Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob de Tauber is a picturesque medieval village located on the romantic road in Bavaria, Germany. The medieval town is surrounded by about 2.5k of 14^th century fortified walls. Covered walkways top the walls, inorporating several towers with entranceways.

Out and about Rothenburg ob de Tauber

To walk on the walls is free and offers great views over the city with plenty of photo opportunities.  We used the walls on a rainy day to get from one side of town to the other without getting wet.

The market square, like many medieval villages, is the hub of town. Containing the central fountain, it is surrounded by shops, cafes, and council buildings such as the town hall and the city councillors tavern.

When we first arrived in town, we took a horse and cart trip around the town to see the streets. ( I’m a sucker for a horse and cart trip!  It’s a great way to get your bearings and enjoy a slower pace for a time. )  Clip-clopping along on the cobbled streets through the entrances in the towers, we saw the half-timbered houses and shops lining the way. There are still drinking fountains in the streets for the horses to use on their journey.

Walking on the ramparts

To take a walk along the walls, it would be best to start from the southern end of the town at the Spitaltor (Spiral Gate) and Spital Bastion which has peaceful inner courtyards and an adjacent moat.

From there you make your way up on to the fairly narrow walls. Every now and then half the walkway descends into a precariously steep stairway down off the wall!  This played havoc with my irrational fear of heights. Meanwhile, Dad ( who has no fears it seems) was laughing at me clinging like a limpet to the wall as we walked along.

Accommodation recommendation

We stayed in the marvellous  Historik Hotel Goldener Hirsch Rothenburg . Just a few steps up the street is the iconic Siebersturm. ( As seen in my featured photo at the top –  probably the most photographed tower in Rothenburg ).  A hearty buffet breakfast is served each morning in the dining room which has views out over the Tauber valley. At night you can meet up with other travellers in the large lounge area, complete with pool table and leather sofas.

When in Germany……

As you walk around the town, make sure to stop in at one of the many cafes. Take part in the German tradition of afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake!)  You will find many locals inside the cafés ( along with their dogs). Time well spent socialising with friends and co-workers, over a slice of cake and a nice cup of coffee!

While you are there, see if you can find the unique manhole cover of Rothenburg ob de Tauber.

Gute Reise!

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