Rothenburg ob der Tauber - The Most Beautiful Town In Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town located in Bavaria, Germany, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. With its iconic half-timbered houses, imposing city walls, and stunning views of the Tauber Valley, this enchanting town transports visitors back in time to the Middle Ages.
This summer, we decided to come back to Bavaria, explore other attractive spots of this beautiful region, and start our journey in this charming town - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its beauty - this well-reserved town exceeded our expectations - and I'm eager to share my impressions with you. Let's get started!
History Of The Most Charming Town Of Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The town was founded in the 12th century; the oldest fortifications, walls, and towers were built in the 13th century, and this town quickly became an important trading centre due to its strategic location along trade routes.
In 1274, Rothenburg was granted privileges as a free imperial city by King Rudolf of Habsburg - it was a remarkable event and a pivotal point in the history of Rothenburg: an imperial city held the status of imperial immediacy and was subordinate only to the Holy Roman Emperor as opposed to a territorial city or town (Landstadt), which was subordinate to a territorial ruler.
Top Places To See In Rothenburg
The Plönlein
It's the most Instagrammable part of the city, meaning, that it's better to visit it early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. But what does it mean - the Plönlein? If we translate it to English, it means “Small place by the fountain”. Makes sense, doesn't it?
Market Square and Rathaus (Town Hall)
The Market Square is a historic hub dominated by the impressive Town Hall, showcasing stunning Renaissance architecture. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this square was a bustling marketplace and the administrative centre of the town. Today, it remains a vibrant place and a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
City Walls
Walk along the well-preserved city walls for panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
There is a real tower trail which is around 4 kilometres long and leads you around the old quarter in around 2,5 hours. I recommend checking it out in the evening, to enjoy the silence and peace of a quiet city.
Museums
If you love museums, this town is a good place to be, as there are plenty of great museums in the town: from the classical Rothenburg Museum for history lovers to the Medieval Crime Museum for those who would like to know more about crime and punishment methods of the past.
Event Not To Be Missed
If you are lucky enough to be in Rothenburg in the middle of summer, don't miss the annual wine festival, where you can sample great wines from local wineries and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festival in the heart of this historic town.
The Rothenburg wine festival occurs at the Green Market and the church square in the medieval old town. At the festival, local restaurants with their partner winemakers as well as winemakers from the Rothenburg area present themselves and serve a large selection of quality Franconian wines. They also serve selected specialities from regional and international cuisine - a great place to spend a nice summer evening!
Tips and Recommendations
Spending at least one night in Rothenburg is worth it to fully immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this picturesque town. If you find yourself with an extra day and the weather is favourable, consider renting a bike to explore the stunning villages surrounding Rothenburg. Pedal your way through breathtaking vineyards and captivating landscapes for a truly memorable experience.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of great local restaurants where you can taste authentic German cuisine in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, such as, for example, Biergarten am Rodertor (Kartoffelstube), Alter Keller, Zur Holl and other traditional German restaurants.
It's interesting, but the best Japanese restaurant that we tried in Europe is also in Rothenburg! If you are tired of schnitzels and sausages, try out the Restaurant Louvre for great authentic Japanese cuisine and unusual interiors.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of nice hotels and cosy guesthouses in the town. We stayed in Hotel Gasthof Rodertor, just at the entrance to the old town (a very nice Biergarten is located at the territory of the hotel as well), and it has a great price-quality ratio. Also, other alternatives we were considering are Hotel Eisenhut, Romantik Hotel, Hotel Sonne and more.
I hope you like this post, and that it inspired you to visit this beautiful town and gave you some ideas on how to make your visit unforgettable.
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