Rothenburg museum guide, How to see Rothenburg’s best museums!
For such a tiny town Rothenburg ob der Tauber has more than its fair share of great museums! I’m a little picky about museums. I like history museums that have genuine artifacts that are so old it gives me chills! I love a well constructed statue, and like anything that’s a little on the odd side.
Fortunately, you’ll find all of these things in Rothenburg Museums and more! including art!
One of my favorite ways to escape the crowds of Rothenburg is to duck into one of it’s Museums. In this complete guide we’ll explore Rothenburg’s museums in a nutshell!
Table of Contents
why you should visit a Rothenburg Museum
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a remarkably well-preserved town that showcases the best of Medieval Europe. It’s one of Germany’s best medieval towns, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages, and it is FANTASTIC! It is without a doubt my very favorite town, worldwide!
The town, situated on the Romantic Road, is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations, trampled by tourists each day. My favorite way to escape the midday crowds is in one of the town’s many museums.
There have been times when I’ve had a museum all to myself and have rarely ever seen one crowded. Most of the day trip crowds come to see the adorable half-timbered houses, crooked cobbled streets of the town center, the famous Plönlein, and to eat “snowballs” (Schneeballen.) They shop, they eat, they rarely leave the main street and town square.
Join me on this tour of Rothenburg’s hidden gem museums! one of my favorite Rothenburg crowd beating tips!
another crowd beating tip
Another of my favorite Rothenburg crowd beating tips is an overnight stay. You’ll have the magically lit village all to yourself after dark, and there are plenty of things to see and do in Rothenburg at night! and don’t miss this article on the best things to see and do in Rothenburg anytime!
Museums in Rothenburg (Museen in rothenburg ob der Tauber: Complete list
1-Rothenburg Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum Rothenburg)
We begin with the Medieval Crime and Instruments of Torture Museum, because it is my very favorite. This macabre museum has one of the world’s best collections of genuine medieval artifacts related to criminal law and torture devices.
It covers more than 1,000 years of history, a time long ago when harsh punishment and humiliation were commonplace. More than 50,000 eerie displays include all manner of instruments of torture as well as shame masks and executioner’s tools from the Middle Ages. They even have a real Iron Maiden!
You’ll start your tour in the stone vaulted cellar. On the first floor you’ll find old statute books, all things related to law in the Germanic-Franconian era, the church and the law, inquisition proceedings, public humiliation, the iron maiden, and more.
On the second floor: Medieval German law, superstitions and others. The ground floor is home to displays on corporal and death punishments, outlaws and executioners, and witches and witch-hunts.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
The current special exhibition: “Animals in Legal History” and “(Martin) Luther and the Witches” It’s just one of the great witch related attractions in Europe.
Insider Tip
Just down the cobbled winding lane you’ll find Zur Hoell Restaurant (To Hell) where you can dine in a 1,000-year-old building. Reservations are recommended.
| tour | 60-minute guided tours available or explore the museum on your own. |
| Opening hours | March 29 – October: Mon. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November: Mon. – Sun. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. December – January 5: Mon. – Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. January 6- March: Mon. – Sun 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry: 45 minutes before closing time. (times and prices always subject to change, may be closed for holidays) |
| admission fees | Adults: € 9,50 Senior citizens: € 8,50 Students: € 6,50 Schoolchildren from 6 years: € 5,00 Children under 6 years: free Family tickets available. |
| nearest car parking | P1 – Am Friedrich-Hörner-Weg (coaches, trucks and cars) |
| Address: Rothenburg Crime Museum | Medieval Crime Museum Rothenburg Burggasse 3-5, 91541 Rothenburg od Tauber 09861 5359 |
| site amenities include | museum gift shop (I picked up some books so I could read about the displays at leisure), toilets (free for patrons), and a cafeteria (Rick Steves says try the snowballs here, purchases help fund the museum.) |
| Website: Rothenburg Kriminalmuseum | https://www.kriminalmuseum.eu |
2-Rothenburg Museum (Museum Rothenburgmuseum)
This 13th century former Dominican Convent is today the home of a fantastic medieval history museum. The convent was used until the 16th century. The museum’s collections cover eight centuries of the history of the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Formerly known as the Imperial City Museum, it has been renamed “Rothenburg Museum.”
With its impressive and diverse collection of artifacts and beautiful architecture, this is another of my personal favorites. It left me in awe! I arrived early in the morning during the Christmas Market frenzy and didn’t see another person on my visit. I had the entire place to myself!
