Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands as one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities and represents the crown jewel of Germany's famous Romantic Road. Founded in 1170, this enchanting walled town has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, offering visitors an authentic journey back to medieval times.\n\nThe town's complete medieval wall circuit, stretching for 3.5 kilometers, remains intact and walkable, providing spectacular views over the Tauber Valley and the red-roofed townscape below. The historic Market Square (Marktplatz) serves as the town's heart, dominated by the Gothic Town Hall with its famous Ratstrinkstube, where the legendary Meistertrunk (Master Draught) play is performed.\n\nThe Medieval Crime Museum houses one of Europe's most comprehensive collections of legal history and medieval justice artifacts. St. Jakob's Church contains the famous Heilig-Blut-Altar (Holy Blood Altar) by wood carver Tilman Riemenschneider, considered a masterpiece of late Gothic art.\n\nRothenburg is world-renowned for its Christmas markets and year-round Christmas store, Käthe Wohlfahrt, which attracts visitors from around the globe. The town's narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses with flower-filled window boxes, and medieval gates create an atmosphere straight from a fairy tale.\n\nThe annual festivals, including the Meistertrunk Festival and the famous Christmas Market, bring medieval traditions to life. Walking tours reveal hidden courtyards, ancient wells, and stories of the town's survival through wars and changing times.