Memorable Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

This travel blog is on things to do in Rothenburg Germany. It is one of the best medieval towns on Romantic Road of Germany. Though damaged extensively during WWII, Rothenberg has bounced back successfully retaining its medieval charm.

About Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a captivating medieval town situated in Bavaria, Germany. A small town easily covered on foot, delighted me with its simplicity. I loved the fact that no vehicles are allowed inside this cute town.

Before I get to the serious business of explaining the memorable, wonderful things to do in Rothenberg let me explain how the town got the names Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Rothenburg the deaf?

Red Rooftops of Rothenberg

The name, German origin, got me curious. I delved into the literature of the name of this beautiful red town of Germany. Splitting up the name we have:

• Rot means “red” and Burg means “castle” or “fortress” in English. Thus, Rothenberg simply means the Red Castle or Red Fortress.
• ob der Tauber, a German phrase, indicates the location of the town in relation to the Tauber River. Ob means “above” or “on top of”, Der means “the”, and Tauber refers to the Tauber River. Thus, ob der Tauber translates to “above the Tauber” or “on the Tauber.”

Therefore, Rothenburg ob der Tauber means the Red Fortress on the Tauber, interesting right?!

The moniker Rothenburg of the Deaf serves as a tribute to Konrad II and highlights the town’s historical connection to a mayor who overcame a disability to contribute positively to the community.

Memorable Things to Do in Rothenberg

Here are a few things that will leave a lasting impression of your Rothenburg visit:

Walk on Rothenburg Walls

The first activity that we always engage in whenever we visit a new town or city in Europe is embarking on a self-guided walking tour. However, in Rothenberg we did it slightly different. We first walked the Rothenberg Wall. It is a free activity and we were bit apprehensive what if the path on the city wall gets crowded later.

The city wall and gates provide a glimpse into its defensive past, reminding me so much of the wall of  Kumbhalgarh Fort. Of course, they are not same except that – both are fort walls!

Interestingly, Rothenburg is one among the three towns in Germany that still have completely intact city wall, the other two being Nördlingen and Dinkelsbühl.

Walk the city wall – Things to Do in Rothenburg

Time required: 2 hours
Total distance: 4 km, you will cross 40+ towers.

Walking Tour of Rothenburg Town

Next, we set off on walking tour of Rothenberg Town. Rothenburg’s meticulously preserved medieval architecture, including timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and fortified walls, took us in another journey back in time to a bygone era.

We enjoyed the bustling vibes of the central Market Square (Marktplatz). If you are planning on when to visit Rothenburg do make a note of the following activities in the Marktplaz:
Summer activities on Marktplatz:

• Concerts by the Ambassadors of Music.
• Central contact point for History Festivals “Der Meistertrunk” and the Imperial City Festival.

Winter activities on Marktplatz:

• Rothenburg’s Christmas market, the Reiterlesmarkt, held on Marktplatz and Grüne Markt.

The Marktplatz is surrounded by impressive architecture. The most striking ones are:

Rothenburg Town Hall

Rothenburg’s Town Hall exudes the aura of a grand castle with its Renaissance façade, enveloped by the enchanting timber-framed structures. Climb the town hall tower for amazing views.
Tickets: Free admission.
Timings: Open 24 hours. Tower has different timings though on week days and weekends and during summers and winters.

Rothenburg Town Hall

Clock Tower

The clock tower features a mechanical clock, with animated figures, that chimes every hour on the hour between 10 AM and 10 PM – a charming sight which my kids enjoyed a lot. While the clock tower dates back to 13th century, the clock is from the 17th century.

Related posts: They had seen the one in Bern, Olomouc, Prague and Vienna.

Rothenburg of the deaf, Marketplace, Ratdrinkstube image

Siebers Tower

The Siebers Tower is another wonderful monument stall tall for all to see free of cost. It’s a part of the Townwalls and one of the southern town gates which was a former entrance to the city built in 1385. Its majestic presence forms a splendid backdrop for capturing picturesque moments of the Plönlein, creating a perfect scene for photography enthusiasts.

Siebers Tower

Rothenburg’s Museums

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a good number of museums that present a good and complete picture of the town’s rich history, culture, and artistic heritage. The most intriguing among them are:

• Reichsstadtmuseum – Rothenburg Museum at the Imperial Castle offers exhibits that showcase the town’s development from medieval times to the present day, featuring artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that illustrate the life and culture of Rothenburg’s inhabitants over the centuries.
• Weihnachtsmuseum – Rothenburg Christmas Museum is unique in the sense that this museum offers a festive experience regardless of the season. The museum has a captivating array of Christmas ornaments, decorations, and traditions from different eras, providing insight into the cherished holiday customs.
• Kriminalmuseum – Medieval Crime and Justice Museum is themed on the legal system, law enforcement, and criminal activities from the past. Tales of historical instruments of punishment, notorious criminals, and methods of justice that prevailed in Rothenburg centuries ago is shown in this museum.
• Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum – Rothenburg Doll and Toy Museum, you will find dolls, intricate miniatures and toys from various epochs in this charming museum. Wonderful glimpse into the playthings that have delighted generations of children.

