Rothenburg Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Rothenburg

Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber, the Bavarian town of Rothenburg offers a glimpse into Germany's medieval past.

The town's full name – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – translates to “Red castle above the Tauber”. This moniker stems from the German words “rot” (which means red) and “burg” (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated plateau overlooking the river). The houses' red-roofed appearance contributed to the name just as well. Alternatively, they say, it could have been related to the retting process (“rotten” in German) that was once used for linen production here.

Rothenburg's history spans over a millennium. In 950, the Count of Comburg-Rothenburg constructed a weir system in the area of today's Castle Garden. In 1070, Rothenburg Castle was built atop a mountain by the River Tauber, belonging to the counts of Comburg-Rothenburg. In 1142, their successor Konrad von Hohenstaufen, later King Konrad III, built Stauffer Castle, alongside which, in 1170, the town of Rothenburg was established.

In 1803, Rothenburg became part of Bavaria. During the 19th century, it captured the hearts of numerous artists, which in turn spurred the first wave of tourists.

In the 20th century, Rothenburg held significance for Nazi ideologists, embodying their vision of the quintessential German town. The Nazis organized here day trips and expelled Jewish citizens in 1938. During World War II, Rothenburg endured bombing but maintained its historic core.

In 1945, American troops occupied Rothenburg. The town's resilience led to its post-war restoration, blending original medieval structures with rebuilt facades. Today, Rothenburg stands as a living testament to history's endurance, preserving its past while inviting visitors to explore its unique charm.

Among the fascinating points of interest here are the 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus); the 14th-century Councilmen Inn, with its old clock and mechanical figures; and several fine old-time churches like St. Jacob's and St. Johannis'. Half-timbered houses with their characteristic steeply pitched roofs line the narrow cobblestone streets, some housing museums recounting Rothenburg's long and eventful history, such as the Medieval Crime Museum, the German Christmas Museum, and the Rothenburg Museum.

With its well-preserved, centuries-old architecture and charming ambiance, Rothenburg can easily immerse visitors in the beauty and culture of medieval Germany. As you stroll through its lanes, you realize that the chief attraction of Rothenburg is the town itself. Come to explore this living canvas of medieval beauty painted with time's brushstrokes and feel history not as a distant memory but a tangible reality.