36 Fantastic things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber Ultimate list!

• Herrnbrunnen: 16th century fountain located just outside of my recommended old-world hotel, Gotisches Haus, topped with a mermaid.
• Johannisbrunnen: Can be found outside of St. Johannis Church near the Kriminal Museum, topped with a merman?
• St George Fountain (Georgsbrunnen): Rothenburg’s largest, sits right in the town’s market square. At the top, a little George on horseback.
• Röderbrunnen fountain: You’ll find it near Markusturm, decorated with eggs each year at Easter

#4: Gerlachschmiede Blacksmith’s House

The Gerlachschmiede is another one of the town’s top photographed sites. The former forge was rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II. This whimsical building perfectly captures the fairytale atmosphere you’ll find in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Surely, it must have been designed by the Grimm Brothers themselves! Today the building is privately owned but can be photographed from the outside.

Organized tours

#5: Experience the famous Night Watchman Tour

One of the most popular things to do in Rothenburg is the 45-minute Night Watchman’s tour. Enter Hans Georg Baumgartner, the night watchman of Rothenburg. Baumgartner, dressed in a black cloak and carrying a lantern and halberd, leads tour participants around the dimly lit old town.

From tales of medieval Germany to how the town was saved from destruction in World War II, I always enjoy the informative historical commentary of the tour.

The tour begins at Marktplatz. The English tour starts at 8 pm daily (limited tours holidays and January thru March.) Cost €9 (cash only) for adults and kids under 12 are free. Reservations are not required.

get more information: Nightwatchman Tour

# 6: Take a Guided Tour of the Old Town.

This 90-minute walking tour offers an overview of the history of the walled city with its Old Town quarter, romantic alleyways, and picturesque squares.

Cost €9 (cash only) for adults, children under 12 are free. English tour: Daily 2 pm April-October, and in the month of December.

Get more information: Old Town Guided Tour

#7: Get your fright on with a Ghost tour with the executioner.

On this historically based tour, the “hangman tells his tales of Devil’s work and witches’ magic” -Rothenburg Tourism. Daytime tours are suitable for children 8 and up.

Get more information: Tourism site

Museums in Rothenburg

#8 Get chills at The macabre Medieval Crime Museum

One of my favorite things to do while in town is visit the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum. They have eerie displays and one of the world’s best collections of genuine medieval artifacts relating to criminal trial, torture, death penalties, executioners, public humiliation, witches and robbers, etc.

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!

get more information: Kriminal Museum

#9: Go underground at The Historical Vault Museum

Rothenburg Museum (Historiengewölbe – das Museum über dem Kerker Rothenburgs), located in the former jail below the Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus), has an authentic dungeon.

The prison cells give an impression of the prison conditions at the time of Germany’s thirty years’ war. I kind of love this dusty little museum, and at the same time find it a tiny bit creepy. If you love medieval history, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore an actual dungeon!

Get more information: Historical Vault Museum

#10: Lose Yourself in the history of the Imperial City Museum (Rothenburg Museum)

You would not expect such an impressive museum in such a tiny town! The Rothenburg Museum is housed in an expansive former 13th century Dominican convent, and today houses a fantastic medieval history museum with an impressive collection of artifacts.

This museum and it’s beautiful architecture left me in awe! I arrived early in the morning and didn’t see another person on my visit. I had the entire place to myself!

My favorite part of this museum is the atmospheric arched cloister with a series of large statues. (Formerly known as the Imperial City Museum)

Get more information: Rothenburg Museum

#11: Climb the Röderturm Tower

The 14th century Röderturm is the only accessible tower in the city walls. 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.

#12: Go back in time in the old Craftsman’s House

The smalll Old Rothenburg Craftsman’s House (Alt-Rothenburger Handerkerhaus) 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.

#13: the Dürer House has works by famous artists

The Graphics Museum in the Dürer House (Grafikmuseum im Dürerhaus) is a small private art museum with exhibits of original etchings from artists like Dürer, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more!

Recommended walks around town

#14: Walk the City Walls

In Medieval Rothenburg the entire town was fortified with a wall that circled the city centre. You can walk on the same wall that has stood here for hundreds of years. Walking the city walls is the best way to get your bearings around town. The wall stretches about 2.5 miles and is the perfect place for a stroll.

The wall is covered, so it makes for a good rainy day activity. As you walk along the wall, you’ll see gate houses and towers. Open around the clock so makes for a great evening stroll.

You can access the wall from several spots within the city walls. Pick up a Tower Trail brochure at the Tourist Information Office on the market square.

Explore the surrounding countryside

The valley that surrounds bustling Rothenburg has idyllic walking trails and paths that wind their way through the picturesque countryside. The Tauber River meanders here through the valley’s rolling hills and scenic landscapes.

