Things to do in Rothenburg
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Rothenburg
Spend some time in Rothenburg on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Rothenburg and other destinations throughout Germany and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
Where to stay in Rothenburg
What we love about Rothenburg
Trip Planner
I absolutely adore this little, frozen-in-time Franconian gem of a town! It's full of charming classic medieval architecture and the walk around the city walls with all the great views is definitely something I would do again, anytime. My all-time favourite Rothenburg experience is the Night Watchman Tour - there's so much fun and plenty of information at the same time!
Team Leader for Central Europe & Baltic Region
Bavaria is well known for the unique fairy-tale towns scattered all over the region, and they have no better representative than the charming town of Rothenburg.
Operations Training Specialist
I could write a novel about the reasons I'm in love with Rothenburg. When I was there, it was snowing like crazy and it made the whole visit possibly the best experience while I was in Germany. Seeing Rothenburg covered in snow was just simply an out of this world experience. It was insanely beautiful, making me never want to leave.
Where can you go from Rothenburg?
Looking to continue your adventure? Here are some popular destinations to visit from Rothenburg.
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– Gary & Donna, Texas
Visited : Germany
Itinerary : Cologne, Hamburg, Rugen Island, Berlin, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt
Rating :
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– Ellen & Elliot, Massachusetts
Visited : Germany
Itinerary : Nuremberg, Munich, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt
Rating :
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Rothenburg
How can I get around Rothenburg?
Tiny Rothenburg has nothing that can't be seen with a little walking. With so many historic homes, beautiful gardens, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming viewpoints, walking is the way to get to know the town. If you would like to explore the surrounding Tauber River valley, we can offer a car and optionally a guide to show you around.
How much time should I spend in Rothenburg?
Rothenburg is often visited as a stop on the Romantic Road tourism route, but we highly recommend making it an overnight stop. This charming little town has a quite different atmosphere when the day trippers and group trips leave its city walls, and everything calms down. One of the best way how to experience the town after the dusk is to join our Night Watchman tour and listen to many stories about the town's peculiar history, by lantern light.
Is Rothenburg safe?
As a small town where everyone knows each other, in the most peaceful state in one of Europe's safest countries, Rothenburg is practically crime-free, but as always, don't leave your valuables unattended.
When's the best time to visit Rothenburg?
If you want the most festive time, come in December, when you can enjoy the Christmas market. If you want the best weather, come during spring, summer, or early fall. At other times of year, especially January and February, some sights may be closed or have limited opening hours.
Can I pay by card?
Germany is still transitioning to cash, and that is especially true in rural areas. As Rothenburg is a small town, with only one bank (with short opening hours) in the center, we recommend exchanging money before you arrive, or using one of a handful of ATMs. If you are asked whether to be charged in Euros or your own currency, choose Euros, to avoid paying a useless fee and getting a worse exchange rate.
What special events does Rothenburg host?
Rothenburg features an excellent Christmas market in December, but we highly recommend visiting in the beginning of September, to enjoy the Imperial City Festival, which features different historical groups dressed in various periods of the town's history marching by torchlight. The Master Draught celebration over Pentecost weekend (around the beginning of summer) celebrates a story from the Thirty Years' War, when the city was saved from destruction by a conquering army by the mayor, who impressed the enemy by drinking 3.25 liters of wine in one go. The event is retold by historical groups in the Kaisersaal Theater and elsewhere around town, but we don't recommend trying to match the mayor's record!
Does Rothenburg have options for dietary restrictions?
Rothenburg may be small, but its eateries still offer specialized options for vegans, those who eat gluten-free and more. For gluten-free options, we recommend visiting the Michelangelo Italian restaurant, or Louvre, a Japanese eatery.