Rothenburg ob der Tauber | ©lauradibiase/123RF.COM ()
In northern Bavaria, a medieval village hides quietly in Germany’s countryside. Rothenburg ob der Tauber transports its guests back in time with cobblestone streets, Bavarian cuisine, medieval museums and ancient fortress walls that overlook a breathtaking ravine.
Often visited as a day trip from Munich or Frankfurt, Rothenburg holds much more than one day’s worth of sights. This ancient town is a perfect stop for a weekend trip with the family (including pets!) Below is a recommended itinerary to get the most out of a two-day weekend.
Arrival: Night Watchman Tour
If you arrive in the afternoon, there is just enough time to settle in, grab a bite and make it to the Night Watchman tour. Hans-Georg Baumgartner, a local celebrity, tells tales of the watchmen who guarded the city while everyone else slept. His English tour is interesting and informative for all ages and meets in Market Square at 8 p.m.
Day 1: The Views
On your first full day in Rothenburg, head over to the Plönlein right after breakfast to catch “the” photo before crowds arrive. This small square hails back to 1360, with a picturesque half-timber house and gate leading to the Tauber valley. From there, walk a few blocks to Market Square and Town Hall. As you wander, stop by a bakery to sample a "schneeball,” a local round pastry deep-fried and covered in confectioner’s sugar.
Mid-morning, people will begin to fill the streets. Now is the perfect time to visit the sculpture garden and walk along the wall’s edge, admiring the scenic views of town. If you have a dog, they will love the grass and respite from the village noise. After the garden, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant with bratwurst, beer and a hearty soup.
The rest of the afternoon can be used for shopping and wandering the picturesque alleys. If you haven’t already, make a reservation for dinner as small places fill up quickly.
Day 2: The Wall and Museums
Begin your morning with a unique view of Rothenburg. Along the fortress wall, there are stairs to a walkway just above the village height. From there, you can walk above the city and imagine what the guards felt as they watched over their home.
Follow this experience with an early lunch before heading to the museums and churches. The Medieval Crime and Torture Museum covers the history of justice through the dark ages—many types of tools to punish the accused are held here. This includes an iron maiden, shame masks, swords, tacks and torture chairs. If crime and punishment is not your style, St. James Church or the Käthe Wolfahrt Christmas museum are both worth a stop. St. James Church contains a sample of Christ’s blood in the altar and was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider in the early 1500s. The Käthe Wolfahrt museum contains an impressive labyrinth of themed rooms and beautiful Christmas decorations. Following the museums, grab a quick bite before heading home.
Bonus Day
If you’re lucky enough to have a three or four-day weekend, there is even more to see just outside of Rothenburg. Only 45 minutes away is the Würzburg Residenz, a Baroque/Rococo palace in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. A grandiose fresco painted across the main hall ceiling will leave you speechless. Wander the palace’s elaborately decorated rooms and manicured gardens, and read about the Allied Bombing and palace’s reconstruction following World War II. Just around the corner from the Residenz, you will find shopping and healthy lunch fare. On your journey back, drive alongside the Main river to appreciate scenic towns scattered along the Romantic road.
Though one can enjoy Rothenburg ob der Tauber in one action-packed day, budgeting for a weekend will create memories that last a lifetime. This pristine medieval village perched on the edge of the Tauber valley contains a wealth of sights and history. Gute Reise – Safe travels!