Highlights include:
- The nearly 800-year-old monastery kitchen, one of the oldest of its kind, where the Dominican nuns prepared meals. The outer walls here consist of the last remnants of Rothenburg’s oldest city wall from the 13th century.
- The convent / monastery garden, once located in the inner courtyard, has been moved to the site of the former church. (may be closed to visitors in winter)
- The Baumann Foundation weapons collection: the history of weapons in Europe from the Stone Age to the 19th century. From hand axes to fine hunting rifles and everything in between. With around 800 exhibits, it’s one of the largest weapon collections in Europe. Of particular interest: Marie Antoinette’s hunting rifle and a hunting ensemble belonging to Jérôme Napoleon (the youngest brother of Napoleon Bonaparte)
- The Elector’s Tankard which is featured in the famous Der Meistertrunk story from Adam Hörber in which Rothenburg was saved from destruction when the town mayor accepted a challenge to drink more than three quarts of wine in one gulp. Get more Fun and interesting facts about Rothenburg!
- Rothenburg Passion: 12 pictures from 1494 by Martinus Schwarz depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ. by
| tour | Explore the museum on your own, or book one of their special guided tours, minimum of 3 participants. |
| opening times | April – October: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. November – March: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. During the Christmas market: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 24 and 31 December: closed (Subject to change). |
| admission price | Adult 6,00 € students 5,00 € Pensioner 5,00 € Children up to 6 years free Youth up to 18 years 4,00 € Family 10,00 € |
| nearest parking lot | P5 – Am Bezoldweg (cars only) |
| address | Klosterhof 5, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber |
| website | download the museum app here |
3-German Christmas Museum Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum)
Did you know it’s Christmas all year long in Rothenburg? The village is home to the world famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas village store, open year-round. For those who are really into Christmas there is a decent Christmas Museum located on the upper floor of the store.
The museum opened in 2000 and became the first permanent exhibition in Germany on the history of German Christmas traditions. The exhibits focus on objects from between 1870 and 1950. It delves into subjects like the origins of the Christmas tree, the evolutions of Santa Clause, and how trees were decorated through the years.
highlights include: a nutcracker collection, historical advent calendars, Schwibbögen candle arches, pyramids, and Christmas decorations and tree ornaments from days gone by.
While you’re here pick up some German Souvenirs. Get a list of the most popular German Souvenirs!
| tour | Self tour with written descriptions in various languages. Private tours are offered in German and English with prior booking. 1-hour tour. 40 euros per group, in addition to the regular museum entrance fee. You’ll find the booking form on this page or give them a call. |
| Opening hours | 7 days a week from 10-5 The museum closes 30 minutes after the last admission. Closed: Good Friday, March 29, 2024: Closed Corpus Christi, Remembrance Day, and All Saints Day: limited hours |
| nearest car parking | P1 – Am Friedrich-Hörner-Weg (coaches, trucks and cars) |
| admission prices | adult 5,00 € p.p. Children 4,00 € p.p. Children 6 – 11 years free Family, pensioner, student, and disabled rates available |
| address | Herrngasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg od Tauber 09861 409 365 |
| website | https://www.weihnachtsmuseum.de |
While it may be Christmas year-round in Rothenburg, the village is especially magical during the advent season. Consider a Christmastime trip to Rothenburg! Ultimate Christmas in Rothenburg Germany Guide. Or check out my German medieval Christmas Market itinerary!
4-Historical Vault Museum (Historiengewölbe – das Museum über dem Kerker Rothenburgs)
The Historical Vault Museum, located in the Gothic town hall (Rathaus), is a town history museum. Beneath the museum, and open to visitors, is an authentic dungeon. Inside the dungeon you’ll find a guard room, torture room, and three prison cells of the former jail.
You’ll get a glimpse into prison conditions at the time of Germany’s Thirty Years’ War. On the floor above you’ll find a staged exhibit that showcases the historic festival “Der Meistertrunk” which took place during the 30-Years War (from 1618 to 1648.)
So, this museum is a little dusty, a little less refined, and the mannequins, well, a little bit creepy! Still, how often do you get the chance to see an actual dungeon? There are some cool artifacts here, and the apothecary is pretty neat! I visited when this area of town was awash with Christmas Market goers, and I had the place all to myself!
Rothenburg’s historic Der Meistertrunk Festival, where the entire town is transformed into a huge military camp, takes place here every year on Pentecost weekend (the 49th day after Easter Sunday.)
