Best Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

One of the most iconic small towns in Germany is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. As we planned a family tour through Germany, we dedicated a short visit – too short in fact – to this romantic town. We were able to get a good sense about the best things to do in Rothenburg, but we definitely need to revisit.

Here’s a rundown on the best things to do while in Rothenburg in central Germany.

Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the many stops along the Romantic Road in Germany. Visitor come from around the world to wander its streets, learn about the history and snag some souvenirs and home decor items. This town is located roughly 1.5 hours west of Nuremburg and less than three hours from Munich – which is where we came from.

Where to Park for your Visit

Before our visit to Rothenburg, I researched the best places to park. I knew with my parents in tow, the closer we could get to the inner-parts of the city, the better off they’d be. I found parking options on the outside of the city, but when we arrived, that went out the window. We entered the cobblestone streets of the town and I was so nervous because I didn’t know if we were even allowed to be driving through the city. I wasn’t sure what streets were one way and which ones were pedestrians only. I was worried I was going to be pulled over.

We ended up dropping off my parents near the marktplatz and my wife and I then proceeded to find a parking spot outside of the city. We ended up in a small parking lot near a bus stop, and while I wasn’t sure if we were okay to park there, that’s where we parked. Hours later, when we returned, we hadn’t been towed or tickets, so we figured we did okay.

In doing some additional research, here’s my advice: It is much easier to steer directly to the large, well-marked, and reasonably priced parking lots at the edge of the old town. It may mean a little more walking, but it’s easy to make the trek and enjoy some of the town’s charm along the way.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

As we were planning our trip to Rothenburg, we had looked at hotels inside the city. Many were reasonably priced and offered a romantic aspect to our visit. However, our plans changed and we ended up NOT staying the night in Rothenburg. However, my aunt did book a night at the Hotel Eisenhut in a suite, since there were four in their group. The suite had two full bathrooms, a separate bedroom and a sofa bed combo in the front room.

Her group loved that it was centrally located close to the square right next to a Christmas decor store. Staying here overnight allowed them to wander the backroads and enjoy the peaceful and serene evenings in the city. A very different feel than during the day when the streets are filled with people.

Plönlein: Step into a Postcard

After parking, we made our way to the iconic Plönlein, one of Rothenburg’s most photographed spots. This picturesque square features a charming half-timbered tower flanked by colorful buildings. As you stand here, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s one of the best things to do in Rothenburg and the perfect spot to capture a memory of your visit.

If you’re staying overnight in Rothenburg, I recommend waking up during the golden hour (sunrise) to capture a picture-perfect photograph of this iconic spot. The tourist count will be lower, so you hopefully won’t have to fight to keep your photo void of people.

Marktplatz: The Heart of Rothenburg

From Plönlein, make your way up the cobblestone street to Marktplatz, the bustling heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This vibrant square is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. It’s an excellent place to people-watch, soak in the atmosphere, or simply relax with a little treat. If you time your visit just right, you’ll be able to see the top-of-the-hour (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) chime of the clock on the towering building overlooking the marktplatz known as Councilor’s Hall.

Rathaus

Rothenburg’s Rathaus, or Town Hall, is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. The stone building (as pictured above) can’t be missed when in the marktplatz. Be sure to explore the interior, where you can admire stunning frescoes and the intricate woodwork of the Council Chamber. If you want to climb to the top of the tower, you’ll be able to capture panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. There is a cost to climb the stairs (a couple of Euros), but this is one of the best things to do in Rothenburg.

Walk the Town Walls

One of the most unique experiences in Rothenburg is walking along the well-preserved town walls. As you stroll along these ancient ramparts, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the town’s rooftops and the picturesque Tauber Valley. It’s a journey through time that allows you to imagine the town’s medieval past.

There are multiple staircases that provide access to the tower wall walk, so you can start at one point, and after some exploration, head back down to the cobblestone streets to visit the shops, cafes and other historic parts of the Medieval city.

Medieval Crime Museum

Our visit to Rothenberg was too short, which meant we didn’t have time to visit the Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum). This museum houses a fascinating collection of instruments of torture, public humiliation and punishment. But the museum’s not just about torture, but includes texts and documents about the development of the criminal justice system throughout the ages. We’ll have to save this museum for a future visit.

The Medieval Crime Museum is open daily between April to October from 10a.m. to 6 p.m., and November to March from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs are roughly €7.50 for adults, 4.50 to students, and €3.80 for children older than 6. You can also purchase a family ticket for two adults and your own children under 18 for €18.50.

Shopping in Rothenburg

Rothenburg is a shopper’s paradise, with its charming boutiques and stores offering everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional German Christmas ornaments. Our specific shopping adventures were to Kathe Wohlfahrt to find some German Christmas decorations we could bring home with us to liven up our holiday home decor. We found nutcrackers, ornaments, pyramids, cuckoo clocks, figurines and so much more. In fact, there are two or three different Kathe Wohlfahrt stores in Rothenburg.

As you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll find countless other shops with authentic German treasures. That includes clothing, toys, woodcrafts and the ever-popular Christmas decorations. My wife and I definitely think that shopping the Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Rothenburg.

Klostergarten

There’s something very relaxing about wandering through a garden. The Klostergarten (cloister garden) of St. James’s Church gives you that opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery and fragrant flowers of the garden. It reminded me of some of the gardens I’ve wandered through in Paris, though on a much smaller and thus quieter scale.

RELATED ARTICLE: Explore Luxembourg Gardens in Paris

Find a Cafe or Restaurant in Rothenburg

Rothenburg offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy cafes to traditional German restaurants. You likely can’t go wrong by just picking a cafe or restaurant and trying one of the local dishes like “Schweinshaxe” (pork knuckle). Beyond the delicious foods, you’ll love being surrounded by the town’s charming ambiance while you give your feet some time to relax before resuming your journey through the town. You’ll never go wrong with grabbing a bite and contemplating the best things to do in Rothenburg.

St. James’ Cathedral

St. James Cathedral (St. Jakobskirche) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-visit attraction. Step inside to admire its stunning stained glass windows, intricate altars, and the breathtaking “Holy Blood Altar” created by Tilman Riemenschneider. The cathedral is a short three-minute walk northwest from the marktplatz.

Röderbastei

Based on where we parked, we had the privilege of entering Rothenburg through this eastern archway entrance. As we walked through it and saw the stone tower and half-timbered house, it felt like I was entering the village of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Rothenburg is truly a place out of a storybook.

There are other entrances into the city, so as you wander and explore, you’ll likely see stone archways similar to the one in the photo above.

Tauber Bridge

After our visit to Rothenburg, I learned about a site we had missed. Tauber Bridge is just outside of the city on the western side. It’s a double archway bridge crossing the Tauber River. I saw several photos of it online and it looked about as picturesque as the iconic Plonlein square in the city. It’s about a 15 minute walk each way from the marktplatz to the Tauber Bridge, but well worth the time to take the walk.

Summary

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a destination that captures the imagination and transports you to a world of fairy tales. Make sure to savor every moment as you create unforgettable memories in this timeless gem of Germany. My wife and I would love to return to the city and spend a day or two so we can fully explore each part of the city. Our short visit was just that… too short. But I hope this list of the best things to do in Rothenburg helps you as you plan your journey.

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