Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful small towns in Germany. There's no question about it, because the numerous historic half-timbered houses in the medieval old town with its 42 historic towers, crooked houses from the MiddleAges and picturesque cobbled alleyways are simply beautiful to look at and exude a special flair.
Thanks to Corona, I took the chance to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber again after many years. "Thanks" to the absence of tourists from Asia and North America, a little dream. Because you won't be able to experience this little town so empty again so soon.
The city gates, towers and fountains in the old town have all been preserved, which adds to the charm of this beautiful city and attracts millions of tourists every year. I'll show you the most beautiful sights of this fairytale city, including the most famous attractions such as the Plönlein, the city gates with the historic city wall and, of course, the Old Town Hall including the medieval market square. Enjoy our city tour through beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Are you planning a trip to Rothenburg or a road trip along the Romantic Road or Castle Road? Then I'll give you my best tips and highlights for Rothenburg ob der Tauber - from the sights to cafés, museums and special city tours that are worthwhile.
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My top 5 highlights in Rothenburg
My 5 top sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
I have summarised the most famous landmarks in Rothenburg ob der Tauber as well as the most historically important places in the town and activities here. In my opinion, you definitely have to visit these places worth seeing on your first visit. These are my absolute highlights:
1. historic old town in Rothenburg with lots of half-timbering and Plönlein
2. Medieval crime museum
3. Explore Rothenburg's city walls and towers on the Tower Trail
4. Ghost tour with the hangman in the evening
5. Eat a snowball
Tour of Rothenburg
I'll take you on a walk through the old town of Rothenburg. You don't really need a map, because it is surrounded by the old but well-preserved town wall, which you can walk along almost without interruption on the Rothenburg Tower Trail.
The good news: the sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are only a few minutes' walk apart. If it's not too crowded, you can comfortably explore the town in one day. But since Rothenburg embodies Germany's fairytale town for Chinese, Japanese and Korean tourists, there is always a lot going on here.
So I'm afraid that after Corona, the alleys will fill up again quickly and you'll have to make your way through the old town with lots of other visitors.
So my first tip is to travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber during the week or in the low season. It's worth it. Rothenburg is idyllic again in the evening, when the many coaches have left. Then the old town exudes a special magic. Stay overnight (you'll find my tips for accommodation further down in this report).
The most beautiful photo motifs are, of course, to be found at the Plönlein, the most famous and romantic view in Rothenburg or Franconia as a whole. I also loved the view of the Röderbogen and the Markusturm.
Top sights
1 The Plönlein - Rothenburg's landmark
Probably the most popular photo motif in Rothenburg is the Plönlein. Now you're probably asking yourself: What does that mean? The Plönlein is not just the yellow half-timbered house at the entrance to the Spitalviertel, as many people think. No, because this half-timbered house is merely in the centre of the Plönlein. If you want to translate Plönlein exactly, it means something like "little square by the fountain".
Accordingly, in addition to the yellow half-timbered house, the fountain in front of it and the two towers of the old city wall also belong to Plönlein: the Siebersturm on the left and the Kobolzeller Turm on the right.
Interesting fact: The Plönlein is often used as a film set. Did you know that in the Walt Disney classic Pinocchio from 1940, the Plönlein served as a model? It is an ideal setting for depicting European medieval scenes.
One of the most beautiful towns in Germany is located on the Castle Road: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Old Town (here the "Plönlein").
2. tower path - walk along the old town wall
To get a first impression of the old town, you should explore thefour kilometres along battlements of the old town wall on the Turmweg.
In summer and during the Christmas market in December, Rothenburg's alleyways can get very lively. How good that there is a good reason to leave them anyway: the Turmweg along the town's ramparts. The fortifications, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, are a prime example of medieval fortification technology - each part served a specific purpose.
Start at the Röderturm. Along with the town hall tower, it is one of two towers you can climb. The view from the top is great (2 euros, daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and at the top you can visit a permanent exhibition about the destruction of Rothenburg's north-eastern quarter in March 1945 and its later reconstruction.
