Ratstrinkstube

Historic Building in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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.

Situated in the Markt square, the Ratstrinkstube is part of the Rothenburg Town Hall complex. It features a distinctive gabled façade and is adorned with intricate woodwork, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time. The building’s name, Ratstrinkstube, translates to “City Councillors’ Tavern,” as it once served as a meeting place for the town’s council members.

One of the highlights of the Ratstrinkstube is its unique clock, which is visible from the outside. The clock features mechanical figures that emerge and move on the hour, re-enacting the famous story of the Meistertrunk. This tale recounts how Rothenburg ob der Tauber was spared from destruction during the Thirty Years’ War by the successful completion of a drinking challenge.

Today, the Ratstrinkstube adds character and charm to the Markt square, drawing the attention of visitors with its beautiful architecture and intriguing clock. It serves as a reminder of the town’s rich history and is a popular spot for tourists to admire and capture photographs.


The Ratstrinkstube appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber!

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Visiting Ratstrinkstube

Address: Rothenburg Tourismus Service Marktpl. 2 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany
Duration: 20 minutes

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