Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Travel Guide

Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Photo provided by BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Photo provided by BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
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
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
Default Image

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
Hotel Eisenhut
Hotel Eisenhut
4 out of 5
Herrngasse 4, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,476 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥16,476
¥17,629 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with friendly staff. We had everything we needed and more. Parking was located a couple streets off site in a barn for 14 euros and there were plenty available spots. Would stay again!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hotel Eisenhut
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Untere Schmiedgasse 16, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria
The price is ¥18,848 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥18,848
¥20,168 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, an attached winery, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (724 reviews)
"Quaint and comfortable accommodations in the historic center of town. Our room was very large and more than adequate for three adults and a teen. Nice breakfast with an incredible view. Reasonable 15 minute walk to the train station."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Romantik Hotel Markusturm
Romantik Hotel Markusturm
Roedergasse 1, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, BY
The price is ¥25,959 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥25,959
¥27,776 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (761 reviews)
"This is a charming old German hotel. I believe it has been in the same family for many years. The staff was so friendly and welcoming and made sure our stay was good. We were there in March so it was not busy. The breakfast was lovely! We would definitely stay there again! Make sure you do the Night ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Romantik Hotel Markusturm
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Imperial City Museum and Church ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Super fun place to stay! The place mixes old world decor with new world amenities. You are in the walls of history. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

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
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Imperial ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
In the heart of history
"We were seeking a convenient, yet comfortable place to stay for a short time in Rothenberg. Jennifer and Martin's hospitality and unique place added to our wonderful experience in this unique German town. Parking was a challenge, but that's part of the charm in this town built long before cars were ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
TauberChalet I Boutique holiday home with private sauna, whirlpool & detox vibe
TauberChalet I Boutique holiday home with private sauna, whirlpool & detox vibe
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy private pools, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Market Square ...
TauberChalet I Boutique holiday home with private sauna, whirlpool & detox vibe
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

Things to do

Reviews of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
135
5 - Excellent 88%
4 - Good
18
4 - Good 12%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Unique city with great food and great views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Rothenburg ob der Tauber