Rothenburg ob der Tauber: a sample of the Middle Ages in Germany and the start of the Romantic Road!
The walls, the river, the towers, the traditions, and the beautiful half-timbered houses, make the city the star of the Romantic Road, one of the most famous and most charming routes in Germany!

What does Rothenburg ob der Tauber mean?
The name was given after the construction of a castle, in the 10th century. Rothenburg (rot = red and burg = castle), already ob means “above” and Tauber, the river in the region. Therefore, the “red fortress above the river Tauber”.
The wall and its towers
During the Middle Ages, it was very common to build defensive walls around cities, to ward off possible attacks, especially in the most prosperous cities. And in Rothenburg ob der Tauber it was no different. Its walls date from the 14th century, as well as some of its buildings, which are very well preserved. It is possible to visit some parts of the wall.
With the rapid expansion of the city, it was necessary, 30 years after the completion of the construction of the old wall, to erect a new wall, which covers an area even larger than the first.
It is possible to take a tour of the wall and its towers, from the initials 70, today 42 remain, where the tower of Röderturm stands out, which with its excellent point of view, is the only true observation tower along the city wall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Old Quarter
Another stop to make when visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a visit to the historic center. To get to know it, it is necessary to go through the two striking towers: Markusturm and Weisser Turm, which formed the gateway to the city’s first fortification. In the historic center, vehicles are not allowed.

Meistertrunk Festival
A historical festival that recalls an event, which occurred during the 30 Years War, somewhat unusual. The Meistertrunk Festival takes place every year on the weekend of Pentecost. It presents, in a play, the moment when the city, which was Protestant, was taken by General Tilly’s Catholic troops, threatened with plunder, but was saved by the city mayor, Nusch, in an unexpected way.
The question is, how did this happen? Nusch was challenged by the enemy general and managed to drink 3.25 liters of wine at once, impressing General Tilly, who spared the city.

A Christmas city
Considered the Christmas capital of Germany, the city has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets with a 500-year tradition, it also has 6 branches in the renowned Käthe Wohlfahrt store, a reference in this segment, and is one of the highlights in the city.
In addition, there is the city’s Christmas museum, which shows how Christmas began to be celebrated in the country and the customs of each region. There you will also find antique ornaments and Christmas trees, as well as a huge nutcracker statue.

The Castle Garden
Many wonders where the castle is, to which “Rothenburg” (as we saw at the beginning of the post, red fortress), refers. The city’s castle is no more, Stauferburg was destroyed. However, the castle garden is still present and it will certainly not disappoint you!
From the place, you can have a perfect view of the city. The garden has historic trees and also a part of the castle that has not been destroyed. But it doesn’t end there, the garden statues are also a big highlight, the combination of flowers of different colors and these statues is impressive!


