Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Travel Guide
Rothenburg ob der Tauber featuring snow, night scenes and a square or plaza
Medieval architecture, curious museums, music festivals and a year-round celebration of Christmas make this one of Bavaria’s must-see destinations.

Step back in time in the romantic medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Visit museums dedicated to crime and Christmas, spot centuries-old architecture or enjoy wine and music festivals. Set amid the beautiful countryside of Germany’s Bavaria region, this is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy cultural events.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber centers on its fascinating medieval quarter, little changed since the 11th century. Stroll around the battlements to find more than 40 gateways and towers. Explore cobblestone streets and interesting squares lined with colorful gabled houses. Admire the picture-perfect half-timbered house of Plönlein. Inspect woodcarvings by revered sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider at St. Jacob’s Church. Enjoy panoramic views from the 200-foot-tall (60-meter) town hall tower, which dominates Marktplatz.

Delve into German history and culture at the town’s museums. The Medieval Crime Museum displays laws and punishments from the Middle Ages. Find period furniture and art at the Imperial City Museum, set in a 13th-century convent. Old Rothenburg Craftsman’s House shows how craftsmen lived during the 1200s.

Find some relaxation at the Asian Water-Garden with waterfalls and ornamental ponds amid a garden of cherry trees and Asiatic flora.

Throughout the summer the town springs to life with a series of festivals. Attend performances by international rock bands during the Taubertal Open Air Festival. Sample local wine and food, such as grilled sausages, at the Weindorf wine festival. Parades retell the town’s history during the Imperial City Festival.

Come for the holidays to experience one of Germany’s most captivating Christmas Markets. Sip on a glass of mulled wine and try sweet schneeballen pastries as you browse the handicraft stalls set up in Martkplatz. If you can’t wait until the holidays, discover Germany’s festive traditions at the Christmas Museum and Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village.

Reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber via train or rent a car and drive along the Romantic Road, a route that connects several picturesque towns in the southern German provinces of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber featuring heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Rothenburg Old Town

5/5(197 area reviews)

Historic sites, museums, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Rothenburg Old Town. Check out Market Square or Doll and Toy Museum while you're exploring the area.

Rothenburg Old Town
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Sankt Leonhard

Sankt Leonhard might not have many top sights, but Little Square and Siebers Tower are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sankt Leonhard
Enjoy

Schlößlein

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Schlößlein and surrounding area, you can visit Rothenburg Plonlein and Little Square.

Schlößlein
Hotel Eisenhut
Hotel Eisenhut
Herrngasse 4, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The price is ¥14,216 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥14,216
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (477 reviews)
"Beautiful property centrally located"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hotel Eisenhut
Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie & Restaurant
Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie & Restaurant
Vorm Würzburger Tor 9, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, BY
The price is ¥19,697 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥19,697
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie & Restaurant
Hotel Herrnschloesschen
Hotel Herrnschloesschen
4 out of 5
Herrngasse 20, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, BY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥25,240 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
¥25,240
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"Beautiful, cozy and perfect location. Staff was super helpful and friendly. Breakfast was excellent. Highly recommend and would definitely stay there again. So charming!"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Hotel Herrnschloesschen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Stay at this apartment in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Imperial City Museum and Church ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Wonderful!
"Excellent location and history."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Stay at this vacation home in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Imperial City Museum and Church ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Victoria Guest House
"Located in historic Rothenberg old Town. 400 year old house. Clean, pleasant and well placed for walking around. Staff very helpful Breakfast ample Recommend to everyone"

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2023

Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
"landhaus Rothenburg" - Modernes Haus in Freier Natur vor den Toren Rothenburgs
"landhaus Rothenburg" - Modernes Haus in Freier Natur vor den Toren Rothenburgs
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Stay at this apartment in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and 2 bathrooms. Popular attractions Kirchengemeinde Heilig Geist and Spitalviertel ...
"landhaus Rothenburg" - Modernes Haus in Freier Natur vor den Toren Rothenburgs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Reviews of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
135
" "5 - Excellent 87.66233766233766%
4 - Good
18
" "4 - Good 11.688311688311689%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 0.6493506493506493%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 26, 2020

Very wonderful little town. I need to come back when it’s not the off season so more places would be open and operating but it was still very lovely!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 13, 2020

Love the city wall walk. Quaint town.... loved it !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 20, 2019

unique and heart warming town didn't want to leave! Well done!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 27, 2019

Our favorite stop in Germany. Must do the Night watchmans tour and walk the wall. Amazing little town with so much heart.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 7, 2019

Unique city with great food and great views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 7, 2019

Take the night watchman tour- well worth the €8.

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