Exploring the countryside is a great way to add a little slice of nature to your Rothenburg itinerary. These trails are a great place to escape the madness of the midday crowds.

Popular sights outside the wall include:

#15 The Franconian Village of Detwang

One of these paths leads to Detwang, one of the oldest villages in Franconia! 968 AD! If you’re looking for a quiet escape in an authentic German village then Detwang is your place!

#16: Toppler Castle (Topplerschlösschen)

Another 25-minute walk to the south (1.8 km) is the late medieval residential Toppler Castle tower. This moated tower house was built in 1388 as a country estate, and is indeed very small.

However, the interior of this well-preserved building is furnished with pieces from the 16th to 19th centuries and if you like things that are old and ancient, worth a visit.

#17: Double Bridge (Doppelbrücke)

1.2 km from Toppler Castle (3-minute walk) you’ll find the fanciful Double Bridge which spans the Tauber Valley.

#18: Eselsbrücke Rothenburg

Continue another 290 meters to the south and you’ll find a cute statue of a burro!

#19: Explore the historic town core

One of the main attractions in Rothenburg is the cute little village contained within the old town walls. Explore the side streets, nooks, crannies, and recesses while you enjoy the quaintness of the town.

A good time to explore the less trafficked areas of town is midday when the crowds in the town center are the worst.

Enjoy Christmas YEAR-ROUND in Rothenburg

It’s Christmas year-round in Rothenburg! Both the famous Christmas Store and the Christmas Museum are open year-round!

#20: Käthe Wohlfahrt Store

The world famous Käthe Wohlfahrt’s has thousands of traditional Christmas decorations on display for your viewing (and purchasing!) enjoyment.

It’s a red, green, silver, and gold feast for the eyes! The store is so big you may find yourself a little lost (I get a little lost in there every time…ha!) Be sure to ask about the “made in Germany” section.

#21 The German Christmas Museum

For an extra cost you can also tour the German Christmas Museum located in the upper floors of the store, worth visiting if you want to catch a bit of the Christmas spirit any time of year!

The exhibits focus on objects from between 1870 and 1950. It delves into subjects like the origins of the Christmas tree, the evolution 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.

get more information: Käthe Wohlfahrt

Explore Rothenburg’s Churches

The opulence of Europe’s churches and cathedrals often outpace that of some of it’s castles and palaces!

There are a couple of churches worth checking out:

#22: The St. Jakobskirche (St. James Church / St. Jacob)

This Evangelical Lutheran church contains a very important relic. In the 15-century A.D. Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the most famous Gothic German sculptors, was paid a small commission to create the “altar of the holy blood” (Heilig-Blut-Alta.)

Atop this wooden altar, which depicts the Last Supper, is a rock crystal set into the cross. The rock crystal is held aloft by two carved angels and is said to contain a small sample of Christ’s blood (the Holy Blood)

get more information: http://rothenburg-evangelisch.de/ (unsecured link)

#23: St Wolfgang Church

The quaint little St. Wolfgang’s Church was built in 1475 and is my FAVORITE church in town! It’s simply divine! This church is small but picture-perfect, and said to be in its original condition. If it’s open, take a peek inside. (I keep trying to visit the inside but haven’t been able to catch it open yet!)

get more information: St. Wolfgang

Market place town Square

The market square is flanked by shops, restaurants, the clock tower, and town hall. It’s a great place just to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. Here are some other things that you can do in the Marktplatz:

#24: Climb the town hall tower

For a small entrance fee, you can climb the 220 steps up the Gothic town hall tower for panoramic views of the whole town. The best view is the one you’ll get is from the tower which overlooks the market.

Entry to the tower is through the city hall located right on the main market square. There is a small fee to climb to the top. I had a massive case of Acrophobia at the top but give it a try!

get more information: Town Hall Tower

#25 watch the show at the Clock tower

When you’re facing the town hall look to your right and you’ll see the clock tower (Ratstrinkstube) which was built in 1683. In 1910 a mechanical scene depicting the well-known (if not wholly accurate) tale of town Mayor Nusch who it is said drank over 3 liters at once to save the town.

Clock performances are at 11 am, noon, 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10 pm.

The Castle Garden

#26: Explore the Rothenburg Castle Garden

Rothenburg Imperial Castle was located in what is today called the Castle Garden. The gardens at the location of the former Stauferburg Castle, which was destroyed in the 14th century, are free and open all day! The stars of the garden (Burggarten) are a series of statues.

Here you’ll find the whimsical and fanciful Burgtor (castle gate.) You’ll also find the trail leading out into the country and places further like Detwang and Toppler Castle.

