The romantic road in Germany
In 1802, Rothenburg ob der Tauber was annexed to the Kingdom of Bavaria. In 1945, the town was bombed, resulting in 40% of the old town being destroyed. It was later rebuilt with international aid.
This fortified town is the most visited on the Romantic Road. This charming medieval town is located at the crossroads of the Romantic Road and the Castle Road. The Romantic Road in Germany is the most famous, most loved, and most traveled route in Germany. From Würzburg to Füssen, the Romantic Road offers its visitors the richness and beauty of Germany: medieval towns, dreamlike landscapes, and romantic castles such as the fabulous and equally famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
The route is incredibly beautiful and pleasant, with constantly changing landscapes that include valleys, meadows, forests, and villages. It alone is worth the trip. The route is well-marked, whether you are following it by car, motorhome, or bicycle, you just need to follow the signs. As everywhere in Germany, parking a motorhome is absolutely not a problem, and even in all these tourist towns, you will always find parking spaces or suitable areas.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber through the seasons
Rothenburg ob der Tauber can be visited all year round, thanks to its various events throughout the seasons:
- At Pentecost, come and admire the parades in historical costumes.
- At the end of summer, the town invites you to enjoy Franconian specialties and wines.
- In September, during the Imperial City Festival, the town transforms into a vast open-air theater, offering historical reenactments.
- At the end of the year, come and admire its famous Christmas market, one of the oldest in Germany.
This offers the opportunity to see the town from different perspectives and rediscover it anew.
What to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
- Visit the Old Town: Absolutely stunning with its half-timbered houses, colorful facades, and wrought-iron signs. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fortified town surrounded by walls and 42 towers. You can walk around the ramparts on a leisurely stroll. Wander through the narrow streets, browse from shop to shop: Christmas item stores, embroidered textile shops, confectioneries, and specialty stores.
Must-see attractions:- The Town Hall with its Renaissance-style facade.
- St. James’s Church.
- The Castle Gate with the town’s coat of arms.
- Röder Gate and its arch; take the opportunity to climb the tower for a scenic view.
- The Town Museum: Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s museum is housed in a former convent. You can admire art collections, faience, and historical weapons.
- The Museum of Justice and Medieval Crime: An immense museum spanning 3,000 square meters, representing the evolution of justice from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. It features torture instruments as well as numerous historical documents. This visit is not suitable for young children as some exhibits can be disturbing!
- The Christmas Museum: A charming small museum showcasing the evolution of Christmas in Germany from its first appearance to the present day. It displays beautiful collections of decorations, nativity scenes, and Advent calendars. A lovely museum for Christmas enthusiasts.
- Taste a Schneeballen, a true specialty of the town, a delicious ball of fried dough covered in chocolate.
- Stroll in the Burggarten: Away from the crowds in town, enjoy a moment of calm by walking in the town gardens located to the north, with a magnificent view of the town, the walls, and the surroundings. The walk is very pleasant.
- The ramparts and towers are in perfect condition, and the walk offers beautiful views of the town.
Where to park and stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is very well organized. Once you arrive, just follow the signs whether you are in a car or a motorhome.
For motorhomes, there are two parking lots outside the town, about a 20-minute walk away. You can spend the night in both lots, but only one offers services. However, it fills up very quickly, and unless you arrive very early in the morning, it is almost impossible to find a spot there!
You will also find many charming hotels in the city center.
Käthe Wohlfahrt, the temple of Christmas
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is renowned for its Christmas market, which attracts numerous visitors from around the world each year. It is one of the most popular in Germany. The Reiterlesmarkt is located in the heart of the village center, where you can admire local crafts, Christmas decorations, and sample local specialties.
In the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt store, a true temple of Christmas open year-round. While you can find other stores of this chain around the world, this is where the very first one was established.
Spread over several levels, you will discover one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas stores in Europe, with mostly handcrafted decorations that, while having a certain cost, are truly beautiful. The store’s decor seems straight out of a movie, instantly transporting you to December! Plan to spend at least half an hour or more to explore and admire the decorations from floor to ceiling.
In the heart of the store, don’t miss the Christmas Museum for 2 euros. It traces the traditions and evolution of Christmas decorations over the centuries around the world and offers visitors a beautiful collection.
What to do around Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Visit Ludwigsburg Palace and Stuttgart, approximately 130 km away.
- Continue on the Romantic Road towards Schillingsfürst and its castle, about 16 km away.
