Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Complete Guide

Public Domain / Berthold Werner

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town located in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Tauber River and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic town centre.

One of the most famous landmarks in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the Town Hall, a striking building with a distinctive clock tower. The building houses a number of historical artefacts and documents, including old maps, documents, and portraits of important figures in the town’s history.

Another popular attraction in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the Plönlein, a picturesque spot where two streets meet at an angle and lead to two of the town’s most famous landmarks, the Siebers Tower and the Kobolzell Gate Tower. This spot is a popular location for taking photographs and has been featured in a number of films and TV shows.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also known for its Christmas market, which takes place each year in the town square. The market is known for its traditional crafts, festive atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine.

Overall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and traditional German culture. Its well-preserved medieval centre and charming atmosphere make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

History of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Early Beginnings

Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s history dates back to 970 AD when a small settlement was established. The town began to grow significantly in the 12th century under the Hohenstaufen dynasty.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Medieval Flourish

In the Middle Ages, Rothenburg ob der Tauber became a Free Imperial City, thriving as a center of trade and commerce. Its well-preserved medieval architecture reflects this prosperous era.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Modern History

During World War II, Rothenburg ob der Tauber was partially damaged but was carefully restored. Today, it stands as one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Germany, attracting visitors from around the world.

Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Rothenburg ob der Tauber not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Galgentor (Gallows Gate)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007

The Galgentor, located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is one of the town's historic gates that formed part of its medieval fortifications. Translated as the "Gallows Gate," it derived its name from its proximity to the gallows that once stood nearby. The gate is an important architectural and historical landmark in Rothenburg. Built in the 14th century, the Galgentor served…

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Location: Vorm Würzburger Tor 6, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Galgentor (Gallows Gate)

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Old Town Walls, Rothenburg

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Weners

The Old Town Walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a series of well-preserved walls and fortifications that surround the charming medieval town of Rothenburg in Bavaria, Germany. The walls were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and have since become one of the town's most iconic landmarks. The walls stretch for approximately 4…

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Visiting Old Town Walls, Rothenburg

Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Rödertor Gate

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

The Rödertor Gate is one of the historic gates of the town of Füssen in Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the eastern side of the town, near the Lech River. The gate dates back to the 15th century and is one of the few remaining gateways that once provided access to the fortified town. The Rödertor Gate is a well-preserved…

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Location: Topplerweg 2, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Rödertor Gate

Röderturm

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

The eastern quarter of Rothenburg, which is dominated by this tower, was almost completely destroyed in 1945. The tower itself was also badly hit, but was rebuilt soon after the war on a restitutive basis. The Alt-Rothenburg association has set itself the task of documenting this destruction in an exhibition on the accessible and publicly accessible viewing platform of the…

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Location: Röderturm, Rödergasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Röderturm

Markusturm

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Istvánka

The Markusturm, located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is a prominent tower that stands as part of the town's medieval fortifications. It is one of the many towers that once guarded the city's walls and provided defensive capabilities. Constructed in the 13th century, the Markusturm served as a watchtower and lookout point, allowing guards to survey the surrounding area for…

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Location: Markusturm u. Röderbogen, Rödergasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Markusturm

Rothenburg White Tower

CC BY-SA 3.0 / trolvag

The White Tower in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, also known as the "Galgenbogen" or "Inner Würzburg Gate", represents part of the old, inner city fortifications been. The White Tower stands at the highest point in the old town at 435 m above sea level, the tower height is 33.50 meters.

