Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town in Bavaria, Germany. You can visit it in just one day, as the main attractions are within walking distance. Here is a suggested itinerary for a lovely day in this beautiful place:
Morning:
- Breakfast at a café: Start your day with breakfast at one of the cozy cafes in the city center, such as Café Einzigartig or Brot & Zeit.
- City walls and towers: After breakfast, head to the famous city walls. Take a walk along the fortification walls (Stadtmauer) that surround the old town and offer magnificent views of the surroundings. Don't forget to stop at Kobolzeller Tor and Markustor.
Before lunch:
- Market Square (Marktplatz): Walk to the central market square, where you'll find the town hall (Rathaus) and the Town Council (Stadtrichterbau). Visit the Toy and Puppet Museum (Spielzeug- und Puppenmuseum) or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the square.
- St. James' Church (St.-Jakobs-Kirche): Explore the main church of the town, famous for its Riemenschneider altar. Entrance to the church is paid, but it's worth it to see the magnificent stained glass windows and intricate sculptures.
Lunch:
- Traditional German cuisine: For lunch, stop at one of the local restaurants, such as Gasthof Goldener Greifen or Reichs-Küchenmeister. Order something traditional, like Swabian dishes or Franconian wine.
After lunch:
- German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum): Visit the German Christmas Museum to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Christmas all year round. This will especially appeal to children and those who love Christmas decorations and traditions.
- Gerlachschmiede: Walk to this charmingly decorated building, often called the "mirror house" for its unique architecture and colorful façade.
- Plönlein: Here you'll find one of the most photographed spots in Rothenburg. Two historic half-timbered houses and narrow streets create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Evening:
- Shopping streets and souvenirs: Spend some time strolling through the shopping streets, where you can buy souvenirs and local products. Shops with Christmas decorations, such as Kathe Wohlfahrt, are a great choice.
- Another private museum - Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum): Before dinner, visit this museum to learn about medieval methods of justice and punishment. The museum impresses with its rich collection of historical artifacts.
Dinner:
- Romantika und Restaurant Ellner: Enjoy dinner at a romantic restaurant, where you can try traditional Bavarian dishes and enjoy views of the city.
Night:
- Night watchman's guided tour (Nachtwächterrundgang): End the day with a guided tour of the city with one of the local night watchmen. This popular evening tour will tell you about the history and legends of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Following this itinerary, you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in just one day. Have a great trip!
