With cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and towered walls, Rothenburg almost resembles a town made of gingerbread. But, this is actually one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval centers with a prime location on the Romantic Road and no shortage of visitors. While the tourist crowds sometimes lend a theme park vibe to the small town, there’s more things to do in Rothenburg than just taking photos of its pretty architecture. Trace its history by walking the city walls and take in its picturesque setting by climbing the town hall tower.
Rothenburg is busy with visitors year-round, although it’s most crowded during the summer months of July and August. December is also busy with Christmas markets, and it’s an enchanting time to visit when the lights cast a glow over the cobbles. If you have several days to spend, stay overnight in one of the local hotels or guesthouses. This gives you a chance to enjoy the city when it’s quieter and to enjoy the popular Rothenburg night watchman tour.
Train journeys from Munich and Frankfurt involve a few changes to reach Rothenburg. However, once there, it’s a short walk to the small and compact Old Town (altstadt). Drivers will find it a simpler route, and there are large parking lots just outside the altstadt that are within walking distance. Most of the medieval Rothenburg center is pedestrianized.
Rothenburg is a scenic medieval town, but it’s not Germany’s only one. If you can’t make it to Rothenburg or need a less-crowded option, there are other charming choices nearby. Erfurt is a larger town with an unspoiled medieval center, plus all the half-timbered architecture that you might otherwise see in Rothenburg. Bamberg is another option, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both towns can be reached directly by train from Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin—no changes required.
