A German Fairytale Town: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Germany: Fairytale Town Feels Here

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the prettiest little vintage town in the Franconian region of Bavaria, Germany.

The second you get there, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time – or even a parallel universe, if you will. Think Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty – all the fairytales you grew up reading will come to life, and you’ll be dazzled by how such a small and unassuming town as this can be so bewitchingly gorgeous.

Rothenburg Germany: Know Before You Go!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not the only Rothenburg in Germany! There’s also a village by the same name in Hesse (It’s spelled “Rothenberg” but it’s easy to confuse one for the other). Of course, you don’t want to go there –  you want to visit the prettiest German fairytale town, don’t you? 😉

Another thing to remember: Sunday is officially an “off” day in Germany. Everything is closed, from supermarkets to clinics and pharmacies. I’d suggest avoiding making a trip on Sunday, as you might be very disappointed with the way the day pans out.

How to Get There:

GUIDED TOUR:

There are tons of guided tours available online. Frankly, the medieval Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber houses all the main attractions, which can easily be covered in a day. My advice is to get a guided tour from Get Your Guide. They have the lowest prices and the best offers, and you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tour from Munich

Tour from Frankfurt

BY CAR:

If you’re coming from the south, say Munich, you’ll most likely drive along the scenic Romantic Road.

Tip: If you’re only spending one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it’s better to park outside the city walls. There is a decent parking lot there. Don’t enter the Old Town with your vehicle.

BY TRAIN:

You could also catch a train from GoEuro, and it’s a comfortable 3-hour journey from Munich. The city center is just next door from the train station.

(You Might Like: Things to Do in Frankfurt in a Day)

All you need to know about spending one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Imagine the prettiest and most colorful streets. At every turn.

And probably the most quaint, interesting doors.
It’s like you’re in door heaven.

Also, you can’t miss the wall gardens.
They’re everywhere, and they’re grand.

Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A German Fairytale Town!

The Plönlein

If you look up Rothenburg ob der Tauber online, you’ll most certainly chance upon a picture of this iconic square. There’s a fork cutting up the street into halves, a yellow, timbered house with a gabled roof, and a tower in the backdrop that looks like Rapunzel’s castle. You see it, don’t you?

Yes, it’s every bit as pretty as it looks in the picture. Actually, a whole lot more!

Schmiedgasse

As you go further up away from the Plönlein, you’ll find this short cobblestoned stretch dotted with cafes, restaurants and tiny little inviting shops.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of inviting shops, here’s a ladder casually minding its business.

Marktplatz

The main hub of the city, Marktplatz, or the Old Town square, houses the Rathaus (town hall), the Ratstrinkstube (Councillor’s Tavern) and the Tourist Information Centre. The square is bustling through the day, and this is where you’ll be most of your time if you’re planning to spend one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This is also where the Christmas market is held in December.

Around the corner from the Marktplatz, you can find the St. James’ Church.

Gerlachschmiede

This quaint building reminds me of the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel. There’s a small balcony at the top, and a triangular gable supported by wooden beams.

Town Wall

Your visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is incomplete without walking along the walls of the city.

The formidable walls were strategically built for the city’s defense in medieval times. They span about 4 kilometers, but there’s a footbridge that covers the entire perimeter of the walls. You can get on and get off at different exits.

The walls also bear chronological markings from important events in the history of Rothenburg, so keep an eye out for those. And, of course, the views are C-U-U-T-E!

Have you visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber? Which is the most magical place you’ve ever been to? Are there other German fairytale towns you know about? Let me know as I could use some recommendations! Always good to know about places that help you escape reality (writing this with a big unyielding smile plastered to my face) 🙂