by D.C. Cushman

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg is one of the greatest attractions Germany has to offer. Forget about trying to fit in and flow with the masses of people from around the world through the narrow streets of this medieval fortified town.
Rothenburg is the oldest fortified city in Germany with its old town walls still completely intact. In fact, you can climb up the steep steps to the wall and walk around town. The view offers plenty of opportunities for great pictures. And, this is completely free!

The castle that once was part of the city no longer stands, but the gardens are wonderful year round. It's a great place to picnic, read, or take pictures.

Visit the churches of the town. St. Jakobskirche is one of Germany's greatest churches and it has The Alter of the Holy Blood' by Tilman Riemenschneider in the rear of the church (behind the organ). It is breathtaking. Savor the beauty of this amazing church. There is a small entrance fee, but you'll be so blown away that you won't even notice the few Euro missing from your pocket! If you have the opportunity to see a concert here, do not pass it up! St. Jakobskirche is directly in the center of the fortified old town. You can't miss it.

There are a few other things you definitely don't want to miss out on. The medieval crime and punishment museum is amazing. Many captions of the torture devices are in English, and there are some interesting exhibits to boot. Books displaying how to properly apply a thumbscrew, and collections of executioner's swords are just a few of the things you'll find along with shame masks, a stretching rack, and a real iron maiden. The city museum in the corner of the old town should also be visited. It's located in an old abbey, and has a large collection of weapons (mainly swords and guns), pottery, paintings of Rothenburg and even an old pharmacy.

Make sure that you visit the famed Kthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store. There are several throughout the town, but the main store is right in the main square at the heart of Rothenburg, across from the town hall. The huge Christmas tree and thousands of Christmas items are a wonderful temptation. Make sure to bring a VAT form with you! In the upstairs of the main store is a Christmas ornament museum displaying ornaments from the beginning creation, to modern times. Entrance fee for the museum.

Pop into one of the many bakeries and purchase a Schneeball or two. They're crunchy and come in many different flavors. They resemble a funnel cake, but are dry and dipped in chocolate, powdered sugar or cinnamon. Free samples are usually offered by clerks wearing costumes in the doorways.

If you have time, take the Night Watchman's tour. It's insightful guide will delight you with tales of the underworld of Rothenburg's past.

If you want to stay in town, there are many inns and pensions that offer rooms and restaurants. The most cozy and homey ones are located nearer the wall while the more upscale hotels are in the center around the square.

So make sure you plan a whole day to spend in this delightful town. There's plenty to do, lots of shops and restaurants, atmosphere, and great photo ops.

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