Tasty Trout of the Tauber River | Trout underwater with a picture of a town center (Stripes Staff)
It’s thought that the Tauber River derives its name from the Celtic word for water. The source of the river is found in the small town of Rot am See, and for a short stretch, it forms the border between Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. However, it is what lies beneath the river that may be of interest to you.
The Tauber is filled with trout. This means that many restaurants in the area source their trout and seafood from its waters and you are in for a tasty treat. You can even fish for your own trout, provided you follow local rules.
There is fishing fun to be had in Germany; however, in true German fashion, there are regulations and laws you must follow. You must have a permit to fish in Germany and obtaining one varies by state. Depending on where you are located, check with the Landesfischereiverband Baden-Württemberg e.V. (Baden-Württemberg State Fishing Association) or the Landesfischereiverband Bayern e.V. ( Bavarian State Fishing Association) for rules in your area.
NOTE: Fishing without a fishing permit and/or fishing license in Germany can result in fines up to 25,000 EUR and imprisonment for up to five years!
The Tauber River rises in a town in the district of Schwäbisch Hall and flows through the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria along an 82-mile course before pouring into the Main River in Wertheim am Main.
While there are many towns that it passes, some of the more noteworthy ones include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Creglingen, Weikersheim, Bad Mergentheim, Königshofen and Tauberbischofsheim — all of which make up part of the tourist route known as the Romantic Road.
The Tauber River near Rothenburg ob der Tauber (zauberblicke - Adobe Stock)
The river stretches for so long that there is guaranteed to be something fun for everyone to do.
Tauber Valley Cycle Route: This 100km (62 mi.) route promises cyclists a great mix of culture, history and food. This route starts in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and ends in Wertheim am Main and is considered ridable for bikers of most ages and abilities.
Camping Tauber Idyll: Located in Detwang this is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventurers who want to camp in a tent or RV. There is even a temporary fishing permit for guests who want to fish without getting a full German fishing license. There are great hiking opportunities and it’s only a 20-minute walk to Rothenburg’s Old Town.
The unique museums of Creglingen: Museum and history lovers should check out this town. It is home to the Thimble Museum, Jewish Museum, Nuns’ (Women’s Monastery) Museum, Waldmannshofen Castle Fire Museum and the Lindlein Tower Museum.
The Taste of Tauber initiative: Foodies will want to take part in this initiative of local restaurants that celebrates local flavors from the Tauber River area by eating regional delicacies. The Tauber River just happens to flow through three of Germany’s wine-growing areas and has its own indigenous grape variety: Tauberschwarz. You can also partake of one of the local apple varieties, Franconian Green Spelt, mill products, seafood (that aforementioned tasty trout) and their Tauberschazi, the name given to their local flocks of sheep and goats.