On the tower path in Rothenburg ob der Tauber 
View from the town wall at Turmweg in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If you continue walking, you will come to the Gerlachschmiede after a few metres.
The building stands out immediately. It was destroyed during an air raid and rebuilt. The former blacksmith's shop is now privately owned and cannot be visited.
Gerlach Smithy Rothenburg ob der Tauber 
Former Gerlachschmiede blacksmith's shop in Rothenburg
Next is the Weiberturm and the Galgentor, through which you reach the Köpfleinswiese - where the gallows once stood. At the far end you will find the Kummereck tower. The name says it all about the safety of this tower. Rothenburg was most threatened at this point. Next is the Powder Tower, where gunpowder was stored.
A few metres further on is the Klingentor, including the tower, which served as a water reservoir, and the Strafturm, as well as the castle gate. Leave the tower path and take a closer look at the gate. Can you see the mask through whose mouth the tar was tipped for attackers?
Continue on to the Kobozell gate with a wonderful view over the Tauber valley. Via the Teufelskanzel and the Rossmühle you reach the Spitalbastei and the end of the Turmweg.
I really enjoyed the walk along the old city wall. Be sure to look up at the roofs of the towers, because we had a stork nesting on the Markus Tower and standing loftily in the nest at sunset. A great picture during the ghost tour.
Note: Rothenburg is said to be known as the "Franconian Jerusalem"because the view from the Kalkturm in the Spitalviertel towards the northern Old Town is said to be reminiscent of the view of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in Jerusalem. Frankly, I couldn't understand that, but fortunately opinions are very different.
Duration: You should allow 2 to 3 hours forthe Tower Trail to enjoy the many views of the old town in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Length 4 km, duration approx. 2 hours
Access is possible around the clock, but most beautiful at sunset.
The starting point of the path, which is marked with a tower symbol and can be walked in both directions, is the Rödertor (there are parking spaces nearby); with the exception of the battlements, the Turmweg is almost barrier-free.
Information on the Turmweg
Ask for the Turmweg brochure at the Tourist Info on the market square. There are also signs along the route with information about the towers, their special features and uses.
3 Medieval Crime Museum
The Crime Museum (also called the Torture Museum) is one of the absolute highlights of Rothenburg for me.
A basket of shame for bakers who cheated their customers with bread that was too light marks the entrance to Germany's most important law museum. Numerous instruments of torture, tools for carrying out disgraceful and honourable punishments as well as numerous documents and graphics provide an insight into over 1000 years of legal history.
For me, the most creepily fascinating attractions in the museum are the medieval instruments of torture and punishment: shame masks for slanderers, chastity belts, shame baskets, ruffs for quarrelsome women and a cell in the shape of a beer barrel for drunkards. Several versions of the "Iron Maiden" are also on display. Super worth seeing and really interesting.
The museum has over 50,000 exhibits, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.
My tip: Visit the Medieval Crime Museum first and take part in the ghost tour with the executioner in the evening. Ideal in combination. I found both very interesting and worth seeing.
Admission: 8 euros, see and book tickets and opening hours on the website.
You can also book tours at the museum. I explored everything on my own.
Take your time, because there are many panels with information about the processes and instruments.
Iron Maiden 
4 Market square, town hall and half-timbered houses
As in the past, the market square, lined with splendid town houses and the crossroads of two historic long-distance trade routes, forms the centre of the town. Today, locals meet tourists here at the weekly market. Around the market square you will find some architectural gems and the largest fountain in Rothenburg.
Market square in Rothenburg with magnificent town houses
Town hall
The large staircase in front of the Renaissance façade of Rothenburg's town hall is a popular meeting place for locals as well as for guided tours of the town. The imposing town hall with its half-Gothic part and the newer Renaissance façade from the front stands out all the more in the surrounding half-timbered romanticism. Instead of a council cellar in the town hall, here you will find the imposing Ratstrinkstubewhich towers over the market square.
Town hall with grand staircase in front of the Renaissance façade in Rothenburg
Historic vault
Through the atrium, which connects the two parts of the town hall, you enter the history vault, where numerous exhibits illustrate the period of the Thirty Years' War. Behind the locked gates were once the vaults of the merchants who offered their wares here.
