watchman in historic costume. The tour takes you through the town’s streets and alleys, telling stories of medieval life.

  • Christmas Market - Rothenburg ob der Tauber has one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets. It takes place from late November to December every year.

  • Wine Tasting - The town is known for its local wines, and several wineries offer tours and tastings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Day 1: Arrive in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and explore the town’s historic center.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and St. James’s Church.

Day 3: Hike or bike through the Tauber Valley.

Day 4: Visit Rothenburg’s Castle Garden and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 5: Take a day trip to nearby Wurzburg, a beautiful Baroque town famous for its wine.

Day 6: Experience a thermal bath at Rothenburg Wildbad.

Day 7: Visit the Rothenburg Museum and take a night watchman tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Must-Try Dishes

  • Schneeballen - This local pastry is made from shortcrust pastry and shaped like a snowball.

  • Rothenburger Schäufele - It is a delicious pork dish that is slowly roasted for several hours.

Local Beverages

  • Tauberfranken Wine - The town is known for its local wines, and several wineries offer tours and tastings.

  • Klosterbrau Beer - It is a local beer brewed by the monks of the Tauber Valley monastery.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Burghotel - This hotel is located in the town center and offers great views of the town.

  • Gasthof zum Breiterle - It is a traditional guesthouse located in a half-timbered house in the heart of the town.

  • Jugendherberge Hostel - It is a modern hostel with a central location and affordable prices.

What to Buy in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Christmas Ornaments - Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its Christmas market and has a wide variety of Christmas ornaments.

  • Rothenburg Schneeballen - This local pastry makes a great souvenir or gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

  • Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum - It is a museum dedicated to Christmas decorations and traditions.

  • The Mannerbund - It is a traditional men’s club that meets in a half-timbered house in the town center.

Best Time to Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is pleasant and there are plenty of outdoor activities. However, the town is also popular during the Christmas season, when it hosts one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Do:

  • Wander around the town’s historic center.

  • Take a night watchman tour.

  • Try the local wines and beers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local dishes and pastries.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a safe town with low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The town has good medical facilities with several clinics and pharmacies. However, it is always advisable to have travel insurance while traveling.

Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rothenburg ob der Tauber

  • Nuremberg Airport - It is the nearest international airport, located about 75 kilometers from Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Rothenburg.

  • Frankfurt Airport - It is the largest airport in Germany and is located about 160 kilometers from Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Rothenburg.

Bus Stations Near Rothenburg ob der Tauber

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber Bus Station - It is located in the town center and offers connections to nearby cities.

Other Options

  • Train - Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a train station with connections to several major cities in Germany.

  • Car - You can also rent a car and drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town is located on the Romantic Road, a popular scenic route.

How to Get Around in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The best way to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber is on foot. The town is compact, and most attractions are within walking distance. Bicycles are also available for rent.

Where to Go Next from Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Wurzburg - It is a beautiful Baroque town famous for its wine, located about 60 kilometers from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

  • Bamberg - It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval architecture and beer culture, located about 140 kilometers from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Conclusion

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming town that is well-worth a visit. Its picturesque lanes, towers, and medieval architecture make it a popular destination for tourists. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber, discover its culture, and enjoy its local cuisine and wines.

Plönlein, a former marketplace: on the left side, the Siebers-gate; on the right, the Kobolzeller-gate Plönlein, a former marketplace: on the left side, the Siebers-gate; on the right, the Kobolzeller-gate The route '''Charming Tauber Valley (Classic)''' from ''Rothenburg ob der Tauber'' via Bad Mergentheim and Tauberbischofsheim to Wertheim. The route '''Charming Tauber Valley (Classic)''' from ''Rothenburg ob der Tauber'' via Bad Mergentheim and Tauberbischofsheim to Wertheim. Town hall and Market square Town hall and Market square The Market square The Market square Klingentor, one of the gates to the city Klingentor, one of the gates to the city Schneeballen (snowballs) a Rothenburg specialty Schneeballen (snowballs) a Rothenburg specialty upright upright