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If you have done the things to do in Germany, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town that’s like stepping into a storybook.
With its cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings, it feels like a living fairy tale.
From strolling along the city walls to indulging in the world-famous schneeballen pastry, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a place where time seems to stand still, and every corner holds a new adventure.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber:
1. Rothenburg Town Hall
Rothenburg Town Hall is a historic building located in the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the building and take a guided tour to learn about the history of the town hall and its significance in Rothenburg’s past.
Be sure to check out the stunning murals inside the council chamber.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower for incredible panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: – Book a guided tour in advance to ensure availability.
2. Plönlein
A picturesque square in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the colorful buildings and architecture that Rothenburg is famous for. Plönlein is also home to the iconic Siebers Tower and Kobolzeller Tower, which offer stunning views of the city.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a photo in front of the Plönlein buildings, which include the yellow Fachwerkhaus and the white Kobolzeller Tower.
The view from Siebers Tower is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Plönlein is early in the morning or in the evening, to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of Rothenburg to learn more about the town’s history and culture. Be prepared for a steep climb up the towers, as the stairs can be narrow and winding.
3. Siebers Tower
Siebers Tower is a medieval tower located in the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
What to see or do: The tower offers picturesque views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower for a small fee, and can also enjoy a small museum on the history of Rothenburg.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to take your camera! The views from the tower are truly stunning and provide a great opportunity for photos.
Insider travel tips: Early mornings are the best time to visit the Siebers Tower, as it tends to get crowded later in the day.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the climb up to the top of the tower.
When visiting Rothenburg, be sure to also check out the town’s other historic landmarks, such as the town wall and the market square.
4. Market Square
A famous town square located in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy the picturesque and historic surroundings filled with medieval architecture, quaint shops, and bustling cafes.
Visit the Clock Tower Museum featuring the town’s original clockworks, and climb the tower for breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss: The lively and colorful weekly market on Tuesdays and Fridays, where vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the square. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be challenging to walk on.
Don’t forget to try the famous Schneeballen (snowball) pastry at one of the local bakeries.
5. St Jacob’s Church
Gothic church located in the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate details of the church’s exterior, including the stunning spire that dominates the town’s skyline. Go inside to see the impressive stained glass windows, medieval artwork, and ornate altars.
Don’t miss: Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and take advantage of the best light for photos. If you’re interested in learning more about the church’s history and architecture, consider hiring a local guide.
6. Criminal Museum
The Criminal Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a one-of-a-kind museum offering unique insights into the history of crime and punishment in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing the tools of the trade, historic documents, and even an old courtroom. One of the notable highlights is the infamous Iron Maiden, a spike-studded torture device used in the Middle Ages.
Don’t miss: The exhibit on witch trials, complete with detailed accounts of the persecution and torture of women accused of witchcraft.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite busy in peak tourist season, so it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the day.
7. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village
Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village is an enchanting Christmas store located in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse through an extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations, including nutcrackers, ornaments, advent calendars, and pyramids. The store also features Christmas music boxes, nativity sets, and Santa figures.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Christmas Museum, which offers a unique insight into the history of Christmas traditions and customs in Germany.
The museum displays a vast collection of antique Christmas decorations and ornaments, and highlights the evolution of German holiday traditions over time.
Insider travel tips: While the store is open year-round, the Christmas Museum is only open from April to January. Visitors may want to arrive early or visit during the off-season to avoid the crowds.
Make sure to sample some delicious German gingerbread while you’re in town!
8. Rothenburg City Walls
Rothenburg City Walls is a well-preserved medieval wall that surrounds the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a walk along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. There are several towers and gates along the wall, which are worth exploring.
The wall is also a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Don’t miss: The Burggarten, a small garden located next to the wall, offers a peaceful oasis and great views of the town.
The Kobolzeller tower, located at the south end of the wall, has a small museum inside and is a great spot for photos.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes as there are some steep steps along the wall. It may be crowded during peak season so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
The wall can be accessed from several points around the town, with the most popular being the Rödertor Gate.
