This medieval Bavarian city captivates with its preserved walls, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses. It's a key stop on Germany's Romantic Road tourist route.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. As you walk through the old town, you'll see colorful half-timbered houses, stone towers, and historic churches. You can climb the ancient city walls, listen to stories from a costumed Night Watchman, and taste local pastries. Rothenburg attracts visitors throughout the year with its distinct medieval atmosphere.
Exploring the Medieval Old Town
Rothenburg's old town retains much of its medieval layout and architecture. As you walk through the winding lanes, you'll see well-maintained half-timbered houses from the 14th to 16th centuries. In the town center, you'll find the Plönlein, a small square with a yellow half-timbered house framed by two towers. The Market Square is the central point of the old town, surrounded by buildings like the Renaissance-style Town Hall. You can climb the Town Hall tower for views over Rothenburg's red-tiled roofs and the surrounding Tauber Valley.
Walking the City Walls
You can experience Rothenburg's medieval defenses by walking along the top of the old city walls. The 2.5-mile covered walkway encircles the entire old town. As you walk, you'll pass through guard towers and can look through arrow slits once used by defenders. The complete circuit takes about 2 hours, but you can access and exit the walls at various points if you prefer a shorter walk. For a calmer experience, go early in the morning or in the evening when there are fewer visitors.
St. Jakob's Church and Riemenschneider Altar
St. Jakob's Church is the largest church in Rothenburg, with twin towers visible from many parts of town. Inside, you'll see a high Gothic-style ceiling and windows with detailed stained glass designs. The church's most valuable item is the wooden altarpiece carved by Tilman Riemenschneider in the early 16th century. The altar shows scenes from the life of Christ with intricate details in the figures' faces and clothing. The church also houses another altar featuring the oldest known depiction of Rothenburg's market square.
Night Watchman's Tour
To learn about Rothenburg's history in an engaging way, you can join the Night Watchman's Tour that starts from the Market Square each evening. A guide dressed as a medieval night watchman leads the hour-long walk, carrying a lantern and halberd. You'll hear stories about life in medieval Rothenburg, including the night watchman's duties and accounts of war and plague. The tour allows you to see the old town after dark when day visitors have left. During busy periods, it's advisable to book in advance, as the English-language tour often fills up quickly.
