Rothenburg Top 10 Things to See and Do in Rothenburg, Germany

Last updated on April 7th, 2024

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Rothenburg, Germany

Plonlein, Rothenburg, Werner @ Wikimedia

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque medieval town in Bavaria, Germany, offers visitors a journey back in time with its well-preserved historic buildings, charming streets and cultural attractions. Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Rothenburg:

1. Rothenburg Old Town: Explore the enchanting Old Town, surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls and towers. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and lively squares.

2. Marktplatz (Market Square): Visit the bustling Market Square, the heart of Rothenburg’s historic center. Admire the impressive Town Hall (Rathaus), the hourly Clock Tower display and the Renaissance-style Fountain of St. George.

3. St. James’s Church: Marvel at the beauty of St. James’s Church (St. Jakobskirche), a Gothic masterpiece known for its exquisite altars, intricate stained glass windows and impressive organ. See the Cross in the Wooden Alter of the Holy Blood, representing the blood of Christ at this church associated with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

4. Medieval Crime Museum: Step into the dark past at the Medieval Crime Museum. See a fascinating collection of torture instruments, crime artifacts and insights into medieval justice.

5. Walk the City Walls: Take a stroll along Rothenburg’s well-preserved city walls for panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. The Tower Trail includes 42 towers and 6 city gates as it extends over 2 miles around the Old Town. The Tower Trail doesn’t charge a fee to enter.

Rothenburg City Wall, Kookay @ Pixabay

6. The Little Square, Plönlein: Capture a quintessential Rothenburg moment at Plönlein, one of the town’s most photographed spots. The Little Square features a charming half-timbered house flanked by the Siebers Tower and the Kobolzeller Tower.

7. Christmas Museum: Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at the German Christmas Museum, which showcases the history and traditions of German Christmas celebrations through festive displays and artifacts.

8. Night Watchman’s Tour: Each evening at Market Square, you can join the Night Watchman’s Tour for an entertaining and informative evening stroll through Rothenburg’s streets as darkness falls on the city.

9. Burggarten: Relax in the tranquil Castle Garden, built upon an old castle ruin beside the Old Town. Enjoy scenic views and a serene atmosphere perfect for a leisurely break.

10. Shopping for Souvenirs: Indulge in some shopping for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts along Rothenburg’s charming streets. Visit an array of shops selling everything from wooden toys and Christmas decorations to local wines and specialty foods.

More Things to See and Do in Rothenburg

In the Old Town: Rothenburg Museum, Jewish Quarter, Spital Bastion, Hegereiter House, To Hell Tavern, Old Horse Mill, Blacksmith House, Castle Road, St John’s Church, Meat and Dance House, Jagstheimer’s House, State Dungeons, Lord Alley & Fountain, Franciscan Church, Hotel Klosterstüble, Feuerlein’s Oriel Window

Near the Old Town: Main Train Station, Toppler House, Double Bridge, Panorama Trail

Near to Rothenburg: the towns of Bamberg, Würzburg and Nuremberg

Try: Rothenburg snowballs (pastry), white asparagus, Tauber snails, Franconian carp & wines

Buy: Cuckoo clocks, beer steins

Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower, alfredhofmeister @Pixabay

Market Square, Rothenburg, Wang @ Wikimedia

Visit Rothenburg, Germany

Market Square, travelwithzhuk @ Pixabay

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a gem of medieval charm nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, enchants visitors with its fairy-tale beauty and rich history. Encircled by well-preserved medieval walls, the Old Town transports visitors back in time with its narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses adorned with colorful flowers and majestic towers. The Market Square, serves as the vibrant heart of Rothenburg, where the iconic Town Hall and the Fountain of St. George stand as enduring symbols of the town’s prosperity and civic pride. Every corner of Rothenburg whispers tales of its storied past, from the medieval churches like St. James’ (Jakob’s) Church, adorned with exquisite Gothic art, to the imposing city gates and watchtowers that once guarded its borders against invaders.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers a wealth of cultural experiences and attractions. Visitors can delve into the town’s intriguing past at the Medieval Crime Museum. An extensive collection of torture instruments and crime artifacts provides a chilling glimpse into the darker side of medieval life. The German Christmas Museum immerses visitors in the magic of the holiday season, showcasing the rich traditions and festive customs that have shaped German Christmas celebrations throughout the centuries. Whether wandering along the ancient city walls, admiring the picturesque Plönlein square, or savoring the flavors of traditional Bavarian cuisine at cozy taverns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber captivates with its timeless beauty and warm hospitality. Rothenburg provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of medieval Europe.

Schneeballen, emracc @ Wikimedia

Best Time to Visit Rothenburg

The summer months of June, July and August are the best time to visit Germany. Winter is a good time to avoid the busy summer tourist season and travel to numerous Christmas Markets in German towns and villages.

Getting to Rothenburg Old Town

Rothenburg is not near any of the major cities in Germany, so it will take some effort to get there. If you don’t rent a vehicle, plan an extended visit to this region. Stay in Nuremberg and then do day trips by rail to Rothenburg, Bamberg and Würzburg.

Air: The best route by air is through the international airport in Munich. Then take a one hour train ride to Nuremberg. Alternately fly to Frankfurt and catch a connecting flight on Lufthansa to Nuremberg.

Train: The Rothenburg train station is just over an hour from Würzburg or Nuremberg if you pick the quick connections.

River Cruise: Major river cruise companies often arrange excursions to Rothenburg from Ochsenfurt, Würzburg or Nuremberg on their Main-Danube Canal route. On a bus tour with a river cruise company, Ochsenfurt is a half hour from Rothenburg, Würzburg is 45 minutes and Nuremberg is just over an hour. This is better than the rail connections to Rothenburg.

Rothenburg Public Transit

You won’t really need pubic transport on your visit to Rothenburg. Whether you arrive by train or car, everything to see is right there in the Old Town.