Ratstrinkstube
On the north side, you should look towards the former Rat strinkstube (now the Tourist Info) every hour on the hour (from 10 am to 10 pm). Then, to the right and left of the old town clock (1683), two little doors open and everyone gazes enthusiastically at the key scene of the historic "Meistertrunks"(Wikipedia), with which Mayor Nusch once saved the town.
In front of the south façade is the Georgsbrunnen (St George's Fountain), renovated in 1608 in late Renaissance style. The column, decorated with coats of arms, crowns the figure of the dragon slayer who gave the fountain its name. Rothenburg's largest fountain is 8 m deep and holds 100,000 litres.
The Ratstrinkstube on the market square in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Photographed in the evening coming from the Obere Schmiedgasse. 
Ratstrinkstube in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Town Hall Tower
220 steps take you up to the town hall tower, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of Rothenburg and the Tauber valley.
Tickets: 2 euros
Check opening hours on the website (due to Covid there are always restrictions)
Meat and Dance House and Marienapotheke
The beautiful buildings of the former Fleisch- und Tanzhaus (Meat and Dance House) and the Marienapotheke (Mary's Pharmacy) are located at the Marktplatz fountain. In the Fleisch- und Tanzhaus you can see exhibitions by the Rothenburg Artists' Association.
The Tanz- und Fleischhaus, as well as the Marien-Apotheke and the Georgsbrunnen - also photographed in the evening. 
St. Mary's Pharmacy and the George Fountain 
5. hospital bastion and covered bridge
If, like us, you park in the large P1 car park, you will probably also enter the Old Town via the Spitaltor, the mighty bulwark of the Spitalbastei and the covered bridge. The Spital quarter was not included in the city walls until the 15th century and was thus the last to be built.
At the Spitaltor you will therefore also find the most "modern" part of the city fortifications. Look for the Hegereiterhaus with its pointed tent roof and slender, round stair tower.
Fun fact: The Spitaltor welcomes you in Latin with the words Pax intrantibus, salus exeuntibus ("Peace to those who enter, salvation to those who leave"). This saying was found by the builders of Haneda Airport in Tokyo found this saying so good that they simply adopted the motto.
Covered bridge at the Spitalbastei, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
6 St. Jacob's Church
The name of the town church already suggests it: Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located on the St. James' Way to Santiago de Compostela. Over 1,000 pilgrims arrive at St. James' Church every year. World-famous: the impressive altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemenschneider. You should definitely not miss it, but a detailed visit to St. Jacob's Church, which was completed between 1311 and 1484, is also worthwhile.
With two 55 and 57 m high towers on the east choir, Rothenburg's town church towers over the roofs of the town. The name of the church is no coincidence, as Rothenburg ob der Tauber lies on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Rothenburg's main church is mainly world-famous for one thing: The Altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemenschneider in the west gallery.
You should definitely take a look at it. The special feature of the carvings is the unusual interpretation of the Last Supper. It is not Christ who sets the scene here, but Judas, the traitor. The Lord hands him the bread and says: "One of you will betray me". The effect of these words is reflected in the faces of the disciples: dismay, agitation, perplexity.
The gilded cross above the shrine contains a rock crystal capsule which, according to tradition, contains three drops of Christ's blood and was a revered relic in the Middle Ages.
Info on visiting St James' Church:
Opening hours: January to March open from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. From Easter, St. James Church is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. Information can be found on the website.
Admission to the church: 2.50 euros
Altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemenschneider 
St. Jacob's Church. Town Church of Rothenburg ob der Tauber 
St. Jacob's Church Rothenburg ob der Tauber
7. castle garden
At the end of Herrngasse you come to the Burggarten, where there is no longer a castle. However, here you can get some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a wonderful view over the Tauber valley and the Spital quarter.
The beautiful garden with its eight stone figures is truly an oasis of peace. At the city wall you have a fantastic view of the Tauber valley and the houses.
