Germany · City Guide
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the most perfectly preserved medieval walled town in Germany, a fairy tale town of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, intact city walls and Gothic towers that appears unchanged since the Middle Ages. From the Marktplatz and St James's Church to the Imperial City Museum and the famous Christmas village, Rothenburg is one of Germany's most extraordinary heritage destinations.
Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber →Elect's take
"Rothenburg is genuinely one of the most beautiful small towns I have visited in Germany. The preservation of the medieval fabric is extraordinary and walking the complete circuit of the city walls as the evening light falls on the half-timbered houses creates a genuinely memorable experience."
The city walls of Rothenburg can be walked almost in their entirety along the covered walkway, providing beautiful views over the red-roofed medieval town and the surrounding Tauber Valley. The Marktplatz with the Town Hall and the spectacular Councillors' Tavern clock is the heart of the old city. St James's Church contains a magnificent carved altar by Tilman Riemenschneider. The Imperial City Museum provides an excellent overview of the town's history. Käthe Wohlfahrt's enormous Christmas shop draws visitors from across the world. The Schneeball pastry, a fried dough confection unique to Rothenburg, is something of an acquired taste but authentically local.
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How to get there
What to expect
Medieval City Walls
One of Germany's most complete medieval fortifications, walkable almost in their entirety.
Half-Timbered Houses
An extraordinarily preserved medieval townscape of timbered buildings and cobblestone streets.
Riemenschneider Altar
A magnificent carved altar by Germany's greatest medieval sculptor in St James's Church.
Christmas Village
One of Germany's most atmospheric and traditional Christmas markets and year-round Christmas shops.
Imperial City Museum
An outstanding overview of Rothenburg's extraordinary history as an Imperial Free City.
Tauber Valley
Beautiful rolling countryside visible from the city walls surrounding the medieval town.