Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Some History First

Have you ever wanted to step foot into the feudal past? Well, this town is for you! Thankfully it has survived hundreds of years of war and conflict and is one of the best places in Germany to see a medieval town. It is also known as one of Germany’s most well-preserved walled towns. Walking the streets, one can almost feel the weight of thousands of years of history and charm. It’s not hard to see why this town is one of the top places to visit in Bavaria, Germany.

By chance, this town survived World War II by chance. Rothenburg was bombed by Allied forces on March 31, 1945. However, since it was an overcast day, the visibility was bad and only part of the town could be seen from the air, preventing its demise. The Allied forces destroyed an estimated 40% of the city including over 300 homes, 6 public buildings, 9 ancient towers, and more than 2,000 feet of the historic city ramparts. Thankfully the center was preserved.

This stunning village sits upon a hill along the Romantic Road that stretches from Füssen to Würzburg. To truly have time to enjoy everything that Rothenburg has to offer, I would highly recommend staying the night in one of the many guesthouses and inns scattered around the small town. Rothenburg is like nothing you have ever seen! However, I need to give you a piece of advice: Visit during the off-season and during the week.  This will allow you to enjoy this place without all the inconveniences of large crowds and long waiting queues for restaurants. If you are wanting to visit lesser-known towns in the area that also have this type of character (just on a smaller scale), check out Michelstadt, Miltenberg, Bamberg, Bad Windsheim, and Dinkelsbühl.

Getting Around

Central Parking Location:Grüner Markt, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Weather / Best Time to Visit

Spring runs from March to May and is a beautiful time to visit. Temperatures range from 33°F to 55°F at night and 48°F to 65°F during the day. Flowers start blooming and the vineyards become green.

Summer, June to August, is warm, between 75°F and 90°F but can be cloudy. You will have the best weather for outdoor activities during this time. However, this is also a high season for tourism so keep that in mind.

Fall which goes from September to November is generally pleasant with cooler temperatures. October can see more rain and November can get colder.

Winter extends from December to February and sees daytime temperatures average around freezing during the day and below freezing at night. Snowfall is frequent but not does accumulate in large quantities. Wind can be bitter, and it is generally cloudy during this season.

The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber is September or April when the weather is warm but not sweltering and the nights are cooler. Also, flights and hotels are generally cheaper during this time.

Restaurant Recommendations

Romantik Hotel Markusturm

Address: Roedergasse 1, 91541, Rothenburg, Bavaria Germany

German, European, Central European

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Restaurant Eisenhut

Address: Herrngasse 3-5/7, 91541, Rothenburg, Bavaria Germany

Fancier brunch

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Gasthof Goldener Greifen

Address: Obere Schmiedgasse 5, 91541, Rothenburg, Bavaria Germany

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

German, European, Central European

Fun Facts about Rothenburg ob der Tauber

1. The city’s name, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, means ‘red fortress above the Tauber’.
2. The city wall that stretches around the town was built in the 1200s.
3. The movies, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 1968 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2 in 2010 had significant scenes filmed in the city.
4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is visited by approximately 2.5 tourists annually.
5. The bubonic plague killed many of the city’s residents in 1634.