Have you ever dreamed of taking a step back to explore a medieval town that looks straight out of a fairytale? If so, look no further than Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany.
Rothenburg’s quaint little town is full of cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses, gothic churches, and historic sites – and it’s one of the unique travel places in the world. So let’s explore what makes Rothenburg so special.
A Walk Through History
The best way to explore Rothenburg is on foot. This allows you to take in every little detail of the town and its history. Walking around, you can view the historic city hall, cobblestone streets, and medieval shops.
Rothenburg is a remarkable place where time has stood still for centuries. This medieval city was once an essential stop along the trade route known as the “Romantic Road” from Frankfurt to Munich.
As you stroll down its cobbled streets and look up at its charming buildings, it’s easy to imagine what life must have been like when the city was founded in 1070.
You can also visit some of the town’s most iconic landmarks – such as St. James Church with its awe-inspiring stained glass windows or Plönlein Square with its picturesque fountain flanked by two towers.
Be sure to visit the town’s ancient wall, built in the 13th century and still stands today. You can climb to the top of one of its towers for stunning views of Rothenburg and its surrounding countryside.
Other historical sites are:
– The Town Hall (Rathaus) is a 15th-century Gothic building with a clock tower, which is the symbol of Rothenburg.
– The Cheese Museum and Traditional Crafts Center, where you can learn about local cheese making and traditional crafts and artworks from the region.
– The Imperial City Museum, which showcases the city’s history from its founding to the present day.
– The Medieval Crime Museum is a fascinating look at the dark side of Rothenburg’s past.
– The German Christmas Museum, which displays traditional decorations and artwork related to Christmas in Germany.
Take Part in Local Traditions
When visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber, participate in some of its local traditions! One such tradition is the Christmas Market, which occurs during the Advent season each year.
The market features traditional German foods such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine while offering handmade crafts and decorations. During summertime, locals also enjoy evening walks around the old city walls while listening to music played by local musicians. There are many festivals throughout the year, too, such as Fasching (the German version of Carnival) or Easter egg hunts for children.
Other local traditions are:
– The Night Watchman’s Tour takes visitors on a guided walk around town to learn about its history.
– Meistertrunk is a local drinking ritual in which participants must drink a liter of wine without taking a breath!
– The Imperial Sword Dance is an ancient tradition performed every Easter Sunday to remember the city’s victory over its enemies.
– The Christmas Pyramid features wooden figurines dancing around a Christmas tree and is illuminated each night during Advent.
Experience Bavarian Cuisine
You can only leave Rothenburg by trying some authentic Bavarian cuisine! The city is home to several restaurants serving hearty dishes such as roast chicken or pork with dumplings and sauerkraut or bratwurst served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Don’t forget about dessert either – try some apple strudel or Black Forest cake for something sweet after dinner! Finally, wash it all with a cold stein of beer from one of Rothenburg’s many pubs – you won’t regret it.
Other food not to miss:
– Schneeballen (snowball pastry): This deep-fried, sugar-coated pastry is a popular street snack in Rothenburg.
– Maultaschen (dumplings): These large dumplings are filled with ground meat and vegetables and are a Bavarian favorite.
– Rostbratwurst: This grilled sausage is served with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
– Spatzle: A pasta made from eggs, flour, milk, and nutmeg, usually served as a side dish.
– Dampfnudeln: Sweet steamed buns topped with powdered sugar or jam.
– Kaiserschmarrn: A shredded pancake served with plums and applesauce.
Places to Stay
Rothenburg offers many different types of accommodation to meet your needs. So whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, there is something for everyone.
Some great places to stay in Rothenburg include:
– Hotel Eisenhut: This four-star hotel offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and an onsite spa. It is conveniently located just steps from the center of town.
– Romantik Hotel Markusturm: This romantic hotel has been restored from its original 16th-century building and offers beautiful city views.
– Bergkirche Bed & Breakfast: A charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Rothenburg with traditional German décor and a delicious breakfast.
– Hotel Goldener Greifen: A boutique hotel with traditional Bavarian style and luxurious amenities.
– Pension Zum Hirsch: This family-owned inn offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
Have You Been to Rothenburg?
With its charming old-world atmosphere and rich history, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is sure to be a memorable experience. From its Christmas markets to its local traditions, there’s something for everyone in this Bavarian city! Have you been to Rothenburg before? Please share your experiences with us below. We can’t wait to hear about them!…