8 Käthe Wohlfahrts Christmas Museum
Did you know that Rothenburg ob der Tauber is considered THE Christmas town in Germany? It's not just because of the really beautiful Christmas market in the middle of the old town, but also because of the Käthe Wohlfahrts Christmas Museum .
In the Christmas village above Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas shop in Herrngasse, right next to the market square, you'll find everything you need to know about the origins and development of Christmas traditions. Historical Christmas trees and Christmas decorations from the 19th century - a dream and must-seefor Christmas fans.
Even in the height of summer, you'll get into the Christmas spirit here. There are fairy lights everywhere, nutcrackers and Christmas pyramids, and glittering Christmas tree baubles. We were able to pick up some exciting facts about Christmas here.
You can't miss the building, because even in summer there are oversized nutcrackers and a red history bus with presents at the entrance to the Christmas village.
Address: Herrngasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
Admission: 5 euros adults
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
9 Topplerschlösschen
The Topplerschlösschen was built as early as 1388 and served as a recreation residence for Toppler, the most famous mayor of Rothenburg. You can visit the building by appointment. Also have a look at my Tauber Valley Highlightss, where you will find more of these extraordinary buildings.
The best way to get to the Toppler Palace from the Spitaltor (P1) is to cycle over the stone Tauber Bridge, which is also well worth seeing. If you are on foot, you can walk along the Taubertal cycle path to Topplerschlösschen in about 20 minutes. The route from the Burgtor is shorter (about 10 minutes), but you won't reach your destination via the Tauberbrücke.
Topplerschlösschen Rothenburg ob der Tauber
10. the most beautiful alleys
Starting from the market square, you will find the beautiful Herrngasse with the Herrnbrunnen. You will pass the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum with its Christmas Village Shop, other small interesting shops and then arrive at the Herrnbrunnen. Around the fountain you will find nice cafés and restaurants to sit outside and linger.
Other idyllic alleys are Galgengasse, Heugasse and Wenngasse.
Bräustüble in the old town of Rothenburg 
Spitzweghaus in the old town of Rothenburg You should also not miss
11th ghost tour with the hangman
My highlight was the guided tour with the hangman through the old town. There are many stories about the hangman and outlaws of the city. He also points out hidden attractions that you wouldn't discover without a guided tour. For me, this tour was very entertaining and entertaining. The best tour in Rothenburg, which you can book spontaneously on the spot.
The meeting point is the steps at the town hall on the market square.
The tour costs 8 euros, which you pay in cash to the night watchman.
Duration: approx. 1 hour
You don't have to register, just be there at 6 pm.
12. eating snowballs
Throughout the Tauber Valley (not just in Rothenburg) there is a speciality: snowballs. They are called the same because they are the size and shape of a round snowball. That's why you'll find bakeries everywhere in the old town that display this speciality in their shop windows.
The snowball is made of shortcrust pastry dusted with icing sugar. But there are also variations with chocolate, lemon icing, white chocolate and a few more. At the Stiffler bakery, you can watch the pastry chef making the snowballs in the glass production area.
Map: All sights at a glance
Here you can find all the top sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber at a glance on a map. Here you can download a city map of Rothenburg free of charge.
Day trips from Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Explore the lovely Tauber Valley
The best way to explore the Tauber Valley is on a bike tour. The cycle path leads you through the beautiful Tauber Valley from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Wertheim (approx. 102 km). Everywhere along the route you will find winegrowers and inns to stop at. In recent years, the charging stations for e-bikes have been expanded, so you won't run out of power anywhere.
I have been on the road in the Tauber Valley with my camper. Take a look here my highlights in the Tauber valley (in Baden-Württemberg).
The castle ruins in Wetheim in the beautiful Tauber Valley
Aplaka walk in Niederstetten
Have you always wanted to go for a walk with Aplakas? In Niederstetten you can get to know a large herd of stallions and babies at the Hohenlohe Alpaca Farm. It's really fun - and not just for children.
View all information here
You can take a walk with alpacas in Niederstetten (between Bad Mergentheim and Rothenburg). Eating and drinking
The general rule in Rothenburg on a weekend is: You have to eat where you get space. Therefore, I have listed several options that we have already tried.
