Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not doubt a miracle town amongst towns in Germany. Partially bombed during World War II, it took an American officer and the German commander of the city at the time to spare this town. The results of which, we are able to enjoy this middle-age town as it appears today, forty percent of which was nevertheless destroyed by allied bombing before it was stopped.
Panorama Tauber river valley – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
It is located in Bavaria and is about one and a half to two hours drive from the Frankfurt area on the A3 and A7, weather permitting of course. There are several parking areas to choose from for visitors, though we found street parking a block or so further out for free.
Plönlein with Kobolzeller Steige and Spitalgasse – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If it weren’t for it’s strange history at the end of World War II, this town would be easily overlooked. Not necessarily by Germans, but definitely by international tourists always looking for some interesting sidebar or reason to visit. Luckily, even on a Saturday, we did not find it all that busy for a tourist destination. We only hope that it will stay that way.
Patti, Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Erick – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Ericka and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz
The center square hosts various shops and restaurants, as well as the Town Hall and Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower. Saint George’s fountain can also be found here toward the lower part of the square.
Business shields – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Italian Ice place – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitalgasse with Spitalturm in distance – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rathausturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Apotheke shield – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
St. George fountain – Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Towers
Rothenburg has many towers on all sides of the town, especially on the eastern side. The main entrance towers are of course grander, but the little ones are no less impressive.
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
– Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The City Wall
It is one of only three towns in Germany which is still encompassed by a fully intact town wall. The eastern part of the wall, the one which we were actually able to walk on, was mostly repaired after its destruction at the end of the war.
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Several parts are boarded up or unreachable, but many people from around the world contributed funds in the effort to reconstruct it, making it possible to enjoy it today. There are several main entry points, Gallows Gate, Thomas Tower and one near Ruckesse Tower, to name a few.
Sterngasse and the city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tower on city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitaltorturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Stairs at entry point – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Narrow entrance – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Wall with removable roof – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Siebersturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Donation thank you – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old guard tower – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Area by Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Motte – Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm gate – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Thomas tower – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Flowers and grape leaves by City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Restaurants
There are many restaurants to choose from in Rothenburg, many of which are located in or near the town square. Luckily, we failed on locating an Italian restaurant that was open, but it is August and the Italians are notorious for taking the entire month off for vacation. That forced to find the amazing place that we did below.
Reichsküchenmeister – Das Herz von Rothenburg
If you are able to obtain a seat in the garden, one of the go to places in Rothenburg for a weekend lunch or early dinner.
Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The garden is just amazing, a totally relaxed atmosphere where we were fortunate enough to have a very responsive waiter. The menu is varied enough where one should be able to find something to fit their culinary needs.
Erbsensuppe – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad with Feta – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Caprese salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Erick and Patti – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
