What to See in Rothenburg. A Fairytale German Town!
During our road trip through Germany, we decided to stop and explore Rothenburg while visiting Nuremberg, and it did not disappoint at all!
I already knew that Rothenburg ob der Tauber was going to be a beautiful town from the photos, but seeing it in real life was something entirely different! This charming, well-preserved medieval German town felt like stepping straight into a storybook.
The town’s colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses are straight out of a fairytale. It’s no wonder Rothenburg inspired scenes in Pinocchio! I loved this perfect day-trip town, which I found easy to explore on foot. There were plenty of cute shops selling everything from Christmas decorations (yes, even in May!) to traditional German cuckoo clocks. The whole time, I kept thinking, Could this town get any cuter?
So, if you’re thinking about visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber and wondering what to see, here’s your guide.
⏰ Short on time?
🗺️ Here are the top 5 day trips and tours
–Tour from Nuremberg
– Tour from Munich
– Tour from Frankfurt
– Self-guided walking tour
– Night Watchman Tour
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Is Rothenburg, Germany Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful towns in Germany, and it’s known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture. Walking through the old town, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time. The history here is fascinating, from its cobblestone streets and city walls to the Christmas Museum and Medieval Crime Museum.
This charming town has also inspired parts of Pinocchio and feels like stepping into a Disney movie! Whether you’re visiting for the Christmas markets, the medieval history, or just the chance to walk through one of Europe’s most picturesque towns, Rothenburg is worth every minute.
How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
By Car
We drove to Rothenburg and parked just outside the town walls, which made it easy to explore on foot. Driving through the scenic countryside of Germany was part of the fun as well! If you’re renting a car, this is a convenient and flexible option.
By Public Transport
You can reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train from Nuremberg or Frankfurt, although it involves a couple of transfers. I personally would not recommend it this way. If you don’t want to drive, I would definitely check out one of the tours below.
By Tour
For a hassle-free experience, taking a day tour to Rothenburg is an excellent option. These tours are convenient, with transport included, and you’ll get guided insight into the town’s rich history. Highly recommend!
Sights and Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
There’s no shortage of beautiful sights and things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the city walls to the German Christmas Museum, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Marktplatz (Market Square)
The heart of Rothenburg is the bustling Marktplatz, where you’ll find the stunning Town Hall (Rathaus). Make sure to climb the Town Hall Tower for incredible views of the town and the surrounding Tauber Valley.
Plönlein (Little Square)
Possibly the most famous and photographed spot in Rothenburg, Plönlein is where the fairytale atmosphere truly comes to life. The colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets make it the perfect place for a photo.
Rothenburg City Walls
Take a walk along the city walls to get a unique view of Rothenburg from above. These well-preserved walls offer stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
German Christmas Museum
Even if it’s not the holiday season, the German Christmas Museum is a magical experience. You’ll find Christmas decorations, history, and even a shop where you can pick up some festive souvenirs. It’s Christmas all year round here!
Medieval Crime Museum
One of the more unusual attractions in Rothenburg, the Medieval Crime Museum explores the dark history of law and punishment in medieval Europe. It’s an intriguing look into the past and definitely worth a visit.
Castle Garden (Burggarten)
The Castle Garden offers a peaceful escape from the streets of Rothenburg. It’s a great place to relax, take in the views of the Tauber Valley, and admire the lush greenery.
Try a Schneeball (Pastry)
A visit to Rothenburg wouldn’t be complete without trying the town’s famous treat, the Schneeball! This traditional pastry, named after its snowball-like shape, is made from strips of dough, fried, and dusted with powdered sugar. Though it may look simple, there are many delicious varieties filled with chocolate, nuts, or even fruit. You can find Schneeball in most bakeries around town, and it’s a must-try!
Night Watchman Tour
One of the most popular and unique experiences in Rothenburg is the Night Watchman Tour. As the sun sets, the night watchman will guide you through the town’s dark, medieval past, sharing stories and legends about the town. This tour is an absolute must and adds an atmospheric touch to your Rothenburg visit.
Perfer a Self Guided Tour
For those who like to explore on their own, try a self-guided walking tour with an app-based audio guide that talks you through the town’s history and landmarks.
Can You Spend the Night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Yes, and staying overnight allows you to experience the quieter side of Rothenburg once the day-trippers leave.
Here are a few hotels I recommend for your stay in Rothenburg:
- Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister – A charming historic hotel located right in the old town.
- Hotel Eisenhut – A luxurious hotel with a prime location near Market Square.
- Tilman Riemenschneider Hotel – A cozy hotel with beautiful traditional decor.
- Burghotel – A quiet hotel near the city walls with incredible views.
- Mittermeier Hotel & Restaurant – A boutique hotel just outside the old city walls.
Stay here?
👉 Consider spending the night in the nearby town of Nuremberg.
FAQ About Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Why do tourists go to Rothenburg?
Tourists flock to Rothenburg for its well-preserved medieval charm, colourful houses, city walls, and Christmas markets. It’s a town that feels like a fairytale, and its historical beauty is unmatched.
Is Rothenburg, Germany worth visiting?
Definitely! Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s most beautiful and unique towns. Its charming medieval architecture, Christmas Museum, and picturesque streets make it a must-visit destination.
What is Rothenburg known for?
Rothenburg is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the Night Watchman Tour, the German Christmas Museum, and its iconic Plönlein (Little Square).
How much time do I need in Rothenburg?
You can easily explore Rothenburg in one day, but staying overnight allows you to experience the magic of the town after dark and take part in unique activities like the Night Watchman Tour.
What is the famous corner in Rothenburg?
The most famous corner is Plönlein, a picturesque street with half-timbered houses that has become one of the most photographed spots in Germany.
What to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Some of the top sights include Market Square, Plönlein, the German Christmas Museum, Medieval Crime Museum, Town Hall Tower, city walls, and the Night Watchman Tour.
How many days in Rothenburg?
One day is enough to see the highlights of Rothenburg, but staying for two days allows you to explore at a slower pace and enjoy the town without the crowds.
Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
There are plenty of charming hotels within the old town, including Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister, Hotel Eisenhut, and Burghotel, all offering easy access to the town’s main attractions.
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