Breakfast: Café Einzigartig (great selection of breakfast, also delicious cakes), Café Lebenslust (opposite Jakobskirche, often full) or BrotHaus Café im Schlachthof (great selection of rolls, cakes and pastries).
Snowballs: There are three great bakeries for snowballs (actually you can get them everywhere). We can recommend the following: Diller Schneeballträume, Zuckerbäckerei and Bäckerei Striffler.
Alex - Allegra Schokolade: At the chocolatier you get the finest chocolates and pralines.
Reichsküchenmeister Restaurant: Rustic restaurant with delicious Franconian food, upscale cuisine.
Altfränkische Weinstube: Also Franconian menu with a large wine list.
Queue to buy snowballs: Sugar bakery in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Sightseeing tips
Recommended travel guide for Rothenburg ob der Tauber
I can highly recommend the DuMont Reise-Taschenbuch Franken for the entire Franconian region. In it you will find all the important information about the sights and highlights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In addition, the author gives you his private tips and many tours and excursions are described.
Best time to visit Rothenburg
I think that Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a year-round destination . The best time to visit Rothenburg, they say, is from June to August, because then you have pleasant temperatures and it rarely rains. For me, around Easter, when the fountains are decorated, is ideal to visit Rothenburg. December is also great, because the Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany.
How many days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
At least one full day is ideal to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Since you can visit this beautiful town over and over again, it's no big deal if you can't visit all of our tips. Make sure you take time to visit the museums and don't rush through the old town.
Because the city is so small and the number of sights is manageable, you can take your time to explore the area. A city trip without stress was something completely different for me, too.
Getting there
You can reach Rothenburg by train via Steinach, as trains from Munich or Würzburg do not stop directly in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
For the Romantic Road, there is the Romantic Road Bus, which stops at the main bus stop at the railway station and at Schrannenplatz, which is more centrally located.
The bus departs daily from April to October from Frankfurt am Main to Füssen.
By car, you can reach Füssen via the A7 (Würzburg - Ulm). Take exit 108 "Rothenburg/ Tauber" to reach the town centre and the large car park after about 2 km.
Parking in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
There are five large car parks around the old town. From each of them you can reach the old town within five minutes on foot. We parked in P1 at the Spitaltor. You can easily pay for the parking spaces with the Parkster app (24-hour parking costs 5.50 euros).
Just across the street is a large RV park (P2, 24 hours for 12 euros)), where I stayed overnight on another visit. Make sure to stand as far away from the road as possible, because on P1 younger people from Rothenburg like to do their rounds with squealing tyres. That's loud.
You can find charging stations at the P5 car park, at Lidl or at some guesthouses and hotels.
Rothenburg is a popular tourist destination
Despite a devastating bombing raid shortly before the end of the Second World War, Rothenburg has managed to preserve its townscape, which grew up in the Middle Ages. Narrow cobbled streets, pointed gabled half-timbered houses, town towers and churches concentrate in the old town to form a romantic townscape. You can't usually enjoy so much beauty on your own. Every year, Rothenburg attracts more than 500,000 guests and about 2.5 million day visitors.
What does the "ob" in the town's name mean?
On a rocky outcrop high above the Tauber valley, the Hohenstaufen king Konrad III had an imperial castle built in 1142 - the Rothe Burg. A settlement quickly developed around the fortress, which was declared a free imperial city by King Rudolf I as early as 1274. The wealthy patricians soon ruled a rapidly growing city state, which included more than 160 villages in the surrounding area.
Since Rothenburg ob der Tauber was built on this hill above the river Tauber, the "ob" (above) comes in the name of the town.
My conclusion and experiences with Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is simply the perfect place for a little break from everyday life. Especially lovers of medieval old towns and half-timbered houses will find what they are looking for here. If you have the opportunity, take it and come to Rothenburg during the week. Then you'll have the town almost to yourself (even in winter, when there's a wonderful Christmas market) and can relax and enjoy all the top Rothenburg ob der Tauber sights at your leisure. For us, it's one of the most beautiful small towns in Bavaria.