Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber Trip Planner

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Trip Planner

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Top attractions in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Historic Sites
Neighborhoods
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views.
Spitalturm
2. Spitalturm
4.9
(51)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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The walk around the town walls is great to do around sunset, it wasn't very busy whilst we walked the walls and gave great views of the Rothenberg rooftops. Whilst walking the walls look out for names on stones that are set into the walls, these are the names of people from around the world that have brought a section of the wall to help fund the restoration and upkeep of the town. Walking the walls is free to do so well worth a visit!
Perfect spot to get some of the initial views of Rothenburg; there's some stairs near the tower to get on top of the platform, and provide a lookout of the city from the southern end.
It was a very beautiful experience Rothenburg ob der tauber is a city from the Middle Ages with protective walls around the city and tall and beautiful ramparts that have remained intact for hundreds of years I recommend you to visit this beautiful city, don't miss that
Highly recommended to visit it
Continue along this wall to see the blacksmith's house. One of the more interesting houses along the walls.
Town Hall
3. Town Hall
4.7
(1647)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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We stayed three days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and one of the places we naturally kept coming back to was the lively Market Square with its impressive Town Hall right in the heart of it all. We were lucky enough to experience a local festival during our visit, and the whole square was packed with people enjoying live shows, music and great food from the surrounding cafés. The atmosphere was contagious – locals and visitors sitting side by side, soaking up the vibe. The Town Hall with its stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture really stands out and feels like the heart of the town. One of our favourite little moments was watching the famous clock on the Ratstrinkstube building chime on the hour, complete with its moving figures – it’s one of those things that makes you stop and smile. We also climbed the Town Hall Tower, and although the climb is a bit of a workout with 220 steps, the views over the rooftops and the Tauber Valley are absolutely worth it. We found the square to be the perfect place to start or end the day, whether grabbing an early morning coffee or joining one of the popular evening tours like the Night Watchman tour, which kicks off right from the square. It can get busy, especially during events, so early mornings or late afternoons felt the most relaxed. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying a couple of days like us, the Market Square really captures the spirit of Rothenburg.
This is the very heart of one of my favorite fairytale towns in Germany. It feels like you are in another era. A very atmospheric place with many beautiful buildings! A must-see!
A beautifully preserved medieval town. You can even walk the old wall. I highly recommend staying the night. Much quieter at night after most of the tourists are gone.
Cool tower you can climb up to see sky view of the town. It is only 4 Euros but it is 200 steps on steep ( like >45° stairs or almost ladders) FUN and definitely worth it!!
Rathaus in Rothenburg is built in composite style of Gothic section and Renaissance addition. Its tower is a popular tourist climbing spot with spiral staircase leading to viewing platform. Rathaus was spared major destruction in WW2, so it is historically authentic.
Definitely take the lift up from inside the tunnel if you want to save a few steps. The final stretch to the top is a bit steep but the view is amazing.
Interesting historical building with museum in the back ( separate entrance) Steps take you up the round tower for a view over the town . Check opening hours
Very impressive place to see the whole city scenery. It is good way to limit the entered person. I recommend to visit this place with your family or lovers. But don't do making sign on the wall please
Medieval Crime Museum
4. Medieval Crime Museum
4.4
(5252)
History museum
Museums
Museum devoted to medieval crime, with an offbeat collection of torture tools, legal tomes & art.
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They got enough things to show, would probably take you a good hour or more depending on how fast you are going through the things. It was 6.50€ for students and I think around 9.50€ for adults. For a person who likes to know more about how things were back then it would be interesting. One great thing is that almost all the things in the museum has an english text so it is definitely tourist friendly. Some of the things are replicas and some of them are real. They have a huge collection of torture devices and things that are related to criminals back then. Would recommend it if you like these types of museums!
In a town full of history, there is this very complete museum of medieval torture which has an amazing collection of old "law" books and explains with great detail and the help of objects how "justice" was applied at the middle age. The way out is well displayed, no worries, you won't get lost.
Great place for history lovers to spend few hours getting to know law and punishment history in the city through the ages.Very interesting exposition,great artifacts,loads of information. Really worth a visit.
Very cool museum. 3 levels full of displays and descriptions offered in english as well.
The receptionist speaks good English. The place is well maintained and all article history is also written in English. They have clean toilets as well inside. The exit although is very confusing, they need to add more signs for exit.
Interesting and shocking look into the Medieval times of law and punishment. Great lay out and some life-like exhibits when walking through museum. Don't forget to take your photo in the Stocks outside
Very easy to spend hours here if you want to read up on all the interesting explanations thruought.
I went with my family, and it was more interesting than described as it included the entire history of law, justice, punishment, torture, etc.
St. Jakobskirche
5. St. Jakobskirche
4.2
(979)
Evangelical church
Sights & Landmarks
Towering, 2-tower Gothic basilica dating to 1485 & famed for its high altar & religious artworks.
