Rothenburg ob der Tauber travel guide
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a walled medieval town in Bavaria, Germany, on the Romantic Road, known for its half-timbered houses, towers and the Plönlein corner.
Best time to visit Rothenburg
May to June and September to October are mild and pleasant for walking the town walls.
Late November to December brings the Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market; summer is busiest with day trips.
Getting to Rothenburg
Nuremberg (NUE) is the closest airport; Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) have many more flights from the US. By train, change at Steinach for the short branch line to Rothenburg. By car, it lies on the Romantic Road.
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Getting around
On foot
The walled old town is small and easy to walk; the covered wall walk circles much of it.
Top things to do in Rothenburg
1. Walk the town walls
A covered walkway along the medieval walls with views over the roofs.
See tours & prices ›2. The Night Watchman tour
An evening walking tour in English with the town's night watchman, telling Rothenburg's history.
See tours & prices ›3. Plönlein and the Market Square
The famous fork in the street below two towers, and the square with the Town Hall tower viewpoint.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Stay overnight to enjoy the town after the day-trip buses leave.
- Try Schneeballen, the local pastry.
- Combine it with other Romantic Road towns or Würzburg.
Rothenburg travel FAQ
How do you get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
By train with a change at Steinach, or by car on the Romantic Road. The nearest airport is Nuremberg.
How many days do you need in Rothenburg?
One day is enough for the main sights; stay one night to see it quiet.
When is the Rothenburg Christmas market?
The Reiterlesmarkt runs from late November until before Christmas.