15 Top Things to do during your stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany
Along the Romantic Road in Middle Franconia Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of those charming old towns that don’t appear to be real on first sight.
For entry, you have to go through a defense system comprising over 40 towers, which remain the same as in the time that The King of Sweden and the Count of Tilly were there 400 years ago.
They protect a picturesque town with plush patrician homes and half-timbered houses with the turrets and wooden bay windows. red roof tiles and blossoming floral boxes.
In the glory days of its time Rothenburg became one of the Imperial Free City, beholden exclusively by Emperor Romano, the Holy Roman Emperor, and one of the 10 largest cities of the Empire.
A perfect summary of Rothenburg’s power during the era of his time is the magnificent Renaissance town hall in the square of market.
Let’s look at the most enjoyable activities to enjoy in Rothenburg Ob der Tauber:
Top Things to do in Rothenburg Ob der Tauber
1. Town Wall
In the role of as an Imperial Free City, defence was the most important concern for Rothenburg during Medieval times.
The city has maintained control of its defensive towers and its four kilometres of paved walls. These have been restored and put on information panels.
A two-hour theme tour called the Rothenburger Turmweg, you will learn about the technical specifications of the various towers and gates as well as the historical developments that took place in the past 800 years.
There’s a chance that you’ll stop every now and then to contemplate the some of London’s rooftops, and The Tauber Valley.
The Turmweg is also linked to the other six themed trails within the town, as well as the vineyards that surround Rothenburg and Rothenburg, so you are able to let your interest guide you.
We also recommend you to take the Old Town Private Walking tour to know more about the history and culture of this beautiful Village in Germany.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
2. Rathaus
Rothenburg’s town hall has been divided in two parts: The part that faces the square, it is the principal Renaissance structure that was completed in 1578. It is adorned with an Baroque arcade at the base as well as a three-storey Oriel at its corner and a spiral staircase towering over the arcade.
This is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the world of Germans.
It was constructed in order to take over the eastern wing of the thirteenth century Gothic town hall, which burned to the ground the year 1501.The West wing, which is white in color remains and has the city and imperial emblem on the triangular gable.
All day long in the summer and on weekends during winter, you can ascend the watchtower for just a few euros to look out over the rooftops of Rothenburg.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
3. Marktplatz
You’d need a complete article to detail the many historic events that have occurred in the square that was located next to the city hall.
In 1474, in this exact spot, the land of Holstein was given by the King Christian from Denmark through Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III. Another tale, which could be true, or not and is based on the Thirty Year’s War: Georg Nusch, the town mayor, is said to have convinced his Holy Roman commander the Count of Tilly to save the town by drinking the 3.25-litre tankard tank of wine in an offer.
This moment is recreated by the automatons of the Ratstrinkstube located on the north-facing side of the square, at the the hour, between 10:00 to 22:00. In 1632, the commander who was in opposition to Gustavus Adolphus stayed at the town hall, while traveling across Rothenburg along with the rest of his troops.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
4. Burggarten
The Hohenstaufen Holy Roman Emperors has their castle in this loop within the Tauber however, after it was destroyed by a quake in 1356, the stone was reused for the walls of Rothenburg.
The only piece left was the Blasiuskapelle that was reconstructed from the hall in the castle, serving as a memorial to the victims of both World Wars.
The terrace on your left, you will find the Tauber Valley and you can take a look back on the southern part of the city.
In the middle, you’ll find formal gardens in late in the 17th or 18th centuries with eight sandstone statues for all four seasons, and all four of the elements.
The end of the garden, on the opposite bank, you will find the strange design of the Topplerschlosschen which is a tower for defense that has a residence over the its top.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
5. Plonlein
If there’s a single image that sums up Rothenburg the best, it’s that fork at Untere Schmiedgasse.
From the south, the street splits into two lanes, upper and lower Both are surrounded by half-timbered stone and half-timbered houses.
From the fork, you will see two 13th-century gates. Siebersturm is situated on the uppermost level, and to the left towards the top of a curving is Kobolzellerturm which can be accessed via the Tauber Valley.
In the middle of the fork lies one of the prettiest buildings in the group, a small half-timbered residence featuring a pointed gable, and an ephemeral fountain.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
6. St James”Church
The city’s principal Gothic church, dedicated on 1485 took over 170 years to construct.
The two towers are crowned by spires that are adorned with Crockets.
Take time to look at the narrow, tall windows of the east chancel. They originate to the 14th century, with depictions from Passion and the Mary’s Life. Mary.
However, before doing anything you need to prepare for the gallery in the west, which includes Tilman Riemenschneider’s stunning Holy Blood altarpiece.
The carving was done by him in the early years of the 16th century, and it’s one of his most admired works.
The central panel shows The Last Supper and is framed by interweaving motifs of plants and flowers with incredible craftsmanship.
Near the top , the altarpiece’s decoration wraps around the reliquary cross, which dates back to 1270.
7. Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
The historic commandery of The Order of St John is a frequently grisly museum that covers the history of 1,000 years of crime and the consequences.
There’s a keen fascination with Medieval as well as Renaissance trials as well as methods of torture and punishment.
While these instruments have a morbid fascination there’s also plenty of interesting information on religious inquisitions as well as the history of the courts and police in the upper floors.
The exhibits draw inspiration from legal documents, a collection of seals and prints of trials.
The first floor houses the authentic iron maiden as well as pillories as well as a staggering array of special-designed equipment for women, such as the shrew’s fiddles as well as scold’s.
Outside is a true “cucking stool” as well as for sloppy women and untruthful tradesmen.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
8. Georgsbrunnen
One of the things to take in on the square in the market is a fountain which has been there since 1446. The monument is located in between town halls and Fleisch- und Tanzhaus, an old half-timbered building that is unique in its the sense that it was built on top of the wing of the town hall, which was destroyed in 1240. The fountain was constructed in 1240. it was erected on top of a well that was eight meters deep, and able to hold 100,000 litres.
The central part of the structure is the 16th century Renaissance column that has a statue that depicts St George and the Dragon on top.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
9. Rodertor
One of the most interesting stops on the wall stroll is this gate that has its own security complex that is located near the southern entrance to the old town.
In calm times, a tourist would be welcomed by two customs huts that had pointed roofs.
Then there’s a pathway that leads into the half-timbered inner Bailey, which was utilized to store goods and for stables.
From there, you’ll cross the moat before you reach Tower One, which is the older part of the site, dating back to the beginning of the 13th century.
This tower also served as a used as a signalling post during Medieval times. It is also, along together with town hall, it is the only tower in Rothenburg that you can climb.
The admission fee is EUR1.50 The tower will be open on weekends afternoons.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
10. Schmiedgasse
Translating to “forge Lane”, Schmiedgasse runs down the gentle hill that runs from the square of market, and is dotted with cafés, restaurants, and tiny shops within historic homes.
One of them one of them is called that of the Baumeisterhaus (Master Builder House)at number. 3 from 1596. It was named after Leonhard Weidmann, who was also responsible for the town hall.
Between the mullioned windows of 2nd and 1st floors is 14 caryatids referring to those who believe in the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Virtues.
There’s a more sad tale about Schmiedgasse in 1525. During the Peasants’ War in Germany Wars, Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, rounded up 17 local ringleaders at the market square, and executed the ringleaders.
The bodies of the victims were buried at the site for the duration of a day and their blood flowed as the water flowing down Schmiedgasse.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
11. Imperial City Museum
This museum is a historical one and is located in Rothenburg’s 13th century Dominican convent.
The Gothic Cloisters remain in place The convent kitchen, which is among one of the most ancient in Germany.
The gallery is a large collection of arms and weapons as well as other items that provide a feeling of the daily life in Rothenburg such as clothes, coins and Jewish ceremonial ornaments.
It is possible to recall Georg Nusch and his drinking bet which supposedly saved the city. Well his tankard was the subject of an exhibition.
There’s also some beautiful Late Gothic sculpture gathered from churches and monasteries in the town, and The Rothenburg Passion, 12 altarpiece panels painted in 1494.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
12. Gerlachschmiede
When you pass under the Rodertor at the end of the rodertor, you’ll meet with this old, charming home, which was first constructed upon Wenggasse at the beginning of 1469. Its Gerlachschmiede was a forge from the past, with an adorable triangular gable that sits with a porch that is supported by timber beams.
This was one of the structures in the southeast region of Rothenburg that was destroyed in an attack by bombs in the month of March 1945. It was faithfully rebuilt in 1948. The blacksmith was still working in the area, creating horseshoes up to 1967. On the street sign , you can see the hammer as well as tongs belonging to the locksmith and blacksmith guild. The attractive coat of arms that hangs on the gable was a fresh design dating from 1950.
13. Tauberbrucke
Under Rothenburg’s west side is an illustration straight from the Romantic paintings of landscapes.
It is the Tauberbrucke is an arch bridge that has two levels of arches which span the meadows of the Tauber Valley’s green and vines for 123 meters.
Its history dates to the year 1330. It was located on a trade route between cities like Augsburg as well as Wurzburg.
The major years of the history of the bridge include 1791, when the upper layer fell and had to be rebuilt. It was 1945, when the German army ripped it down and it was rebuilt in 1956.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
14. Staudthof
On the Herrngasse, you’ll find the oldest house of the patrician in the city.
The Staudthof was named for its owner the von Staudt family, owners since 1697, is an aesthetically modest façade along the street.
However, once you’ve crossed the threshold, the beauty of the property will be apparent.
Staudthof Staudthof was built in the 12th century. It predates Rothenburg’s city walls. Thus, it was a defensive wall of its own.
The courtyard is 120 metres long with a barn and stables, and is centered on the beautiful garden, which is home to two yews that have been in growth since 1678. This is a wonderful view of the life of Rothenburg’s former patrician society, which earned its income not from trading but through owning the land.
You can contact the property via the hotel’s website to request the possibility of a tour.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
15. Reiterlesmarkt
Germany is a wonderful location to be in during Christmas , when there are markets in every city center.
The same is true for Rothenburg however the market has a Disney-like quality due to its backdrop of houses with gables located on Marktplatz and its streets.
If you happen to be in the area when it’s snowing, the city will look like a live Christmas card.
Furthermore, this market, which is open from 1st through the 23rd of December, dates all the way to the 15th century. It also has some traditions that are unique to it.
The other is the market’s name: Reiterle who was a legendary Teutonic horseman who was famous for his collection of souls of the dead.
If this sounds scary, the good news is that the present Reitlerle is actually a cheerful messenger who is the one to open the market every year.
Things to do in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Day Trips to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Frankfurt to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Day Trip
Now when we are talking about Weekend Trips from Frankfurt or Road Trips from Frankfurt then Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber was one of the options which we shared with you to cover.
But what if you are living in Frankfurt and you don’t have a car and want to explore Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, If that is the case then you will find the information in the next section to plan your trip.
Frankfurt to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Tours and Day Trips
- Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour
- Day Trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt
- Frankfurt: Romantic Road & Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tour
Munich to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Day Trip
Würzburg to Rothenburg Day Trip
Nuremberg to Rothenburg Day Trip
Where to stay in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber?
You can also plan your stay in Rothenburg if one day is not enough for you to explore this cute village. Search for the stays in Rothenburg using below tool from out partner.
Booking.comThese were the list all the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der tauber. Do let me know if you think we have missed anything.
If you are currently exploring Germany then these are couple of post which you would love reading-
- 17 Most Beautiful Lakes in Germany
- Best Mountains in Germany to Visit
- 25 Most beautiful villages in Germany
Want to know more about the Village then checkout the official Page.
Get your Notion Travel Planner Template!
Embark on your next adventure with the Wanderlust Planner, the ultimate Notion Travel Planner Template. Organize your wanderlust-fueled dreams and turn them into unforgettable journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a newbie explorer, this template has you covered.
