Is Rothenburg Worth Visiting in 2025?

Wondering if Rothenburg is worth visiting? If you are planning your trip to Germany and are not sure whether to include this gorgeous little town, let us help you decide!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only one of the most beautiful towns in Germany with its gorgeous scenery and medieval architecture, but it’s also a great spot for a quick visit or an extended stay.

Having visited the town several times with our family, we can honestly say, that YES, Rothenburg is definitely worth visiting.

Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!

Why Is Rothenburg ob der Tauber Worth Visiting?

Yes, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is worth visiting just for its preserved medieval walls and historic buildings.

Rothenburg - Colourful Buildings in the Old Town

But we fell in love with the romantic feel of the town. We couldn’t get enough of the quaint shops and cafes.

And if you are looking for those incredibly Instagrammable photo spots, you will have plenty of options to choose from with the town’s colourful and traditional houses.

Rothenburg Pros and Cons – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of visiting Rothenburg:

Things We Liked

Walkable
Incredible Architecture
Plenty of Attractions
Christmas Shop & Museum
Gorgeous Old Town

Things We Did Not Like

Very Crowded during the day
Not much nightlife

What is Rothenburg Known for?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known worldwide for being the most well-preserved Medieval town in Germany.

This story-book town has plenty of beautiful views, incredible architecture, and streets that are perfect for strolling.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Son in front of Plönlein

If you are lucky enough to visit in December, you can enjoy its Christmas market, which is one of the prettiest in Germany.

And of course, you can’t leave Rothenburg without at least trying one of their iconic Schneeballen pastries!

How Much Time Do You Need In Rothenburg?

In our opinion, to really enjoy Rothenburg without rushing, aim for at least two days.

This way, you have enough time to check out the main spots like the Plönlein, the Old Town, and St. James’s Church without feeling hurried.

You can also spend a day exploring the Tower Trail. If you’re around longer, consider the Night Watchman Tour or dropping by a museum.

But even if you’ve only got a day or two, you’ll still get a good taste of what makes Rothenburg special.

Is Rothenburg Walkable?

Yes, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is very walkable.

The town is compact, so you can easily explore all the best attractions on foot.

The streets are pedestrian-friendly, and walking along the town wall gives you the opportunity to see much of Rothenburg, without needing to hop in your car.

We found that walking was a great way to experience the charm and details of Rothenburg up close and at our own pace.

Plus, strolling through the quaint streets offers some awesome views, and the chance to run into a bakery to grab one of Rothenburg’s iconic Schneeballen treats.

What to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

If you have 24 hours to spend in town, we recommend looking at our One Day in Rothenburg itinerary.

You could also choose to take a guided walking tour, or just take a peek on your own at some of the main attractions we have listed below:

1. See the Plönlein

The Plönlein is one of the most photographed places in the town, and probably all of Germany. Head over and see what all the fuss is about.

It is easily recognized by its yellow-timbered house and a small fountain. It’s located just a short walk from the main square.

Grab that selfie or that epic photo for the ‘Gram.

2. Walk the Tower Trail (Turmweg)

The Tower Trail (Turmweg) is a walking path that takes you up and around Rothenburg’s old city walls.

The trail is easy to walk, takes you past several old towers, and provides great views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

3. Explore the Old Town

Rothenburg’s Old Town is filled with medieval buildings and narrow streets.

Rothenburg - Narrow roads and view of the White Tower

It’s where you’ll find most of the town’s cute little boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and key attractions. It’s the best place to look for that perfect souvenir!

4. Head Out to the Burggarten

The Burggarten is a pretty garden located at the back of the town.

It offers beautiful views of the Tauber Valley, has well-maintained paths, statues, and benches, and is a great spot for a quiet walk or a picnic.

5. Climb the Rathaus Tower

The Rathaus Tower is part of Rothenburg’s Town Hall.

You can climb to the top for incredible views of the entire town and beyond.

While the climb involves going up many steps in a narrow tower, trust me when I say, the views are well worth it!

6. Cross the Double Bridge

The Double Bridge is an old stone bridge with two arches that crosses the Tauber River.

It’s known for offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley and is a popular place for taking photos.

7. Take a Peek Inside St. James’s Church

St. James’s Church is a historic church known for its beautiful architecture.

Rothenburg - St James Church from outside

The church is home to the Altar of the Holy Blood, which is pretty impressive as it is carved entirely from wood.

8. Brave the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum

The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum in Rothenburg explores the history of law enforcement and punishment.

Inside, you will find old legal documents, torture devices, and other artifacts from medieval times.

It’s NOT for the faint of heart!

9. Get Lost in the Kathe Wohlfahrt’s Rothenburg Christmas Store and Museum

Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Rothenburg Christmas Store and Museum is an iconic spot for Christmas lovers like me.

Inside you will find rooms filled with unique, handcrafted ornaments, decor, and even Christmas-themed housewares.

Rothenburg - Kathe Wohlfahrt Shop with Red Christmas wagon in front

The museum is dedicated to Christmas traditions, with items like ornaments and toys on display from Christmases long ago. Just a heads up, it’s hard to leave empty-handed!

10. Savour the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Rothenburg was one of my favourite things to see in town.

This quaint market features stalls selling handmade ornaments, seasonal treats, and warm drinks.

Rothenburg - Carousel at Christmas Market

While the majority of the market is set in the town square, you can also find some stalls near St. James Church, and down a few of the other smaller streets.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

We have put together a list of some of the best hotels in Rothenburg, should you decide that you would like to spend the night.

Depending on your budget, you should not have problems finding the perfect place to stay right in town.

Luxury

Hotel Herrnschlösschen

This hotel is set in an 11th-century building and offers an intimate experience with just eight rooms. It features a beautiful baroque garden and a fine dining restaurant.

Burghotel

Located in a 12th-century building, this hotel offers elegant rooms with views of the gardens and Tauber Valley. It includes spa facilities and a breakfast buffet with scenic views.

Moderate

Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus

This is a charming, romantic hotel in the heart of Rothenburg, offering rooms decorated with antique furniture and a cozy atmosphere perfect for local exploring.

Situated near the famous Plönlein, this hotel is just a short walk from the town’s market square. It offers clean rooms with beautiful views, providing a great base for exploring the historic town

Budget

Klosterstüble

This is a family-run hotel set in a 16th-century building, centrally located near key attractions like St. James’s Church. It offers traditionally furnished rooms, some with exposed wooden beams, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Hotel Eisenhut

Situated in the heart of Rothenburg, this hotel provides rooms with traditional decor, modern amenities, a garden and free WiFi.

Best Time To Visit Rothenburg

The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber really depends on what you want to experience:

Spring (April to June): The weather is mild, and the town begins to bloom, making it a beautiful time for walking tours and photography.

Summer (July to August): This is the peak tourist season when the weather is warmest. It’s perfect for enjoying the outdoor attractions, just expect large crowds during the day.

Rothenburg - Farmers Market in Marktplatz

Autumn (September to October): The town is less crowded, and the fall colours outside the town walls are gorgeous. It’s also a great time to enjoy local events without the summer crowds.

Winter (November to December): Rothenburg is famous for its Christmas market, making early winter a magical time to visit. The festive decorations and snow can make the town look like a winter wonderland.

Rothenburg - View of St James Church from Rathaus Tower in winter

How to Get to Rothenburg

Depending on where you are coming from, there are a variety of ways to get to Rothenburg:

By Air: The nearest major airports are Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Munich. From these cities, you can rent a car or take a train to Rothenburg.
By Train: Trains run regularly to Rothenburg from major cities like Nuremberg, Munich, and Stuttgart.
By Car: Rothenburg is easily accessible by car and is located along the Romantic Road in Bavaria. From major cities like Frankfurt or Munich, the drive can take about 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
By Bus: Long-distance buses also serve Rothenburg, connecting it with larger cities across Germany. This can be a budget-friendly option.

Rothenburg - Rathaus and Marktplatz in summer

How to Get Around Rothenburg

Getting around Rothenburg ob der Tauber is quite simple due to its compact size:

On Foot: The best way to explore Rothenburg is on foot. The town center is pedestrian-friendly, and most major attractions are within walking distance of each other.
By Bicycle: Renting a bike is another good option for getting around town. Rothenburg has some bike rental shops where you can rent a bike for a day or longer.
By Car: While a car is useful for reaching Rothenburg, it’s less practical within the town due to the narrow streets and limited parking. Most visitors park their cars at their hotels or in designated areas outside the town center.

Is Rothenburg ob der Tauber Worth Visiting – Final Thoughts

So, is Rothenburg ob der Tauber worth a visit? Absolutely!

As one of our favourite places to visit in Germany, we would have no trouble returning again and again.

It’s a place where you can admire the architecture, enjoy some nature, and just have a relaxed time.

With a beautiful old town, interesting attractions, and some pretty cool views to take in, you really can’t go wrong.

Not to mention, it’s just so easy to get around.

So, whether you’re after a laid-back stroll or some fun activities, a day trip to Rothenburg, or better yet an overnight stay, is definitely worth adding to your Germany itinerary.