Rothenburg

Germany

Possibly the most romantic place in Germany.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber regularly tops Germans' lists of the most romantic places in their country, and one look at the picture postcard perfect old town will win your heart too. The half-timbered houses and cobbled streets will make you think you're in a fairy tale. Rothenburg is one of the classic stops on the nearly 300 mile Romantic Road that runs from the River Main to the Alps and the most quintessential of small German towns you could wish for.

Our favorite thing to do in Rothenburg is to sit outside at a cafe in the pedestrianized old town and tuck into a "Schneeball", a shortcrust pastry confection that is especially popular in the town. Go traditional with a sugar-dusted snowball or opt for one of the chocolate-covered ones.

What we love about Rothenburg

Judit

Budapest City Host & Central Europe Destination Expert

Preserved by poverty, Rothenburg is a town where you are embraced by fairy tale-like medieval half-timbered houses and modern spirit. The presentation of centuries old history is so dedicated and true that you will want to put on their traditional dresses, do crafts with a local, and listen to the thrilling tales of the Night Watchman.

Igor

Krakow City Host & Central Europe Destination Expert

Bavaria is well known for the unique fairy-tale towns scattered all over the region, and they have no better representative than the charming town of Rothenburg.

Sasha

Central Europe Destination Expert & Prague City Host

I absolutely adore this little, frozen-in-time Franconian gem of a town! It's full of charming classic medieval architecture and the walk around the city walls with all the great views is definitely something I would do again, anytime. My all-time favourite Rothenburg experience is the Night Watchman Tour - there's so much fun and plenty of information at the same time!

Where to stay in Rothenburg

All of the accommodations we've selected are tucked within Rothenburg's city walls, so you can be sure of being within a few minutes walk of the main sights whichever you choose. From a 3-star hotel featuring a monastery garden to a 4-star in one of the town's oldest buildings, we've chosen places with a style, location, and ambience to suit everyone. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Stylish Heritage Hotel

A 3-star hotel offering modern comforts in this historical city.

Cozy Traditional Hotel

A cute, classic hotel built into the city walls.

Small Heritage Hotel

An elegant boutique hotel in one of the city's oldest buildings.

Things to do in Rothenburg

While in Rothenburg, you could just wander around admiring the buildings but you'd miss the stories that make the city special. We've tried and tested some tours that will help you understand the stories behind Rothenburg's sometimes eclectic decor, as well as an optional driving component to help you explore the neighboring countryside.

Rothenburg Private Driving and Walking Tour

Night Watchman Private Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Rothenburg

Spend some time in Rothenburg on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Rothenburg and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Germany's Greatest Christmas Markets

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich

10 Days

The Best of Bavaria plus Frankfurt

Munich, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Frankfurt

11 Days

Grand Tour of Germany

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt

15 Days

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Rothenburg

How can I get around Rothenburg?

Tiny Rothenburg has nothing that can't be seen with a little walking. With so many historic homes, beautiful gardens, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming viewpoints, walking is the way to get to know the town. If you would like to explore the surrounding Tauber River valley, we can offer a car and optionally a guide to show you around.

How much time should I spend in Rothenburg?

Rothenburg is often visited as a stop on the Romantic Road tourism route, but we highly recommend making it an overnight stop. This charming little town has a quite different atmosphere when the day trippers and group trips leave its city walls, and everything calms down. One of the best way how to experience the town after the dusk is to join our Night Watchman tour and listen to many stories about the town's peculiar history, by lantern light.

Is Rothenburg safe?

As a small town where everyone knows each other, in the most peaceful state in one of Europe's safest countries, Rothenburg is practically crime-free, but as always, don't leave your valuables unattended.

When's the best time to visit Rothenburg?

If you want the most festive time, come in December, when you can enjoy the Christmas market. If you want the best weather, come during spring, summer, or early fall. At other times of year, especially January and February, some sights may be closed or have limited opening hours.

Can I pay by card?

Germany is still transitioning to cash, and that is especially true in rural areas. As Rothenburg is a small town, with only one bank (with short opening hours) in the center, we recommend exchanging money before you arrive, or using one of a handful of ATMs. If you are asked whether to be charged in Euros or your own currency, choose Euros, to avoid paying a useless fee and getting a worse exchange rate.

What special events does Rothenburg host?

Rothenburg features an excellent Christmas market in December, but we highly recommend visiting in the beginning of September, to enjoy the Imperial City Festival, which features different historical groups dressed in various periods of the town's history marching by torchlight. The Master Draught celebration over Pentecost weekend (around the beginning of summer) celebrates a story from the Thirty Years' War, when the city was saved from destruction by a conquering army by the mayor, who impressed the enemy by drinking 3.25 liters of wine in one go. The event is retold by historical groups in the Kaisersaal Theater and elsewhere around town, but we don't recommend trying to match the mayor's record!

Does Rothenburg have options for dietary restrictions?

Rothenburg may be small, but its eateries still offer specialized options for vegans, those who eat gluten-free and more. For gluten-free options, we recommend visiting the Michelangelo Italian restaurant, or Louvre, a Japanese eatery.