29 Dec The Best Short Guide of Rothenburg Ob Tauber
If you’re looking for a charming European town to visit, you can’t go wrong with Rothenburg ob Tauber in Germany.
This town is a small quaint, charming fairytale located in the beautiful Bavarian countryside along the Romantic Road.
This is one of my favourite towns in Germany, is so picturesque and beautiful. There are many unique shops, restaurants and museums including a year-round Christmas Museum/shop.
The town is small and although I would suggest spending 1 night, you can easily see all the main attractions in a day.
Unfortunately, my friend and I didn’t have enough time to explore the entire town because she was quite sick and we end up going to the hospital and spending a considerable amount of time there and then looking for a pharmacy to get the right medication for her, nonetheless, we still manage to see some of the main attractions and snap cute and postcard-worthy photos and in addition, we got to experience a bit of the healthcare system in Germany. I must say I was impressed by the excellent quality service that they provided my friend with. The doctor spoke in English with her because we did try to explain in German, but it was difficult, also my friend didn’t pay for anything at the hospital because she had a European Health Insurance Card – you can read more about the card by clicking here.
Anyhow, coming back to the reason you are reading the blog, I’ve gathered information and put together this short post about the best things to do in Rothenburg Ob Tauber and included some tips on where to stay, how to move around in the city and where to park.
Things to do and see in Rothenburg ob Tauber
1. Wander through the Town
Rothenburg Ob Tauber is one of the most enchanting towns I’ve ever been to, every nook of the town is magical and picture-perfect, just like most Bavarian towns.
Make sure you walk through every road and capture the beauty of it. You will want to have your camera fully charged as every corner of the town is beautiful and full of charm.
2. Visit the fountain of Saint George
It is the largest fountain in Rothenberg and legend says that a dragon had made a nest in the city’s water source. To access the water, a human was sacrificed each day as a distraction so others could reach the fountain and obtain water. On the day that the kingdom’s princess was offered to be the sacrifice, St George was nearby and slayed the dragon thus saving the princess and the kingdom since they would have their water source back.
3. Take a picture of Plönlein
This is the famous spot you see all over the internet when you research the town- Rothenburg on Tauber.
The word Plönlein means small square at the fountain and as you will see this small square does have a small fountain, a half-timbered yellow building and two towers of the old city wall.
This iconic street has appeared in Disney’s Pinocchio.
4. Catch the Night Watchman Tour
This is a free (tip-based) walking tour that takes place during the evening and lasts about 45 minutes. The tour is entertaining and educational.
Visit the medieval crime museum – it’s Europe’s largest museum on legal rights. This museum exhibits over 1,000 years of crime and punishment and it has a vault with torture instruments used in the dark ages.
5. Climb The Town Hall Tower
Climb 220 steps of the clock tower to get wonderful panoramic views of the town and further into the Tauber Valley. Depending on the time that you visit you might catch the sunset.
6. Visit the Christmas Museum/Shop
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Germany’s Christmas capital. The world’s only Christmas museum is located here. The museum/ store is magical! The museum showcases the history of Christmas traditions, ornaments, and decorations from around the world. You can enter for free and browse the store but for the actual museum, you need to pay a small entrance fee. I only visited the store and must say I was in love with everything. If you are a Christmas lover then you need to check this store/museum.
Don’t worry it is open year-round!
7. Walk around the old town walls
In the footsteps of the former watchman walk along the walls of the city and go back in time. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the views. Don’t forget to get your camera ready.
How to get to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
The most convenient way to get to Rothenburg Ob der Tauber is by car. However, there are connecting train and bus routes.
When Travelling by car, Rothenburg Ob der Tauber is an easy day trip from either Frankfurt or Munich, the driving time from Frankfurt is around 1h 45 and from Munich 2h 20.
Once you get to Rothenburg, you cannot drive in the old town and at the weekends the whole wall-encircled part of the old town is closed to cars.
Parking is limited within the city walls, however, there are many parking lots outside the historic downtown area.
Where to eat in Rothernburg ob Tauber
1. Café Einzigartig: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, make sure to stop by Café Einzigartig. This charming café specializes in homemade cakes, pastries, and desserts, all lovingly prepared on-site. Treat yourself to a slice of traditional Black Forest cake or indulge in a decadent apple strudel.
2. Gasthaus zur Silbernen Kanne: Located in the heart of the old town, Gasthaus zur Silbernen Kanne is a cozy restaurant offering authentic Franconian dishes. Feast on hearty classics like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), and Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).
3. Zur Höll: For a truly unique dining experience, head to Zur Höll, which translates to “To Hell.” This historic restaurant, housed in a building dating back to the 12th century, serves up delicious German cuisine with a modern twist. Indulge in their signature dish, the “Höllenpfanne,” a sizzling skillet filled with various meats, potatoes, and vegetables.
4. Glocke Weingut und Gästehaus: For a taste of regional wines paired with delicious food, visit Glocke Weingut und Gästehaus. This family-owned winery and guesthouse offer wine tastings and culinary delights in a relaxed atmosphere. Sample their award-winning wines, accompanied by a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and homemade bread.
Where to stay in Rothenberg Ob Der Tauber
1. Youth Hostel Rothenburg o.d.t – if you are travelling on a budget this is an excellent option to stay. The hostel is right in the heart of the city, and it takes 8 minutes to walk from the marketplace and 15 min from the station. There are cheap dorm beds available, as well as private rooms that you can book. Your booking includes breakfast, which is great because it means you can save more and maybe get a traditional meal later on.
2. Hotel Gasthof Goldener Greifen – A cosy romantic guest house in an old traditional building right in the heart of the old town. This hotel has a restaurant on-site, and they serve indulgent hearty breakfasts.
3. Burg Hotel – This is a more luxurious hotel. The hotel offers the best of the old city streets and views overlooking the lush Tauber Valley. It has spa facilities and elegant rooms.
THANK YOU FOR READING 🙂
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