9. Toppler Castle
A medieval castle located in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
What to see or do: Explore the castle walls and towers for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. Tour the castle museum to learn about the history of the castle and the region.
Participate in a medieval-themed dinner at the castle’s restaurant.
Don’t miss: The Night Watchman tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which includes a stop at the castle’s gatehouse.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and have the castle mostly to yourself. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing stairs and navigating the castle walls.
Take advantage of the castle’s location to take some unique photos of Rothenburg ob der Tauber from above.
10. Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum is a museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany that displays the history of crime and punishment from the Middle Ages to the early modern period.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various rooms and exhibits in the museum and learn about the harsh punishments that were inflicted on criminals during the Middle Ages.
The museum features torture devices, such as the iron maiden, the thumb screw, and the rack, which were used to extract confessions from accused criminals.
There are also exhibits on criminal justice, including the role of the executioner and the importance of confession.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the museum’s collection of medieval weapons and armor, including swords, armor, and crossbows. Visitors can also see the replica of a medieval courtroom where trials were conducted and sentences were passed.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
11. Doll and Toy Museum
The Doll and Toy Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber features a collection of antique dolls, toys, and teddy bears from different periods.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the vast collection of over 800 dolls and numerous vintage toys dating back to the 19th century.
There are also interactive displays featuring automated dolls, dollhouses, and miniature landscapes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the impressive display of teddy bears, including Steiff bears and other iconic brands that are individually dressed up to represent different professions and hobbies.
Insider travel tips: If you’re traveling with kids, the museum offers fun hands-on activities such as dressing up in vintage clothes and playing with traditional toys.
12. Church of St Wolfgang
Church of St Wolfgang, a historic church in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this 15th-century parish church, including the ornate high altar and intricate stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the church tower, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit for a Sunday morning to hear the beautiful church choir perform during the weekly service.
Also, consider combining your visit to the church with a guided walking tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to learn more about the town’s fascinating history.
13. Rothenburg Christmas Market
The Rothenburg Christmas Market is one of the most famous and picturesque Christmas markets in Germany, located in the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy wandering through the festively decorated streets filled with over 500 years of history and tradition. Browse the many stalls selling handmade ornaments, toys, and gifts while savoring the aroma of roasted almonds and mulled wine.
Children can visit the post office to send a letter to Santa or take a ride on the carousel.
Don’t miss: Be sure to attend the opening ceremony in the market square, where the mayor welcomes everyone and officially opens the market.
Also, don’t miss the unique Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum with its impressive collection of ornaments and decorations.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit during the weekdays and early in the morning. Try the local delicacies like traditional roasted sausages and the famous Christmas gingerbread.
Dress warmly for the chilly winter weather as temperatures can drop below freezing. Consider staying overnight to experience the market’s magical evenings of live music and festive lights.
14. Rothenburg ob der Tauber History Museum
Rothenburg ob der Tauber History Museum is a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a treasure trove of exhibits, artifacts, and displays that chronicle the rise and fall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, from its humble beginnings to its status as one of the most important trading hubs of medieval Europe.
The museum features a vast range of objects, including weapons, armor, coins, paintings, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to view the magnificent stained-glass windows in the tower room, as well as the life-size replica of the legendary Rothenburg Madonna.
Insider travel tips: Take an audio guide and learn about the unique history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
15. Jewish Quarter and Museum
The Jewish Quarter and Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fascinating historical site that showcases the centuries-old Jewish heritage of the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the preserved Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the 14th century and features charming half-timbered houses, a synagogue, and a traditional mikveh (ritual bath).
The Jewish Museum highlights the lives and culture of the Jewish community in Rothenburg ob der Tauber through an intriguing collection of exhibits and artifacts.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive Altar of the Holy Blood, an ornate gold-plated altar created by local Jewish artist Jakob Steinhardt.
Insider travel tips: For a more in-depth experience, consider taking a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter and Museum.
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