Germany 400AD-1400AD-Middle Ages Europe Cities, Counties, Villages

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Christmas Magic and Medieval Tales

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - fairy tales and Christmas
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a place where Christmas and legends merge, where every stone and every house whispers stories from centuries past and where the spirit of the holiday season is alive in every season. Come and be part of the magic and write your own legend amid the timeless charm of this remarkable city.

Tourist Information

TypeTown
Year950
Tourist RoutesRothenburg ob der Tauber is at the crossing of two of Germany’s most popular holiday-themed routes:
·        The Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is the best-known German vacation route. The Romantic Road connects many enchanting sights mostly in Bavaria from Würzburg with its UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Baroque Residence Palace to the Disney-like, Neo-Romanesque Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps.
·        The Castles Road (Burgenstraße) is equally popular and passes by many historic castles, fortresses, and palaces from Mannheim via Heidelberg, Rothenburg, and Nuremberg to Prague in the Czech Republic.
InfoWalking will get you from one end of town to the other in about 15 min.
Driving is unnecessary and at times impossible; it is best to park the car outside the old city walls and walk.
Getting thereAlthough slightly off major modern trade routes, transportation to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is easy by car, train, or bus from other major centers in Germany such as Frankfurt am Main, Heidelberg, Nuremberg (Nürnberg), and Munich (München).
Other touristic attractionsNuremberg – features a delightful castle, an old town, and the nazi party rally grounds
Würzburg – a university town with an impressive palace.
Nördlingen – a beautiful medieval town in a meteorite crater surrounded by a 14th-century wall.
LocationAnsbach, Middle Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Map

Why is Rothenburg ob der Tauber famous?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval town located in the region of Bavaria, Germany. Founded in the 12th century, the city has become known for its well-preserved architecture from the medieval era and its nostalgic atmosphere. Over the centuries, Rothenburg was an important trading center and played a strategic role in the region.

There are several “Rothenburg” cities in Germany. Make sure you get to the correct Rothenburg ob der Tauber (located on the Tauber River).

What is the meaning of the name Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

“Rothenburg ob der Tauber” means “Red Castle on the Tauber” in German, as the city is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber.

Why is Rothenburg ob der Tauber associated with Christmas?

In the square in front of the town hall, there is a beautiful Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt) in December, with mulled wine, gingerbread, German sausages, cheese soup, lard bread (Schmalzbrot), Stollen (candied fruit cake) and Schneebälle, a traditional dessert.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is home to a real Christmas museum, Käthe Wohlfahrt. There is a shop and a museum. Both the shop and the museum are open all year round, which means you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and buy ornaments whenever you want. Entering Kathe Wohlfahrt is like entering a fairy tale.

What is Rothenburg ob der Tauber famous for from a tourist point of view?

Among the most famous attractions are the Main Market Square (Marktplatz) with its historic buildings, the Laughing Tower (Sieberstor), and the Witch’s Tower (Klingentor), as well as the Church of St. James. The Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum) and the Medieval Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum) are also popular attractions.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber hosts many special events, such as the Christmas Market, known for its magical atmosphere and festive traditions. The Reichsstadt-Fest depicts historical and cultural performances from the medieval period.

Christmas Museum Käthe Wohlfahrt

The museum was founded in Germany by Käthe Wohlfahrt, who is known for her work in promoting and selling traditional Christmas items. She began her career selling wooden Christmas ornaments in the Black Forest, and over time, her business grew to include a wide range of Christmas-related products.

Rothenburg Market Square (Marktplatz)

Rothenburg Square is the focal point of the city and is surrounded by picturesque historic buildings. The square is flanked by buildings with typical medieval architecture

One of the most prominent buildings on the square is the Town Hall (Rathaus). This is one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings of its kind in Germany and is famous for its impressive facade and the astronomical clock located on it.

In the middle of the square is the Fountain of Saint George, an impressive baroque fountain decorated with sculptures and ornamental motifs.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - fairy tales and Christmas
Market Place Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The 50 m (165 ft) 13th-century Town Hall Tower (Rathausturm) at the center of the Altstadt offers the best view of the area. It costs €2 (per adult) and takes 241 steps to get up.

Plönlein

“Plönlein” is a name used to describe an iconic intersection in the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This intersection is one of the most recognizable and picturesque places in the city, being often considered a symbol of it. “Plönlein” means “little corner”.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - fairy tales and Christmas
Plönlein

The Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum (Kriminalmuseum)

The museum was founded in 1949 by Dr. Fritz Rorig, who had a passion for the history of crime and criminal justice. Originally, the museum was housed in an old building and was intended to showcase the evolution of criminal justice and investigative techniques over the centuries.

St. Jakobskirche (Church of St. Jacob)

St. Jakobskirche (Church of St. Jacob)
The Church of Saint Jacob (Sankt Jakobskirche) is one of the most important churches in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This impressive church is famous for its beautiful Gothic architecture, its rich interior, and the spectacular panoramic view it offers from its tower.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - fairy tales and Christmas
Church of St. Jacob Tower

The construction of the church began in the 14th century and lasted for several centuries. Traditionally, the church was dedicated to Saint James, who is considered a protector of pilgrims. Pilgrims traveling on the road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain often directed their steps towards this church.

The church tower, which is known as the “Rote Turm” (Red Tower), is one of the highest points of the city and offers an amazing panoramic view of Rothenburg and its surroundings. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy great panoramic views.

The wall surrounding the city

Rothenburg’s city wall is not only a historical defense element but also a significant tourist attraction.

The defensive wall is interrupted by several towers and gates, each with its own name and distinctive features. Some of the most famous gates include the Red Tower (Rote Turm), the Rain Tower (Regenwasserturm), and the Old Gate (Rödertor).

The total length of the wall is about 2.2 kilometers and its height varies between 5

What are the hidden legends of Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

The Legend of the Master Draft

One of the most famous legends of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the “Legend of the Master Draft”. According to legend, in the 17th century, the city was under threat of being sacked by an invading army during the Thirty Years’ War. The mayor of the city, Georg Nusch, met with the enemy general and presented him with a huge vessel of wine, known as the “Master Draft”, which was said to hold over three liters of wine. The general, impressed by the city’s hospitality, agreed to spare Rothenburg in exchange for the wine. Today, you can still see the Master Draft container on display in the city’s historical museum.

The Legend of the White Tomb

In the medieval town square, there is a picturesque fountain known as the “White Monument” (Weisser Brunnen). According to legend, a white-robed ghostly figure would emerge from the well on certain nights, uttering cryptic prophecies. The townspeople believed that if they could capture the figure and force it to reveal its secrets, they could ensure the town’s prosperity. However, no one has ever been able to capture the spirit.

The Legend of the Kobolzeller Church

Kobolzell is a small village near Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Legend has it that there was once a church there, but the Devil was displeased with its construction. To prevent the completion of the church, the Devil threw a large stone into it. The rock landed near the church, creating a hole in the ground that can still be seen today. The church was never finished and it is said that the Devil’s stone cannot be moved by the hand of man.

The Legend of the Liberation of the Imperial City

In the 13th century, Rothenburg was an important imperial city. According to legend, during a siege of the city, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII arrived with his army to liberate Rothenburg. However, he arrived too late as the city had already surrendered. To show his respect for the city’s courage and loyalty, the emperor issued a charter declaring that Rothenburg would forever remain a free imperial city. This legend is often cited to explain why the city has remained remarkably well-preserved over the centuries.

About the author

Catalina

I am Catalina, and my passion for travel, mysteries, legends and archaeology drives me to explore the world and uncover its hidden wonders.