To learn more about the Kaethe Wohlfhart Christmas Museum, click here.

But these are only a few of the best-known aspects of this small town which continuously invests vast sums in retaining its historical buildings and structure in order to preserve for posterity Rothenburg’s singular identity as being a perfect sample of Germany’s finest buildings from both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Simply and succinctly stated, “The entire city is itself a monument,” according to words of “DEHIO,” the German standard reference work cataloguing all of country’s artistic monuments.

A city like Rothenburg ob der Tauber may reflect history. However, history needs to be felt and experienced sensuously… with all the senses: taste, touch, sound, as well as sight. And Rothenburg richly offers plentiful activities in order to immerse into its rich, vibrant history.

Rothenburg is always a fine place to visit throughout the year. There is always something going on even during the darker Fall and Winter months, such as the first week of November — the Fairytale Magic—Maerchenzauber “romantic triad,” or the pre-Christmas/Advent Reiterlesmarkt from the end of November until December 23rd; and, the Romanze an Valentin Valentine’s Day for contemplative, touching, romantic experiences.

Two journeys to the past

Twice a year more than 20 historical groups participate in activities that recreate Rothenburg’s exciting times as a privileged “Reichsstadt” —an Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire.

Visitors to Rothenburg can still experience the tumult and turmoil of the warring factions’ reenactments. This big annual undertaking  commemoration is produced by the Meistertrunk Historical Society, presenting its theatrical take on the legendary salvation of Rothenburg back in 1631. This fine quality production was honored in 2015 being recognized an integral part of Bavaria’s “Immaterial Cultural Heritage”

For those who would like to learn more and attend this production, go to: www.meistertrunk.de. In addition, there will also be special guided tours through the town throughout the year. They will illustrate how the changes that occurred during that period affected Rothenburg ob der Tauber and how these changes affected society as the Medieval period drew to a close.

Every first September weekend of the year, 24 historical associations participate in the Rothenburg’s Imperial City Festival. The Festival recreates 500 years of Rothenburg’s historical past from 1274 – 1802. Highlights not to be missed are the knights’ encampment in front of the City’s gates, the “fahrendes Volk” (camp followers), tradesmen and merchants, hordes of peasants and simple folk, and the royal court all in their colorful attire complete with lively presentations that are equally authentic and entertaining. Rounding out the impressive program are two evenings of large fireworks and public theatrical productions on market square.

Rothenburg's Refined Gastronomy and Wine Culture

Rothenburg ob der Tauber breathes history with every step taken on its cobblestoned streets; steps reverberating in its narrow passageways and quaint alleys. Rothenburg’s past – and present — includes wine making history as well. Since the early Middle Ages, grapes have been cultivated for wine here. There is a winery that, in addition to offering tastings, also conducts vineyard tours along the Tauber River’s vine-planted slopes. As the southernmost growth of Germany’s Franken or Franconian appellation, Rothenburg hosts a five-day annual Wine Festival in mid-August. The Rothenburger Wine Village has been accorded certification for its high quality offerings by the food and wine review “100 Genussorte Bayern” – detailing Bavaria’s finest 100 traditional, top-rated eateries featuring regional specialties, beers and wines. If fine dining and excellent wine are your thing, this is not to be missed.

As a direct outgrowth of the high quality requirements demanded of the Weindorf, a wine-culinary initiative was founded in 2015 by nine of Rothenburg’s top gastronomic establishments. Named “Geniessen ob der Tauber” (Taste of the Tauber), the initiative celebrates regional products and sourcing of wine and locally grown ingredients. Preparations featuring fresh, seasonal dishes paired with Franconian wines give Rothenburg’s visitors delicious insights into the city’s historical, regional cuisine. One special taste treat is the “Fraenkische Versucherle” – the “Franconian Temptation.” It is an amuse-bouche consisting of three appetizers paired with three sample pourings of different Franken wines. Cost is only 20 Euros at partnering restaurants. These are to be had at each of the nine participating establishments; truly a delicious introduction and overview of Rothenburg wines and food.

For advance bookings and registration, go to: https://www.geniessenobdertauber.de/.

The Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Special exhibitions from 2019 to 2022

Why were painters and architects so enthusiastic about Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the 19th century? From 2019 until 2022 visitors can learn more about the influence of the town on the English Garden City Movement and on famous painters like Elias Bancroft.

Both in terms of topography and morphology, the natural environment of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, at the end of the 19th century, fulfilled all the criteria of the picturesque. The city, which was thus perceived by British artists (architects and painters), takes the picturesque into the modern age.

Until around 1900, more than 100 years of reflection on art had gone into the Anglo-Saxon understanding of “the picturesque” – indeed, one might go as far as saying that a specific manifestation of the picturesque in painting, landscaping (landscape gardening) and architecture is England’s main contribution to the development of modern art. It was precisely this “picturesque” element which British painters such as Elias Bancroft (1846–1924), Arthur Wasse (1854–1930), James Douglas (1858–1911), Walter Tyndale (1855–1943), James Garden Laing (1852–1915), as well as architects like Barry Parker (1867–1947) and Raymond Unwin (1863–1940) discovered in the landscape around Rothenburg, in the city’s architecture and its street scenes – effects of strong contrasts; irregular roads and house facades; interesting and variegated architectural ensembles such as the market square; an almost Gothic, albeit also derelict, charm; the amalgamation of natural and artificial features, and much more. In particular, the views into the Tauber valley below what is today the “An der Eich” vineyard were thus perceived as the epitome of the picturesque English landscape garden.

In the framework of four Theme Years 2019-2022, Rothenburg ob the Tauber’s picturesque topography is to be revisualized as an urban and rural landscape. In addition to an exhibition of British painters around 1900, to be hosted in the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, Rothenburg townscapes from the early modern era to the present day will be shown in the RothenburgMuseum. A special exhibition will be devoted to the Rothenburg’s influence on Raymond Unwin’s English Garden City Movement. Garden projects involve the hidden garden treasures of Rothenburg citizens. What’s more, there are artist in residence projects organized by the Conference Center Wildbad. For detailed program just contact the local Tourist Information, [email protected]. They will be pleased to send you the English brochure. Or visit: https://www.rothenburg-tourismus.de/en/veranstaltungen/picturesque-rothenburg-as-landscape-garden/.

Rothenburg: A Pilgrim's Way-station and craft products

Rothenburg is also a pilgrimage town on the ancient route from Stade (near Hamburg) to the Holy City Rome (the Via Romea,) as well as on six Jacobean pilgrimage routes to Compostella in far-distant Spain. Over 1000 pilgrims visit St.-James-Church every year. Visitors of Rothenburg ob der Tauber can also enjoy local handmade products like the traditional “snow balls”, which visitors can find all over the bakeries in the city till today. It is also possible to experience the production of Schneeballen in two of the stores (contact: www.original-rothenburger-schneeballen.de/ and www.baecker-striffler.de). Handmade products of Rothenburg are also in focus of an initiative of eight stores, who craft their products in the city. Visitors can find delicate chocolate, exclusive clothes and illuminated miniature houses in the shops of the manufacturers (more information: www.rothenburg-handmade.com).

Come visit and see for yourself. Discover Rothenburg ob der Tauber a-new. There’s so much more than first meets the eye.

You can learn more about Rothenburg here.

For more information on activities, sites and accommodations click here.