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Beautiful church, a must see! The architecture is simply amazing. The altar is beautiful both in the front and the back! In fact the whole town of Rothenburg is rich in culture and history! How it has been rebuilt since the war. What touched me most were the Stumbling Stones, small brass plates being put in the ground outside the places, from were Jews were taken and sent to concentration camps. Amongst all the beauty and history cannot forget the horrors human beings inflicted on other human beings in the name of color, caste, class, religion, etc.
Historical church in the beautiful city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Entry into the main area is about 3 Euro although one can still enter and stay at the entrance area for free.
15th century impressive gothic church. it holds the holy blood altar. entrance is 3.5 €. visit and witness the medieval architecture.
We visited this church today on our visit Rothenburg ob Tauber today. Cost to enter is 3 euros. The altar is stunning. There is also a very unique wooden altar upstairs in the back of the church that is stunning. We really enjoyed touring this church. A must see when visiting this beautiful city.
One of the many churches on on of the many pilgrim routes to Santiago the Compostella that pilgrims would visit in Medieval times. Dedicated to the apostle St James who's grave is in Santiago. The church was built in the 14th and 15th century and concecrated in 1485. Behind the organ on an upper floor is the beautifully carved Holy Blood altar carved from u painted limewood. It shows the Last Supper and contains a relic of the Holy Blood. On the other side of the church is the main altar where there is woodwork showing the twelve apostles.
Beautiful church, especially when watching and listening to a choir concert. My son performed here with about 100 kids and it was amazing. Literally brought tears streaming down my face. The feeling of being surrounded by music and seeing the church full of people, it was just magical.
An interesting, but plain church. I would not say it is particularly special, and there are numerous and far better examples in Europe that far exceed this in terms of relics, artwork, and interior architecture. In fact, it is quite simple in comparison, and you are unlikely to spend much more than 10 minutes there. It is, therefore, all the more surprising that they CHARGE visitors a FEE to visit, which was a first for us. Whilst I am not saying this does not exist elsewhere, I have yet to experience this in our visits to any other church or cathedral in Europe.
Quaint little cathedral in the heart of the medieval village. It's beautiful and the staff are kind and more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge of the church and windows and blood alter. It's so peaceful inside and of course if it's blistering hot outside it's worth the few euro to take a break in the cool stones of the church
Plönlein
6. Plönlein
4.7
(5976)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark area featuring old, half-timbered houses, a small fountain, cobbled streets & shops.
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What a beautiful and magical town! We have visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber twice in the last 5 years. It holds a special place in our hearts. Stay the night if you can to enjoy the quiet and beautiful scenery away from the day crowds, especially if you visit in the summer or for the Christmas markets. If you want a picture here without the crowd, go in the early morning or late evening.
It's a lovely place to visit if you're in the area. We stopped there on our trip from Munich to Paderborn. It's well worth a day trip, and a pleasant place to spend an evening. There is ample parking around the old town, which we recommend; it's easy to park and then walk. The old town is beautifully preserved and very attractive. There are many nice restaurants and cafes. One thing to keep in mind is that most shops are closed on Mondays.
The most photographed place in Rothenburg. Postcard views. It's like being in a fairy tale. You could film here.
This is a cute landmark of this city. This is where the social media pics get generated. I would recommend in order for you to be alone in this pic, either have a camera that can delete extra peeps on ur pic or show up on a day where there are not many tourists around, so a cloudy day or at night.
I returned to Rotenburg on the Romantic Road for the first time in 47 years ago. The townscape remains the same as it was back then, a medieval walled town, and the enchanting scenery is captivating. The German Christmas Museum has a wide selection of Christmas-related souvenirs and is a must-see. It also has many wonderful sights, such as Plönlein, Market Square, St. Jacob's Church, the city walls, and the Gärch Blacksmith Shop, making it a town worth visiting at least once. However, it is now extremely crowded with tourists, and it feels as though the simple atmosphere of the past has been lost.
Plönlein – Rothenburg’s Fairytale Corner Plönlein is a picturesque spot that feels like stepping into a storybook. This charming intersection, with its half-timbered house, cobblestone streets, and medieval towers, is one of the most photographed places in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It’s a peaceful spot, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Whether you’re snapping photos or just soaking in the atmosphere, Plönlein is a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful town.
It reminds me of a map in counter strike. Take a day trip here hy driving all the way from munich. Beautiful old town, however it gets quiet after 6pm and became a ghost town and dark 🤣
The best city to visit.. we have been twice and if you love Christmas you must visit this town
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Other notable attractions

German Christmas Museum
Museum
Specialty Museums
Sizable Christmas museum with historical exhibits & a popular shop selling decorations.
Castle Garden
Park
Nature & Parks
Wooded garden on the grounds of a bygone medieval fortress, with views & surviving castle gates.
Schmiedgasse
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Rödertor
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Gerlachschmiede
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Rothenburg Museum
Museum
Historical landmark
Blade Gate
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Plönlein
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark area featuring old, half-timbered houses, a small fountain, cobbled streets & shops.
Double Bridge
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Rothenburg Town History Museum in the Thirty Years’ War
Museum
Specialty Museums
Storied town museum of the Thirty Years' War & the conquest of Rothenburg in 1631.

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