Rothenberg Cathedral

Schneeballen (German phrase for snowballs)

Eat these delicious treats of Rothenburg that are an essential part of Rothenburg’s gastronomic heritage. This delectable pastry is meticulously crafted by rolling strips of sweet dough into a ball-like shape. The dough is then deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crisp and flaky exterior that encases a tender and flavorful interior. Schneeballen come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic powdered sugar to chocolate-dipped, nut-studded, and even exotic variations that cater to diverse tastes.

They make wonderful food souvenirs to take back home.

Schneeballen – sweet and satisfying connection to the town’s past

The streets are dotted with barns that have been converted to hotels, but those don’t spoil the beauty. The pictures are taken from one of the watch towers. You can imagine how well the fort was protected in those days.

Stay overnight in Rothenburg

Last but not the least if you are excited about the above things to do in Rothenberg, I am sure you will be convinced that the next best thing to do would be to stay overnight in Rothenburg! One day itinerary of Rothenberg can be a hectic if you intend to do all of the above at a leisurely pace.

Two Day itinerary of Rothenburg

A two-day itinerary can include the above places and include more off beat sights. You can consider these:

Include more Rothenburg Museums during the visit.

Topplerschlösschen – This charming half-timbered tower stands near the Tauber River and is often used as a symbol of Rothenburg. It’s a favorite spot for photos and offers scenic views.

Night Watchman Tour – One main advantage of staying overnight in Rothenberg is you get to do the Night Watchman Tour. Having read about it I wanted to do this myself.

The Night Watchman Tour of Rothenburg, Germany, offers a captivating journey through the town’s history and folklore under the enchanting veil of darkness. The guide dresses as a medieval night watchman. He guides the tour team on a lantern-lit walk through narrow cobblestone streets, revealing tales of Rothenburg’s past, stories of medieval life, legends, and historical events that shaped the town. The guide’s theatrical storytelling, humor, and dramatic flair add a unique charm to the experience. Sounds exciting? Doesn’t it?!

Rothenburg’s Jewish Trail, a free walking tour – Rothenburg’s Jewish Trail is a poignant and historically significant journey that traces the footsteps of the town’s Jewish community through centuries of existence. This trail will take you through various markers, plaques, former Jewish homes, the location of the synagogue, and points of interest that highlight the sites where Jewish life once thrived.

The Jewish Trail is more than just a historical route; it’s a somber reminder of the devastating impact of the Holocaust. It serves as a way to honor the Jewish residents of Rothenburg who endured persecution during one of the darkest periods in history.

How to reach Rothenberg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here’s how to reach Rothenburg:

By Train: Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station is well-connected to major cities in Germany. The train journey offers picturesque views of the German countryside.
By Car: Rothenburg is conveniently located near major highways and can be easily reached by car. The town is situated on the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), a popular tourist route that passes through several charming towns and scenic landscapes. We reached by car. This was in our 22^nd day of our 23 days itinerary of road trip through 6 countries of Europe. Check this: Cross country Road trip through Europe.
By Bus: Buses are an affordable option for reaching Rothenburg. Several bus companies operate services to Rothenburg from nearby cities and towns.
By Air: Well, for all of the above you may have to reach the nearest airport because Rothenberg doesn’t have one of its own yet. The nearest major airports are Frankfurt Airport, 200 km away and Nuremberg Airport, about 110 km away. From these airports, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Rothenburg.

Rothenburg’s landmark – Plönlein. Plönlein translates to small square at a fountain. To the right of the yellow timber-frame house is at the entrance of the Spital quarter.

Rothenburg Travel Guide

Why Rothenburg is worth visiting?

Rothenburg, a small compact town, promises to be a delightful and memorable experience. Within its historic city walls you get to explore a medieval town steeped in history and beauty.

How many days for Rothenburg?

If you are visiting Rothenburg for a few hours then you are making a mistake. Just one day is good but two days in Rothenburg will be ideal.

What is the best time to visit Rothenburg?

Rothenberg town has a year-round appeal whether you’re wandering its flower-lined streets in spring, savoring Schneeballen in summer, enjoying festive markets in winter, or soaking up its cozy atmosphere in autumn.

What movies were filmed in Rothenburg?

Several movies have been filmed in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Notable ones are:

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
• The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
• Reise nach Agatis (2010)
• Der Meisterdieb (2010)

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