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Location: Weißer Turm, Georgengasse, Rothenburg, Germany | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Rothenburg White Tower

Judentanzhaus

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007

The Judentanzhaus, also known as the Jewish Dance House, in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a charming town in the Middle Franconian district of Ansbach in Bavaria, has been reconstructed after its destruction in 1945. Situated at Georgengasse 17, this half-timbered house holds the status of a protected monument. Even before the devastating pogrom of 1298, Rothenburg ob der Tauber had…

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Location: Georgengasse 17, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Judentanzhaus

Ratstrinkstube

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hiroki Ogawa

The Ratstrinkstube, also known as the City Councillors' Tavern, is a notable building located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. It is a charming half-timbered structure that dates back to the 17th century and holds historical and cultural significance in the town. Situated in the Markt square, the Ratstrinkstube is part of the Rothenburg Town Hall complex. It features a…

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Location: Rothenburg Tourismus Service Marktpl. 2 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Ratstrinkstube

Rothenburg Dungeons

The Historical Vault in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an underground museum that houses a collection of medieval artefacts and treasures. The vault is located in the cellar of the Town Hall and was originally used as a storage space for wine and grain. The museum shows the situation in the city during the Thirty Years' War. The Historical Vault…

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Location: Rothenburg Town History Museum in the Thirty Years’ War, Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: February 2023: Sat & Sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m March 2023: daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m From April 2023: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m | Price: Adult €4.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Rothenburg Dungeons

Klingentor

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

Klingentor is one of the medieval gates of the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The gate was built in the 14th century and served as one of the main entrances to the town's fortified walls. The Klingentor is named after the Klingengasse, which is the street that leads to the gate. It is located on…

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Location: Klingentor, Klingengasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Klingentor

The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007

The Master Builder's House, or Baumeisterhaus in German, is a historic building located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The house was built in the 16th century and served as the residence of the town's master builders, who were responsible for the construction of many of the town's most iconic buildings. The Baumeisterhaus…

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Location: Baumeisterhaus Inh. Dieter Neupert, Obere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)

Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg ob der Tauber

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg

The Kriminalmuseum, or Criminal Museum, is a unique museum located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the history of crime and punishment, and features a collection of artefacts and exhibits that explore the darker side of human behaviour. The Kriminalmuseum is housed in a historic building that was…

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Location: Medieval Crime Museum, Burggasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: APRIL – OCTOBER 2023: Mon – Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.mNOVEMBER 2023: Mon – Sun 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.mDECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 8, 2024: Mon – Sun 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.mJANUARY 9 – MARCH 2024: Mon – Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m | Price: Adults € 9.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg ob der Tauber

St. James's Church, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tuxyso

St. James's Church, or Jakobskirche in German, is a historic church located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The church is one of the town's most notable landmarks and is a popular destination for tourists. The church was built in the 14th century and is notable for its Gothic-style architecture, with ornate stonework…

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Location: St.Jakobskirche, Kirchplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting St. James's Church, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)

Public Domain / Berthold Werner

The Rothenburg Town Hall, or Rathaus, is a historic building located in the centre of the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in Bavaria, Germany. The building is one of the most notable landmarks in the town and is a popular attraction for tourists. The Rathaus was built in the 13th century and has undergone several renovations and…

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Location: Rathaus Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Markt, Rothenburg, Germany | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)

RothenburgMuseum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Anxises

RothenburgMuseum is a museum located in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the cultural and historical heritage of the town and the surrounding region. The museum's collection is divided into several sections, including archaeology, art history, folklore, and local history. The archaeology section features artifacts from the prehistoric and medieval periods,…

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Location: RothenburgMuseum, Klosterhof, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: January – March: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm April – October: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm November – December: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm During the Christmas Market: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Dec. 24th and 31st: closed | Price: Adults: 5,00 € | Website | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting RothenburgMuseum

Plönlein: The "Little Square"

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ulrich Oestringer

Plönlein, also known as the "Little Square", is a picturesque spot located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. It is one of the town's most popular attractions and is a must-see destination for tourists. Plönlein is located at the intersection of two streets, with the Siebers Tower on one side and the Kobolzell…

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Location: Plönlein, Untere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Plönlein: The "Little Square"

The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Kent Wang

The Castle Garden, or Burggarten in German, is a lovely public park located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. The park is situated on the site of the former castle of the town's rulers and is one of the town's most popular outdoor destinations. The Castle Garden features lush lawns, colourful flower beds,…

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Location: Castle Garden, Alte Burg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg