Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: the most detailed and complete city guide, the main attractions of Rothenburg with photo and description, location on the map.
Contents
City Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a city in Germany located in historic region of Middle Franconia in Bavaria. He will hit medieval charm: old winding cobbled streets, Medieval architecture and amazing historical atmosphere. Rothenburg on the river Tauber is considered to be one of the most authentic and photogenic old cities of Bavaria.
- Geography and climate
- Story
- How to get there?
- Best time to visit
- Gastronomy
- sights
Panorama of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located on the “Romantic Road” – famous Bavarian tourist route (as we have “Golden ring “), which includes ancient cities and medieval castles, about 60 km from Nuremberg. The main attraction is the old town (Altstadt), which is surrounded almost intact city wall of the 14th century. What is unique historical heritage for modern Germany.
Geography and climate
Rothenburg is located west of Nuremberg on the banks of the river Tauber at the boundaries of the Frankenhöhe Nature Park. Surroundings of the city are picturesque hills and foothills covered with forests and vineyards that are in contact with the south-western spurs Alp.
The climate is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. Average The temperature in the summer is 15-20 degrees. In winter, the temperature is around zero The coldest month is January, the average temperature of which is -1 degrees About 700 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Evening in Rothenburg
Story
The history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber dates back to 970, when the family of East Frankish nobles builds in the valley of the river Tauber first church. At the end of the 11th century a castle was built here, and in early 12 – the monastery.
In 1142, King Conrad III acquires these lands, who decides to build over the spurs of the river Tauber castle, which later called imperial. In 1274 Rothenburg receives privileges imperial city. In the 14-15 centuries, the greatest flourishing cities. At this time about 6,000 people live in Rothenburg, which exceeded at that time the population of Munich and Frankfurt am Main.
Panorama of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber remained until the 18th century. AT 16-17 centuries, the development of the city was undermined by epidemics of plague and Thirty Years War. Rothenburg was taken several times and looted In the early 19th century, he lost the status of an imperial city and was incorporated into the kingdom of bavaria.
During World War II, the city suffered greatly from air strikes. 45% of the old town was destroyed.
On the streets of old rotenburg
How to get there?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has good transport accessibility. The international airports of Nuremberg and Munich are nearby. Well-established rail links with other major cities of the region and the rest of Germany. Train Station Rothenburg is located 15 minutes walk from the historic center. The A7 motorway (exit 108) passes nearby. An important nuance – when buying tickets be careful, because There are several cities in Germany with the same name. You need to buy tickets at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Streets of Rothenburg
Best time to visit
Like most cities in Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber can visit almost the entire year. But still the best time to visit can be considered the period from April to September. Highly recommend See this town in the Christmas holidays. At that time the atmosphere here is just fabulous!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber during the Christmas period
Gastronomy
In the old town of Rothenburg you can find many cozy places with Bavarian and European cuisine. Of the most popular drinks is beer. When planning trips to cafes and restaurants is important Be aware that the operating hours of the Rotenburg establishments are dependent on tourist excursions. Many of them do not work after 20.00 kitchen (especially low season).
Panorama of Rothenburg
Sights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The main attractions of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are located in its old town among the old cobbled streets and medieval houses. It is worth noting that Altstadt is very compact. Way out one edge to another walking pace will take 20-30 minutes.
Sights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the map
One of the symbols of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval 14th century city wall that encircles the old city and gives him the shape of a human head. Despite the fact that 40% of the wall was damaged in World War II, it is still impressive and is a unique historical heritage. In Germany, almost not left cities that have fully preserved the medieval wall. The total length of the wall is about 2.5 km, height up to 9 meters. The wall contains towers and several city gates – entrances to city.
Medieval city wall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Towers and gates
The old city wall has kept many of the original protective elements – towers and gates. In the Middle Ages in Rothenburg led 7 city gates, and 42 towers defended the wall. Introducing the most interesting of the surviving.
Castle gate
The Castle Gate (Burgtor) – one of the main city gates with high powerful tower that defended the city from the west. At present time is the entrance to the castle garden – an interesting green area in medieval city. When Rothenburg was an imperial city the gates were closed at night. To leave the city you had to get approval of the city council.
Galgentor – from the German gate to the gallows
The Galgentor is a 16th century gateway leading to the square on which up to 19 century was established gallows. Were taken to the Thirty Years’ war
Klingentor in Rothenburg
Klingentor – a gate with a thirty meter high Gothic tower 16th century. Interestingly, the tower could be accessed through the building. neighboring old church of sv. Wolfgan
Gate of sv. Mark
Gate and tower of sv. The brand is one of the most atmospheric and photogenic corners of Rothenburg with a beautiful medieval architecture. It is also one of the oldest structures among towers and gates, the construction date of which dates from the 12th century.
Roeder’s Gate
Roeder’s Gate is the old city gate in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The oldest part is a 14th century tower with half-timbered elements.
Plönlein – the most famous view of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Plönlein is a true symbol of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the most City being photographed: an old little square in surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses, a small fountain, which rests on the old gate of the 14th century with a powerful tower.
Market Square
Market Square – the center of urban life since the Middle Ages. In the western part of the square is located the Town Hall, in the north – historical buildings and tourist center, in the east – shops and restaurants, in the south – the fountain of sv. George
Town Hall in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The main architectural dominant of the market square is the town hall building with a magnificent facade in the style of the Renaissance. This is one of the most beautiful buildings of this type north of the Alps. Gothic building 13 century was significantly rebuilt by architect Weidmann at 16 century.
Near the town hall there is a beautiful pharmacy building of the beginning of 19 century with a magnificent half-timbered facade.
In the north of the market square, pay attention to the old building 16th century Ratstrinkstube with astronomical clock.
Old hospital
The old hospital is another Weidmann brainchild, a historic building. 16th century Gothic style with a beautiful round tower. Little ahead there is a bastion of the Spitaltor who also built this architect.
Sacred architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Church of sv. Jacob is the main religious building of Rothenburg. The church was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century and contains valuable works of art. Located near the Market square.
Church of sv. Jacob
Here is one of the oldest basil of Rothenburg, consecrated in the early 14th century – the Franciscan church of sv. Mary’s
Of the other religious structures must be drawn attention to the church of sv. Wolfgan’s in the Klingentor neighborhood. This is a unique late Gothic church of the 15th century, integrated into city fortifications. Near the old hospital is located 14th century gothic church – Heiliggeistkirche.
Museums
The most interesting museums of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Museum of medieval crime. Open from 10.00 to 18.00 (November-March from 1 pm to 4 pm). Address – Burggasse 3, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- German Christmas Museum. It works from 10.00 to 17.00. Address -Herrengasse 1.
- The museum of the imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Open from 9.30 till 5.30 pm (November-March from 1 pm to 4 pm). The address is Klosterhof, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Video
Maps and guides
Detailed map of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (download)
