Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Complete Guide

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.

The town was founded in the 10th century and reached its peak of prosperity in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was an important center for trade and commerce. The town’s historic centre is surrounded by well-preserved walls and towers, which provide stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

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.

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17 Best things to See in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Old Town Walls, Rothenburg

Old Town Walls Of 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.

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Galgentor (Gallows Gate)

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Galgengassejpg
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.

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Address: Vorm Würzburger Tor 6, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Röderturm

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber,Rodertorturm
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.

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Address: Röderturm, Rödergasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rödertor Gate

Rödertor, Feldseite Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
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 example of medieval architecture and serves as a reminder of Füssen's rich history. It features a stone archway with defensive elements such as crenellations and slits for archers. Above the gate, you can find a clock tower with a distinctive onion dome. The gate was named after the nearby Röder Tower, which was originally part of Füssen's defensive fortifications. Today, the Rödertor Gate stands as a symbol of the town's past and is a popular attraction for visitors exploring Füssen.

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Address: Topplerweg 2, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg White Tower

Weißer Turm Rothenburg
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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Address: Weißer Turm, Georgengasse, Rothenburg, Germany

Judentanzhaus

Judentanzhaus Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
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.

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Address: Georgengasse 17, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Markusturm

Markusturm Rothenburg
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.

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Address: Markusturm u. Röderbogen, Rödergasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Ratstrinkstube

Ratstrinkstube Marktplatz Rothenburg Germany
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.

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Address: Rothenburg Tourismus Service Marktpl. 2 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany

The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)

The Master Builder's House,Baumeisterhaus, Rothenburg
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.

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Address: Baumeisterhaus Inh. Dieter Neupert, Obere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)

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.

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Address: Rathaus Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Markt, Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg Dungeons

Rothenburg Town History Museum In The Thirty Years War

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.

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Address: 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

St. James's Church, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

St Jakob Kirche Rothenburg
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.

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Address: St.Jakobskirche, Kirchplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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.

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Address: 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

Klingentor

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.

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Address: Klingentor, Klingengasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

RothenburgMuseum

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.

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Address: 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

Plönlein: The "Little Square"

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.

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Address: Plönlein, Untere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free

The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg

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.

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Address: Castle Garden, Alte Burg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Tours and Activities from Rothenburg ob der Tauber