Festival events center around the 1631 events that took place when the city was conquered by General Tilly’s troops and was only saved from destruction by former mayor Nusch, when he supposedly drank 3 quarts of wine to save the town. Likely more fiction that fact but still a fun story.
| tour | You can tour the museum at your own pace, descriptions in English and German. |
| opening hours | January: closed February: every weekend from 11.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m (hours may be limited in winter) March: daily 10.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m from April: daily from 10.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m Subject to change: Current opening times can be found on the notice board in front of the museum |
| admission prices | Adult 4,00 € Child 2,00 € (6 – 10 years, under 6 is free) Students 3,00 € family-ticket available |
| nearest parking | Jakobsgäßchen 5 Parking |
| address | Marktplatz 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber |
| website | www.meistertrunk.de/museum |
5-Old Rothenburg Craftsman’s House (Alt-Rothenburger Handerkerhaus)
This small museum offers visitors a look at how people lived in the Middle Ages. Time stood still in this perfectly preserved historic building, built in 1270.
| tour | You can tour the museum during opening times. Alternatively, it can be visited as part of the Walburga Tour. This fun historic tour follows Walburga, dressed in 16th century costume, as she runs errands for her impending wedding. Find out what they will be serving at the wedding feast and visit the craftsman’s house where she lives. Have a look in Walburga’s kitchen with an open fireplace and the perfectly equipped cobbler’s workplace of her last husband. Private tours by appointment, 105 € plus 2 € “Old Craftsman’s House” entrance fee per person. Check booking options here. |
| opening hours | Easter to October 31st: weekdays 11.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m December: daily 14.00:16.00 p.m. |
| entrance fee | 2 € |
| nearest parking | P4 Galgentor |
| address | Alter Stadtgraben 26, 91541 Rothenburg od Tauber |
| website | no dedicated website, for further information contact Rothenburg Tourism. |
6-Röderturm Tower
From the 14th century Röderturm served as an important defensive watchtower. Today it is the only accessible tower in the city walls. The surrounding bastion was added in the 16th century as further reinforcement against invasion.
During World War II the tower roof was burned down to the walls. Reconstruction began shortly thereafter. Inside you’ll find a small exhibit highlighting the destruction caused to the town by WWII bombs, as well as one on the development of the town and its defenses. You can climb the 103 steps of the tower for panoramic views of the town of Rothenburg.
| tour | Visitors can explore the tower at leisure. |
| opening times | April, May, September, October: weekends, public holidays only 11 a.m. – 2 p.m June to August: daily 11 a.m. to 2 p.m November to March: opening times depending on the weather (Opening times are subject to change, if the flags are showing in the windows, it’s open!) |
| admission prices | adults: 2,50 euros children up to 18 years: 1 euro |
| nearest parking | P4 Galgentor |
| address | Rödergasse 38, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber |
| website | www.alt-rothenburg.de/roederturm |
7-Graphics Museum in the Dürer House (Grafikmuseum im Dürerhaus)
This small private art museum exhibits original etchings collected by Ingo Domdey from the 16th century to the present day. You’ll find works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more, as well as contemporary artists. The graphics museum also offers printing courses and workshops.
| tour | Explore at your leisure |
| opening hours | daily from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays |
| admission prices | Adults: 2.50 Euro Children up to 10 years free |
| nearest parking | Parkplatz P4 |
| address | Georgengasse 15, 91541 Rothenburg od Tauber 09861 9763523 |
| website | http://grafikmuseum-rothenburg.de |
Map of Museums in Rothenburg
Use this Rothenburg map to familiarize yourself with museum locations in Rothenburg. (links to an interactive Google Map)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Rothenburg famous?
Rothenburg, with its half-timbered houses, crooked cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture, is a suspended in time medieval village. Additionally, Rothenburg has been the model for several movies, shows, and even video games. Most famously, the town was the model for the fanciful little village in Walt Disney’s 1940’s version of Pinocchio.
Get all of the details in my Rothenburg Pinocchio article!
Is Rothenburg worth seeing? and would you recommend a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany Why or Why not?
If you love history and storybook villages Rothenburg is 1,000 percent worth visiting!
How long do you need in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
While most tourists day trip to Rothenburg, I believe that they miss out on the real charm of the town. Besides, there’s a lot to do here! I recommend at least 3 days. Get my 3-day Rothenburg itinerary! or check out my Rothenburg Ultimate Guide.
Does Rothenburg have a castle?
The name Rothenburg means red castle. Get all of the details on Rothenburg castle in this article! Rothenburg Castle “how to” guide, everything you need to know!
Headed to Rothenburg? don’t miss these articles!
Headed to Germany? Don’t miss these articles!
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