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.
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.
Table of Contents
- History of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Early Beginnings
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Medieval Flourish
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Modern History
- 17 Best places to See in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Galgentor (Gallows Gate)
- Old Town Walls, Rothenburg
- Rödertor Gate
- Röderturm
- Markusturm
- Rothenburg White Tower
- Judentanzhaus
- Ratstrinkstube
- Rothenburg Dungeons
- Klingentor
- The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)
- Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- St. James's Church, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)
- RothenburgMuseum
- Plönlein: The "Little Square"
- The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg
- Where to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Best Time to Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Spring
- Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Summer
- Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Autumn
- Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Winter
- How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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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17 Best places to See in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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)

Location: Vorm Würzburger Tor 6, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Galgentor (Gallows Gate)
Old Town Walls, Rothenburg

Visiting Old Town Walls, Rothenburg
Rödertor Gate

Location: Topplerweg 2, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Rödertor Gate
Röderturm

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

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

Location: Weißer Turm, Georgengasse, Rothenburg, Germany | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Rothenburg White Tower
Judentanzhaus

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

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

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
Visiting Rothenburg Dungeons
Klingentor

Location: Klingentor, Klingengasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Klingentor
The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)

Location: Baumeisterhaus Inh. Dieter Neupert, Obere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting The Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus)
Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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

Location: St.Jakobskirche, Kirchplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting St. James's Church, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)

Location: Rathaus Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Markt, Rothenburg, Germany | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall)
RothenburgMuseum

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
Visiting RothenburgMuseum
Plönlein: The "Little Square"

Location: Plönlein, Untere Schmiedgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Plönlein: The "Little Square"
The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg

Location: Castle Garden, Alte Burg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting The Burggarten (Castle Garden), Rothenburg
Where to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The best area to stay is within the medieval town walls, where charming half-timbered hotels and guesthouses provide a fairy-tale atmosphere. For a quieter alternative, accommodations outside the walls offer a peaceful stay while still being within walking distance of the Old Town.
A 1 to 2-day stay is enough to explore the historic streets, visit the Christmas Museum, and walk the medieval walls. A 3-day stay allows for side trips to nearby towns along the Romantic Road, such as Dinkelsbühl or Würzburg.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Spring
Spring in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is marked by mild temperatures and blooming flowers, creating a perfect setting for exploring the town’s picturesque streets and gardens.
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Summer
Summer offers warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, attending local festivals, and strolling through the historic town center.
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Autumn
Autumn transforms Rothenburg ob der Tauber with vibrant fall foliage, providing a stunning backdrop for sightseeing, hiking, and experiencing the town’s rich history.
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Winter
Winter in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is magical with its enchanting Christmas markets, festive decorations, and cozy atmosphere, making it a wonderful winter destination.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 4°C 43°F
- February 6°C 47°F
- March 11°C 55°F
- April 16°C 65°F
- May 19°C 70°F
- June 23°C 77°F
- July 25°C 80°F
- August 25°C 81°F
- September 21°C 74°F
- October 15°C 63°F
- November 8°C 50°F
- December 6°C 46°F
How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Traveling to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by Car
Driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic Bavarian countryside. Ample parking is available near the town center.
Traveling to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by Train
You can reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train from major German cities. The journey provides picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Traveling to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by Bus
Bus services connect Rothenburg ob der Tauber with nearby cities and towns, offering a convenient option for budget travelers seeking direct routes.