Fun activities in Rothenburg

Some of the best fun things to do in Rothenburg Germany include:

#27 Take a hot air balloon ride in Rothenburg

Float your way across the Tauber Valley and Rothenburg’s red rooftops in a hot air balloon! During the warm weather season tours leave daily from the Tauberwiesen in Detwang below Rothenburg’s old town.

Get More Information: Contact Happy Ballooning

#28 Order a ready-made picnic in Rothenburg

Tourists can order a ready-made picnic. Bags or baskets include a bottle of wine (from Hotel Villa Mittermeier or Hotel Reichsküchenmeister) or cocktails (from Mucho Amor), snacks and a map with directions to the best sundown spots for a romantic picnic.

These restaurants offer packaged picnics:

• Villa Mittermeier
• Hotel Reichsküchenmeister

#29 Take in a show at one of Rothenburg’s open-air stages

The Stöberleinsbühne is an open-air stage that is picturesquely located in the Rothenburg Spitalhof and nestles directly against the historic city wall. Stöberleinsbühne Website: (http://www.stoeberleinsbuehne.de/)

The Toppler Theater is a unique open-air stage in the north courtyard of the former Dominican convent.

#30 Eat a Schneeball

I feel obligated to include this one because literally everyone who writes these articles does. Why? Because Schneeballen are something that they market to tourists in Rothenburg, and maybe you won’t feel like you’ve been to Rothenburg unless you’ve tried a Schneeball. I get that.

What in the world is a Schneeball anyway. Direct translation, snowball. Essentially it’s strips of dough (think pie crust) formed into a ball and fried.

The original is dusted with snow (powdered sugar.) Honestly, I don’t really care for them and I’ll save my calories for something else. Sorry, not sorry! If you want to give them a try, you’ll find them all around town.

#31: Experience Kletterwald Fun Park

Fun for the whole family, they offer over 150 climbing elements in 15 exciting courses (Ages 5 and up are welcome.) 3 km outside of Rothenburg.

Get more information at: Kletterwald

#32 Get a bird’s eye view of Rothenburg’s red rooftops from the air!

Fly over Rothenburg’s rooftops and the surrounding countryside with an experienced pilot at the controls. Sightseeing flights range from 15 minutes to 240 minutes, prices starting at just 80€.

get more information: edfr website

festivals and special events

#33: Imperial City Festival

At Rothenburg’s Imperial City Festival, which is held every September, historical groups from different eras, including medieval times, flood the town. The entire town turns into a medieval encampment with thousands of Germans wearing traditional costumes.

Also on tap: fireworks! Be sure to visit the camp after dark where groups clad in medieval garb dine around long tables while they sing old world songs by both candle and firelight. On Friday night thousands carrying torches parade through town!

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that most people in town on festival weekend were German!

#34: Der Meistertrunk Festival

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 than fact but still a fun story.

#35 Experience Rothenburg at Christmastime

The winter months can be quiet but each year between the end of November and the end of December Rothenburg turns into a dreamy Christmas Village, with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets.

Imagine Rothenburg at Christmas Time when snow dusts the cobblestones and Christmas trees, when the smell of gingerbread, mulled wine, and roasted nuts from the Christmas market delight the senses….be still my heart, it’s a real winter wonderland! Consider planning a trip to attend the Rothenburg Christmas Market.

Get the Ultimate Guide to Rothenburg at Christmas!

Relax!

#36 Sore from all the sightseeing? Get a massage!

Make time for a massage in one of Europe’s best medieval towns? Ok I know this one seems a little odd, but massages are a recurring theme in our travels, and one of my top travel tips… we stumbled across a Thai massage parlor and had them work us over really well. Sore achy travel muscles “be gone”!

Now we schedule a massage every time we are in town!

get more information: Wellness Massage by Somwang Merklein (I think I usually contact her on Facebook)

Free things to do in Rothenburg

Let’s recap the free things to do in town:

• The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, no need to pay for the museum to get your Christmas fix!
• The wall walk
• Walks through the countryside
• Exploring town
• The clock tower show
• The castle garden
• many of the other activities are a minimal cost!

attractions map of Rothenburg

Here’s a map with the top things to do in Rothenburg ob Der Tauber
Click on the link to be redirected to an interactive Google Map of Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

Conclusion

If you came here wondering “what is there to do in Rothenburg Germany?” I hope I’ve been able to answer that question for you. Honestly, for a town so small, there are a surprising lot of things to keep you busy on your stay!

Want to hear more about my travels around Germany? You may be interested in my Germany page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance (yes you need it!)

I have lots of resources to help you plan your trip, so be sure to check out these articles: