 Rothenburg's
tremendous tourist popularity comes from its well-preserved medieval
architecture, its many shopping opportunities, and its handy location on
Germany's Romantic Road. After more than a thousand years of history, this town makes a fascinating
destination, as 2.5 million visitors a year can attest.
Located
about 70 miles east of Heidelberg, this Bavarian town's full name is
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, meaning "Red Castle on the Tauber
River." Its roots started in 970 when the first castle was
built. The last castle was destroyed in the 14th century, and now the town
has a garden in its place. After its heydays ended around 1400, Rothenburg
landed in a long slump which helped to save its medieval buildings and
fortifications. Rothenburg now thrives on tourism.
The
Big Picture
The best way to get around Rothenburg is by foot. You can easily
traverse it in about 15 minutes if you make no stops. The beautiful Market
Square (Marktplatz) is in the center, surrounded by red-roofed patrician homes
which give way to smaller, plebeian homes by the time you reach the walls that
surround the city. While
you are walking, you will want to see the picturesque Plönlein, located at the
end of Schmiedgasse on the south end of town. Meaning "little place,"
it is a small, triangular wonder of colorful medieval houses and towers. The
14th century walls (Stadtmauer) provide a pleasant mile-long walk around the
town. You'll have plenty to photograph from this vantage point. Along the way
there are towers, such as Spitaltor on the south end or Rödertor, which is an
impressive tower gate that you can climb and see parts of the old moat. Stop
at the tourist office
on the Marktplatz to pick up a map, arrange accommodations, or find out about
tours. The one-hour English language guided walking tour takes place every day
at 2:00 pm from April to October. There is also a one-hour Night Watchman's tour
at 8:00 pm, in English.
Sights
to See
There are lots of sights to see in Rothenburg but since most people spend only a
day or two here, you'll want to make the most of your time. In
the Marktplatz, the main point of interest is the town hall (Rathaus),
which has two architectural styles. The older part is medieval Gothic, now
joined to a more recent Renaissance replacement when the old section burned
down. Climb the 200 foot tower for a panoramic view of the steep roofs of
Rothenburg. In
the dungeon of the Rauthaus is a Rothenburg history museum (Historiengewölbe),
whose exhibits illustrate medieval life in the town. On
the other side of the square is St. Jakob's Church, a Gothic marvel with
soaring ceilings filled with light. The church's west choir arches over the
street. In the summer you can listen to organ concerts twice a week. Just
a short distance from the Marktplatz to the south is the Medieval
Crime Museum (Mittelalterisches Kriminalmuseum). Located on Burggasse 3-5,
this popular museum has four floors of
grisly torture instruments and descriptions of punishments, and is rated one of
the best of its kind in Europe. There
are other museums to visit if you wish. Rothenburg also has a Toy
and Doll Museum (Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum), featuring a large collection.
Located on Hofbronnengasse 13, the museum is open daily. Another
beautiful sight to see is the Castle Gardens. Located on the east side of town
where Rothenburg's last castle was standing, the gardens offer a peaceful oasis
of lawns and neat flower beds.
Shopping
Rothenburg has no
end of shops for tourists. For beautiful Christmas items from Germany, visit the
Käthe
Wolhfahrt Christmas Store on Herrngasse, a large store open year round where
you can purchase ornaments, nutcrackers, and other gift items.
Where to Stay
Rothenburg has over 100 hotels and other sleeping rooms to accommodate the
half-million annual overnight visitors. View this long
list of accommodation choices, which includes contact information, location,
and prices. The tourist office on the Marktplatz can also provide you with
information about pensions and private rooms.
A nearby youth hostel
is another accommodations choice. Jugendherberge Roßmühle
und Spitalhof
on Mühlacker 1 is quite large. A double room without a bath costs about 20 DM.
For campers, two campsites are located in nearby Detwang. For more information, email
the tourist office.
The
Legend of Rothenburg
The legend began in
1631, while the Thirty Years war was raging between Catholics and Protestants.
Rothenburg, a Protestant town, was about to be overrun by a Catholic army.
Just before the carnage was to begin, the Catholic general offered a deal. If
anyone could drink a three-liter tankard of wine in one gulp, the town would be
spared. Rothenburg's
mayor rushed forward to take the challenge. Mayor Nusch grabbed the tankard,
swilled down the wine in one gulp, and passed out for three days while the town
rejoiced over his extraordinary commitment to civic duty. This magic Meistertrunk moment is
immortalized in the clock on the Councilors' Tavern on the Marktplatz. This is
the same building where the tourist information office is located. At certain
hours during the day, the clock's figures reenact Mayor Nusch's sacrificial gulp
for his people while the Catholic general eggs him on.
Online Resources for
Rothenburg
Rothenburg Tourist
Office
Live Web Cam of
Rothenburg Market Place
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