Europe

Rothenburg ob der Tauber 2

The market square, with the city hall at the west (left) and the Ratstrinkstube at the north.

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Introduction (Part 2)

(Continued from ROT 1.)

Rothenburg may well be considered a tourist trap. But it does have its charms. I recommend visiting in June when the days are the longest. During the day, visit other nearby, less popular towns, like Dinkelsbühl, Schwäbisch Hall and Bad Mergentheim. Then wander the streets and alleys of Rothenburg after dinner, after all the tourists and tour groups have left. Relax and enjoy the view of the Tauber valley from the Burggarten. Or walk along the wall ringing the town.

My first visit was in 1986. But I've returned several times since. In 1991, after four weeks in Southern Germany, I had intended to spend the last few days in Frankfurt. But I needed a more relaxing end to my holidays, and so I spent the last few days in Rothenburg instead. In 1992, my itinerary took me from the Bavarian Alps in the south to Hamburg in the north. Rather than drive all the way from the Alps to the Harz in one day, I split the drive with a break half-way, in Rothenburg. I couldn't stay away from Rothenburg during several more vacation trips, including our honeymoon in 1994. Rothenburg was at the end of the trip, but Sylvana was too exhausted from the trip to want to see much here!

Specifically, what is there to see here? First, the old city wall and the old stone towers and gates. Some of the towers, like the Weisser Turm, the Siebersturm, and the Markusturm mark the older original wall, which otherwise no longer exists. You can walk on top of the outer wall, which provides nice views of the town.

The city museum is worth a visit, as is the popular Crime Museum. One popular store on the Herrngasse is Käthe Wohlfahrt's Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village). Be sure to visit both parts on either side of the street. Less well known are a couple of remaindered bookstores on the Rödergasse.