Rothenburg in Bavaria, Germany's Medieval Jewel
A Perfectly Preserved Walled Town Is a Walk Back Into History
Nov 30, 2008
Rothenburg ob der Tauber in northern Bavaria is perhaps the finest example of a well preserved medieval walled town anywhere in Europe. Full of historic buildings, churches, and museums, it is easy to spend the day in this charming and colorful town. For visitors making Rothenburg a longer experience, numerous hotels offer a variety of accommodations and restaurants range from exceptional dinners to a quick bratwurst at a local café. There is even a McDonald’s. Rothenburg is the Disney World of Thirty Years’ War history and Franconian culture.
Historical and Historic Sights
According to legend, Rothenburg was saved from destruction during the Thirty Years’ War when a former mayor drank an entire tankard of wine – nearly a gallon, in one draught. The victorious Catholic general, Tilly, who had given the challenge, spared the city. The yearly Meistertrunck Festival commemorating the event takes place the first week of July and the tankard is on display in the city museum.
The museum of medieval crime is highly popular, exhibiting various instruments of torture used during those early years. The old dungeons can be seen in the city's vaults. Visitors can also walk the ramparts as well as climb the town hall tower for a spectacular view of Rothenburg. St. Jacob’s church contains one of the finest examples of sacred woodcarving on the high altar, created by Tilman Riemenschneider.
Shopping and Christmas
Several large Christmas shops, open year round, are virtual wonderlands of seasonal decorations and art. Glistening ornaments, hand carved wooden items, and local handcrafts valued for their exquisite detail fill these stores. As with all Rothenburg merchants, visitors can opt to have their purchases shipped directly to their home.
Rothenburg is the place to shop, primarily because there are so many different merchants within the confines of the small town. Beer Steins, fine glassware, apparel, wooden clocks, and jewelry are some of the many items visitors can purchase and many of the goods are made in Germany.
A Walk Back In History
Rothenburg is on the “Romantic Road,” the medieval trade route that connected several of southern Germany’s walled towns. Most visitors will agree, however, that Rothenburg’s scope and charm eclipses many of the other towns. This picturesque town is the most representative of what a medieval trade town looked like. Guided tours are available in English and can be booked in the market square.
Rothenburg is less than two hours from Munich. Factoring in at least one day to explore Rothenburg is well worth the experience. One recommendation is to use Rothenburg as the base, allowing visitors to make short day trips to other cities, towns, and castles in the immediate vicinity.
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