Rothenburg ob der Tauber Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Medieval architecture, curious museums, music festivals and a year-round celebration of Christmas make this one of Bavaria’s must-see destinations.

Step back in time in the romantic medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Visit museums dedicated to crime and Christmas, spot centuries-old architecture or enjoy wine and music festivals. Set amid the beautiful countryside of Germany’s Bavaria region, this is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy cultural events.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber centers on its fascinating medieval quarter, little changed since the 11th century. Stroll around the battlements to find more than 40 gateways and towers. Explore cobblestone streets and interesting squares lined with colorful gabled houses. Admire the picture-perfect half-timbered house of Plönlein. Inspect woodcarvings by revered sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider at St. Jacob’s Church. Enjoy panoramic views from the 200-foot-tall (60-meter) town hall tower, which dominates Marktplatz.

Delve into German history and culture at the town’s museums. The Medieval Crime Museum displays laws and punishments from the Middle Ages. Find period furniture and art at the Imperial City Museum, set in a 13th-century convent. Old Rothenburg Craftsman’s House shows how craftsmen lived during the 1200s.

Find some relaxation at the Asian Water-Garden with waterfalls and ornamental ponds amid a garden of cherry trees and Asiatic flora.

Throughout the summer the town springs to life with a series of festivals. Attend performances by international rock bands during the Taubertal Open Air Festival. Sample local wine and food, such as grilled sausages, at the Weindorf wine festival. Parades retell the town’s history during the Imperial City Festival.

Come for the holidays to experience one of Germany’s most captivating Christmas Markets. Sip on a glass of mulled wine and try sweet schneeballen pastries as you browse the handicraft stalls set up in Martkplatz. If you can’t wait until the holidays, discover Germany’s festive traditions at the Christmas Museum and Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village.

Reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber via train or rent a car and drive along the Romantic Road, a route that connects several picturesque towns in the southern German provinces of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber which includes street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

Rothenburg Old Town

5/5(10 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and shopping are just a few things travellers enjoy about Rothenburg Old Town. Check out Market Square or Doll and Toy Museum while you're exploring the area.

Rothenburg Old Town
Default Image

Sankt Leonhard

When in Sankt Leonhard, you can plan a visit to Little Square and Rothenburg Plonlein, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sankt Leonhard
Default Image

Schlößlein

When in Schlößlein, you can plan a visit to Rothenburg Plonlein and Little Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Schlößlein
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Untere Schmiedgasse 16, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria
The price is AU$196 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
AU$196
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, an attached winery, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (619 reviews)
"I loved that it was in a historical building with all those kinds of quirks. Felt more upscale than the usual bland modern hotels I stay in. Super convenient for walking the cobblestone streets and accessing the town wall walks! And the breakfast was superb (delicious and lots of variety!) and the ..."

Reviewed on 5 Sep. 2024

Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Hotel Eisenhut
Hotel Eisenhut
Herrngasse 4, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$229 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
AU$229
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (730 reviews)
"Location is excellent. Very nice, clean and charming. Rooms could use a bit of an update. But overall excellent."

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2024

Hotel Eisenhut
Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Vorm Würzburger Tor 10, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, BY
The price is AU$213 per night from 22 Sep to 23 Sep
AU$213
per night
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location, excellent service from the staff, great room, great balcony with the glass enclosure, definitely would come back!"

Reviewed on 8 Sep. 2024

Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Stay at this apartment in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and patios. Popular attractions Imperial City Museum and Church of St. Jakob ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Wonderful hospitality in a unique, inviting setting
"We enjoyed our stay. Jennifer was very helpful. Breakfast was lovely. Access to a washer and dryer were a bonus during extended travel. Overall a fantastic property and experience. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2024

Deluxe Ground Floor Apartment in Old City
Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
A couple days in a fairytale city
"This place was perfect for us to spend a few days along the Romantic Road. We just had to step out the door and walk up the street to be in the thick of the action. We ventured out early, came in for a nap and went out later. At night the town was magical. The place was older but that added to its ..."

Reviewed on 2 Sep. 2024

Large & Quiet 2-Level Home in Old City
Rustic farm barn
Rustic farm barn
Colmberg
Stay at this vacation home in Colmberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Golf Club Ansbach and Franconian Heights Nature Park are ...
6.8/10 (12 reviews)
Small Town Charm
"My brother, our friend, and I stayed for 3 days at Wilfried's place in Colmberg, which is a pleasant small town just a 20 minute drive from Rothenburg. The spacious converted barn is very homey, with sofas, WiFi, a large-screen television, etc. Wilfired was very personable, enjoyed chatting with ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2023

Rustic farm barn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Traveller

A very unique and nice town to visit compared to modern German cities.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of my favourite places we've visited.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Went to the Christmas market , having visited markets in four different places this was by far the most charming and traditionally festive.

Cities near Rothenburg ob der Tauber