Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Our plans for the Big Adventure included visiting four cities in the Bavarian region of Germany in seven days all via train. The first stop was Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which translates to “Red Fortress above the Tauber”.   This well-preserved medieval town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber river and has been a popular destination for many throughout the world. 

Making our way from the train station to the town was a fun mini-adventure of sorts.  Nothing like departing the train, looking around, and “guessing” your way to your final destination.  It all worked out though….we successfully found the town and hotel. 

First impression of this city: it is the perfect setting to wander about aimlessly.  The first stop during our wandering was the Town Hall…..which is pretty much the center of this small city.

Rothenburg is set up perfectly for foot traffic….there are almost no cars on the narrow streets.  That is one thing I love about the cities in Europe: most offer a ‘pedestrian only’  section where you can browse the windows of the shops without worrying about being mowed down by some crazy driver.

The buildings and architecture found throughout the city were fun to look at.

The western Town Gate

Looking down at the valley below

The gardens just outside the Castle Gate.

Looking at the southern tip of Rothenburg from the Castle Gate.....

...and then looking down.

The front gate to the 'Criminal Museum' that provides an insight into various judicial punishments over the past 1,000 years.  You can see the 'Ducking Stool' in the background.

I remember taking this picture after thinking it was a great view with the medieval house in the forefront and then the old wall tower in the background.  Only after we purchased a "souvenir" canvas bag did I realize this particular view is very popular.  Huh.....good eye, Shull....good eye.....

I believe I was the only member of our party who did not know going in that Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the world head office for Kathe Wohlfart, the infamous maker of German Christmas decorations.  With over 30,000 traditional German Christmas decorations, the stores are set up like little mazes inside filled with unique creations.

One of the fun things to enjoy while visiting Rothenburg is the Night Watchman city tour.  The guide provides a thorough history of the city all the while taking time to drop a joke now and then.  The fun part is that he has developed a character so that he gives the tour as a night watchman that existed hundreds of years ago.  Pretty fun and certainly worth it.

The views of the city at night were fantastic.

Even though our stay was just one day and night, we enjoyed the city thoroughly.  If you are in the area and looking for a relaxing time, check out Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  I highly recommend it.  Although I do not recommend the infamous 'Schneeballen'.....I'm sure they are a tasty treat to some, but after giving them a try, I decided I am more of a Berliner kind of guy.

With the first city marked of our list, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and made our way back to the train station to began the journey for the next stop on the Big Adventure: Munich.