The Best Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Day in a Fairytale Town
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is often described as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. With its winding cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and stunning architecture it’s like walking through a fairytale. But there’s much more than just looks in this charming town. This guide brings together all the best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From exploring historic town walls, snacking on schneeball (more on this later) or driving Germany’s Romantic Road. So let’s get stuck in!
1. Explore the Marktplatz
Marktplatz is the ole Market Square, and is the bustling heart of the town. Surrounded by stunningly preserved medieval buildings, this is the perfect introduction to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The most striking feature in Marktplatz is the Rathaus (Town Hall). With its impressive architecture and fronted by St George’s Fountain, it’s hard not to miss this place. For an unbeatable view, you can climb the 220 steps of the Town Hall Tower. The panoramic view of the town’s red rooftops and surrounding countryside is one of the best photo opportunities in Rothenburg! Early morning is a great time to explore before the crowds arrive. It’s also when the town starts to wake up and local vendors and cafes start to open for the day.
2. Admire the architecture
For those true Disney, fairytale vibes, there’s nothing quite like just exploring Rothenburg on foot. The town is full of characterful, charming, perfectly preserved medieval buildings. Often, when you think of Germany, you think of those delightful half-timbered houses and Rothenburg has these in abundance! Take your time exploring the town and its side streets to really appreciate how beautiful this town is.
3. Visit St. Jakob’s Church
Just a short walk from Marktplatz is St. Jakob’s Church. This is a must-visit for its stunning Gothic architecture. The church is home to the famous Holy Blood Altarpiece. With its intricate woodwork and stunning stained-glass windows, this is a serene place to visit.
4. Explore the Medieval Crime Museum
Dive into the darker side of history at the Medieval Crime Museum. One of the most unique things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this museum offers a fascinating look at the legal practices of the Middle Ages. Featuring exhibits on punishments, torture devices and trials. It’s a whole other world and is an intriguing glimpse into what were the harsh realities of medieval life.
5. Explore the old town walls
One of the best ways to appreciate Rothenburg’s medieval charm is to walk along its well-preserved town walls. Like many medieval towns, Rothenburg was once completely enclosed by walls, with gates allowing entrance in and out. Dating back to the 14th century, these ancient walls offer a unique perspective as you walk along them, providing stunning views of the countryside and the town’s rooftops.
Time exploring these old walls is easily one of the best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The walls are also dotted with towers and gates, each with its own history and character. Some of these you can walk inside and explore. This walk is not only a scenic experience but also offers a fantastic opportunity for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is most magical.
6. Take a night watchman tour
Join the famous Night Watchman Tour for a captivating journey through Rothenburg’s history. This guided tour will take you through the town’s streets after dark. Dressed in period attire, the Night Watchman will share tales of medieval life, local legends and stories of historical significance. It’s a unique and atmospheric way to experience Rothenburg and provides a deeper understanding of the town’s rich heritage.
7. Explore the Castle Gardens
For a peaceful escape, head to the Castle Gardens (Burggarten). Although the original castle no longer exists, the gardens offer beautiful flower beds, manicured lawns, and sweeping views of the Tauber Valley. The gardens also hold historical significance, with several monuments and plaques detailing important events in Rothenburg’s past. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere. There are also some lovely viewpoints looking back towards the main town from here.
8. Treat yourself to a Schneeball!
No visit to Rothenburg is complete without trying the town’s signature treat: the Schneeball (snowball). This delicious pastry is made from strips of dough, rolled into a ball and deep-fried. It’s then dusted with powdered sugar, or coated in a whole range of different flavours and toppings. From caramel, chocolate, nuts, hundreds & thousands, marshmallows and much more. If there’s a certain topping you’re after, chances are they’ve made it! Grab one from Bäckerei Fuchs or Konigreich der Schneeballen for a sweet afternoon snack as you explore.
9. Discover the Plönlein
Of course, one of the most iconic things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is visit the Plönlein. Arguably the most photographed spot in Rothenburg, this location has put the town on the map for tourists worldwide. Many people mistakenly believe that the Plönlein refers to the charming yellow half-timbered house often seen in photographs. In fact, it is a picturesque fork in the road, flanked by colorful, half-timbered houses. This iconic location perfectly captures the essence of Rothenburg and is an absolute must for your travel memories! Tips of how to nab yourself a photo of this iconic location are included at the end of this guide.
10. Sample the local cuisine
Rothenburg is the perfect location to enjoy some traditional Franconian cuisine. Many local restaurants serve hearty German dishes, like Bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato dumplings. For a true culinary experience, try Zur Höll, which offers delicious regional dishes in a cosy, historic setting.
11. Capture the best photo spots
Rothenburg is a photographer’s paradise. In addition to the Plönlein and the Marktplatz, be sure to capture the following top photo spots:
- The Town Hall Tower: Climb to the top for stunning views of Rothenburg and the surrounding area.
- St. Jakob’s Church: The intricate details of the church’s facade are perfect for close-ups.
- Town Walls: Capture the medieval charm with shots of the ramparts and towers.
- The Garden by the Old Castle: Beautiful views of the town framed by lush greenery.
- Hidden side streets: Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber off the beaten path. The town has lots of quaint side streets, full of character to explore.
12. Visit the year-round Christmas shop
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village is like stepping into a winter wonderland, no matter the time of year. This enchanting shop is the largest and most renowned Christmas store in Germany. It’s filled with dazzling ornaments, decorations, and holiday treasures! From hand-painted baubles to charming incense smokers and traditional pyramids, every corner of the shop is full of festive cheer. A visit to this magical store is the perfect opportunity for a souvenir.
13. Drive the Romantic Road
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a highlight of the Romantic Road. This is a 350km (217 miles) route that stretches north to south from Würzburg to Füssen. This historic route, established in the 1950s, takes you through some of Bavaria’s most picturesque towns and landscapes. Rothenburg, with its medieval charm, is a perfect representation of what makes the Romantic Road so special. From Rothenburg, you can pick up the vast majority of the Romantic Road down to Füssen. This is a truly unique addition to your visit and ensures you experience the very essence of Germany’s historical and cultural heritage.
Tips for visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber
When is best to visit?
The best time of year to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
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Spring (April to June): Spring is a fantastic time to visit Rothenburg as the town comes alive with blooming flowers and mild weather. The gardens are particularly beautiful during this season, and it’s an ideal time for strolling through the town without the peak summer crowds. We visited in June and found this to be a great time of year!
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Summer (July to August): Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the warm weather and longer days. The town is bustling with activity, and all attractions are fully open. However, this also means larger crowds. If you don’t mind sharing the experience with more visitors, summer offers vibrant events and a lively atmosphere.
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Autumn (September to October): With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, Autumn is a lovely time to visit. The changing colors of the surrounding countryside add a picturesque backdrop. It’s also a great time for photography and enjoying the town at a more relaxed pace.
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Winter (November to March): Winter transforms Rothenburg into a magical wonderland, especially during the Christmas season. The Rothenburg Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany! The town is beautifully decorated with lights and festive ornaments, but be prepared for colder weather and possibly snow.
Most shops are closed on Sunday. This is the case with a lot of German towns (and a lot of smaller places in Europe). If you’re planning a full day of things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, then it’s best to avoid Sundays. That said, this rule mostly applies to shops and attractions. Cafes and restaurants will still be open.
Avoiding the crowds
Rothenburg is charming year-round, meaning you’ll always have to share it with other tourists. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon will allow you to experience the town without the crowds, especially in popular spots like the Marktplatz and Plönlein. Many day trippers from Munich tend to head back around 4pm, so early evening is a great time to enjoy Rothenburg all to yourself.
Snapping the iconic Plönlein photo
Getting the perfect photo of the iconic Plönlein in Rothenburg ob der Tauber requires a bit of timing and positioning. Here are some tips to help you capture this picturesque spot:
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Visit Early or Late: The Plönlein is one of the most popular spots in Rothenburg, so it can get crowded during the day. To avoid the crowds and get a clear shot, visit early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer people.
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Position Yourself Correctly: The best angle for capturing the Plönlein is from the street leading up to the yellow half-timbered house. This allows you to include both the Kobolzeller Tor (the lower gate) and the Siebersturm (the taller tower) in the background, framing the scene perfectly.
- Patience is Key: The trouble with Instagram is that it paints a picture of a quiet town with few people. This is not the reality. If there are other people around (which there likely will), be patient. Sometimes, just waiting a few extra minutes can make all the difference in getting that perfect shot. This rule applies everywhere actually, not just the Plönlein.
Book an overnight stay
To maximise your time here, and if you do want to enjoy Rothenburg to yourself, then it’s worth booking an overnight stay. Exploring the town without all the crowds in the evening, or first thing in the morning is unbeatable! We stayed at Hotel am Siebersturm, just down the road from the Plönlein. You can’t get a much better location!
Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
By car: The closest major cities to Rothenburg are: Nuremberg, Frankfurt or Munich. Nuremberg is about 50 miles east, an easy 1 hour drive away. Frankfurt is just over 100 miles away, which is roughly a 2 hour drive. Munich is 150 miles away, taking 2.5-3 hours. You’ll find parking just outside the town walls if you’re visiting for the day. For overnight guests, some hotels offer private (paid) parking in the form of private garages. These usually need to be booked in advance.
By train: Rothenburg is well-connected via regional trains from cities like Nuremberg and Frankfurt. From Nuremberg, it’s about 1.5 hours by train. Frankfurt is 2.5 hours by train, and Munich is 3-3.5 hours by train, depending on connections. The train station is just outside the old town, making it easy walking distance. Our suggestion is to use the Deutsche Bahn website to plan your route.
Suggested itinerary: things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Start your day exploring the Marktplatz & climb the Town Hall Tower
- Visit St Jakob’s Church
- Head of the Medieval Crime Museum
- Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant and also snack on a Schneeball
- Walk the old Town Walls
- Explore the Castle Gardens
- Buy some festive souvenirs at the Christmas shop
- Get the iconic Plönlein photo after the crowds have gone
- Join the Night Watchman Tour
- In the morning, get some more photos of the town before the crowds arrive
- Explore the quieter side to Rothenburg “off the beaten path”
- Hit the Romantic Road to explore more of the region
Get in touch
We hope this guide for visiting and of things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been helpful! It’s such a special place, you’re bound to fall in love with! If you have any questions please leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! If you found our blog helpful, check out our Insta @welovetravel.in – if you give us a follow feel free to drop us a message and say hello 👋
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