28 Top Things To Do In Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber: Summer Edit

When you first arrive in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you might think you’ve been there before. Indeed, many Hollywood classics have been inspired by the town’s typical medieval architecture.

Already in 1940, Walt Disney’s Pinocchio featured the slightly tilted yellow half-timbered house at Plönlein. Parts of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) were also filmed here.

And more recently, although they didn’t end up using it, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows production team also shot aerial footage in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

While scenic spots abound, there is much more to Rothenburg than what quite literally meets the eye.

In summer like in winter, the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are almost endless. I was fortunate enough to experience the Christmas season in Rothenburg last year, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to be able to complete the picture and return in July to explore more of the iconic little city.

This blog post, therefore, will focus on 28 Rothenburg summer highlights as shared with me by locals, from nature escapes to vegan bars.

Want a bit of background information on Rothenburg’s fascinating history? Check out this post.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

If you want to be close to all of the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber this summer, a hotel in the Old Town is a strategic choice.

I loved my stay at the Reichsküchenmeister, a gorgeous heritage property in typical half-timbered style. It didn’t take long for me to see why this hotel won the prestigious Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award two years running.

Oozing ambiance, the Reichsküchenmeister combines historic elements (like wood panelling and artfully forged staircase banister) with modern features (like a state-of-the-art wellness area).

My room was spacious and sunny, offering views over some of Rothenburg’s icons like the Church of St. James. It was quite an experience to open my window and be at “eye level” with the half-timbered home across the street, too!

Unmissable Rothenburg Sights

Of course, if this is your first time visiting, some of the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber include admiring the city’s iconic sights. So you’ll find a short guide below to the ones you simply can’t miss – and you probably will stumble upon anyway!

Plönlein

The most emblematic landmark is Plönlein, a word which means ”small square at a fountain”.

Plönlein encompasses a much photographed and slightly leaning yellow timber frame house along with a fountain in front and two towers of the old city wall. (Sieberstrurm and Kobolzeller Tor, the latter dated 1360.)

The earlier in the day you visit, the greater your chances of having the place to yourself to capture a few photo memories of your own.

top things to do in Roothenburg ob der Tauber — You’ll undoubtedly stumble upon the Plönlein while in Rothenburg.

Market Square

From here, head to Market Square (or Marktplatz) with its imposing Town Hall. It is located at the heart of Rothenburg’s Old Town and is a favoured gathering place for natives and visitors alike. In the Middle Ages, everything from meetings, markets and executions took place here.

Ratstrinkstube

Today you can join the crowds at Ratstrinkstube (Councilor’s Tavern Clock Tower) to hear the hourly chimes and watch animated figures on either side of the clock reenact the legend of Meistertrunk, the mayor who reputedly saved his town in 1631 by drinking close to a gallon of wine as part of a bet with the invading army.

Marienapotheke

Another historical building in Market Square houses a modern pharmacy. Marienapotheke has been dispensing in this half-timbered structure since 1812.

The City Hall’s Viewing Platform (Rathaus Turm)

Between April and October, the 60-meter Town Hall Tower rewards all climbers of its 220 steps with a commanding view of the Old Town, the surrounding countryside and Tauber Valley. You can even spot windmills!

Rothenburg’s Tower Trail

While at Market Square, be sure to stop by the tourist office to pick up your copy of the Tower Trail. This guide available in German and English enables you to discover some of the 42 still preserved historic towers in Old Town and includes descriptions of 22 paths and sights along the way.

The nearly 4km city wall and fortifications loop is open 24/7 so you can experience it at sunrise or sunset or any other time that best suits you, walking up on the fortifications as guards would have done in the middle ages.

Viewing Platform at Röder Tower

To get you started, one of the most impressive towers is Rödertor, one of six gates leading into the walled city. It is on the east side and offers some of the best views of Old Town and the fortifications.

Explore Rothenburg’s Iconic Cobblestone Streets

Once you have your bearings from the viewing platforms and the Tower Trail, it is fun to get lost along some of the narrow, winding, cobblestone streets in Old Town. You are sure to find some charming photo opportunities without the hustle and bustle of Rothenburg’s main arteries.

Medieval Crime and Justice Museum

No visit to Rothenburg would be complete without a stop at the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, voted one of the top museums in Germany. Exhibits span over 1,000 years of judicial history.

Torture devices on display include shrew’s fiddles, thumbscrews, original racks and scold’s bridles. While here, take a look at the witch trial interrogation logs and a manuscript which describes the history of the town and its walls.

This museum is now the home of the Iron Maiden of Nuremberg. On the third floor, you can see replicas of the German emperor’s imperial treasures (crown, sceptre and apple).

Christmas Museum and Shop

One of the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber? Celebrate Christmas in July!

Many people associate Rothenburg ob der Tauber with Christmas and not just in the weeks leading up to the Christian holiday, but all year round. In fact, the magic of the holidays lives on every day thanks to the Christmas Museum, Village and Market.

The museum relates the history and customs of Christmas in Germany. Decorations spanning all periods and regions of Germany are on permanent display, with an emphasis on objects created between 1870 and 1950.

The old-time crafts of wood carving and mouth-blown glass are also highlighted. Before you leave, you will know all about how Christmas trees became such an important part of the holiday celebration.

Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village

You can get an early start on your Christmas shopping next door at the Käthe Wohlfahrt Village. You can’t miss the store as there is a red gift car parked right out front and a life-size nutcracker greets visitors at the entrance. Once inside, you’ll find every Christmas decoration imaginable as well as cuckoo clocks and music boxes.

Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

For some active and environmentally friendly top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, read on.

E-Bike Rentals

Why not try an e-bike rental? There are several e-charge stations, including at Plönlein.

Guide Valley Bike Tours

When you bring your own bike to Rothenburg, you can enjoy a vast network of guided bike tours around the valley. A local journalist and certified guide, Werner Weber, will be happy to show you around. You can contact him here.

Segway Tours

Segway tours are another great way to cover more territory than on foot and to see things from a different perspective.

Vintage E-Car Tour

How about taking a 30- or 60-minute personal tour with a guide in an e-car made to look like a late 19th-century vintage model?

Exploring Rothenburg’s Beautiful Surroundings

Rothenburg’s medieval streets and legends may draw you to the area, but the surroundings are well worth exploring if you’d like to add a bit of nature to your holiday. Best of all, these top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are within a 20-minute walk of the Old Town.

Wildbad

For a change of pace and time period, consider a stroll through the 19th-century grounds of Wildbad with its enchanting bridges and paths. Originally built as a spa hotel between 1893 and 1903, Wildbad now serves mainly as a cultural and conference center offering a full calendar of concerts, seminars and art exhibitions.

Toppler Castle

Was it ever a dream of yours to have a little castle tower in your back garden? The owners of one property on the outskirts of Rothenburg were so lucky. Toppler Schlößchen, built in 1388 and once inhabited by the town mayor, watches over a beautiful private garden still today.

If you’d like to have your Rapunzel moment, you can visit the tiny castle (potentially the smallest in the world) by booking a tour in advance.

Old Town Views from the Valley

To see Rothenburg’s Old Town and fortifications from another perspective, head to the Doppelbrücke at Taubertalweg. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the medieval stronghold and rolling hills surrounding it.

Walking Trails Near Rothenburg

At the crossroads of several important European pilgrim routes, Rothenburg is surrounded by walking trails. You won’t have to go far to hit the walking (and cycling) paths that zigzag around town, definitely considered some of the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber by active holidaymakers.

In fact, you can wander straight from Market Square into the Tauber Valley. Within minutes, you’ll be immersed in a completely different world – and you’ll understand why Rothenburg is set on what is called Germany’s Romantic Road.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Culinary Delights

Not only does Rothenburg harbour architectural wonders and natural oases, but it is quite the foodie destination. While traditional Bavarian fare is served in ambiance-rich taverns, enticing healthy options are also readily available.

Traditional Franconian Cuisine

Reichsküchenmeister

Doubling up as a 4-start hotel, Reichsküchemeister is a local institution – patrons the region over visit this lovely restaurant to get their fix of schnitzel and spätzle, as well as more unique entrees like their signature baked cheeses.

Bayerischer Hof

As you might expect from the name, this restaurant serves Bavarian classics, but that’s not all! A few unexpecteds made it on the menu and were so popular that they stayed, season after season. One of these is the Malayasian dish nasi goreng – which was delicious, by the way!

Cafe Schwanne

Cafe Schwanne is your go-to in Rothenburg for homemade sausages, which you can enjoy on a sun-soaked terrace just beyond the town’s fortifications.

Biergarten Unter den Linden

While the three restaurants mentioned above are located directly in the Old Town, Under den Linden is at the Tauber River’s edge, down in the Valley (but only a 10-minute walk from Market Square). This Biergarten is popular with local families, as kids can wade in the shallow waters while parents relax with a beer or coffee.

Summer Drinks in Rothenburg

This summer, some of the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber involve staying hydrated at these trendy cafes and bars!

5 cafes and bars in Rothenburg came up with the idea to create their own seasonal take on the famous Aperol Spritz drink, which they are serving throughout the summer. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available.

While you’re definitely very welcome to check out each hotspot on your own, tours ferrying you from one to the other also take place.

Landwehrbräu am Turm

Landwehrbräu am Turm is a biergarten – with a twist. Here, you can expect vegan and vegetarian cuisine alongside your drinks. As for this establishment’s summer spritz, it is infused with lemon balm – perfectly refreshing after a day of exploring.

Cafe Lebenslust

In this lovely cafe’s outdoor seating area, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of drinks, including their signature summer spritz (or lemonade) with homegrown aromatic herbs. The local hotspot also hosts a variety of events, from live music to art nights.

Cafe Einzigartig

The ideal spot for a hearty breakfast or light lunch, Cafe Einzigartig emanates vintage, whimsical flair. It’s almost like stepping into someone’s living room and hanging out there for a few hours. As for this Rothenburg staple’s seasonal drink, you’ll be able to try a Grapefruit Lillet spritz.

Bayerischer Hof

Mentioned above for its cuisine, Bayerischer Hof is also taking part in Rothenburg’s Spritz summer. This establishment’s spritz is beer-based, staying true to its Bavarian roots.

Mucho Amor

Last but most certainly not least, Mucho Amor is Rothenburg’s vegan cocktail bar, owned by a local who travelled around the world before opening a sleek venue in his hometown. The unique, fruity drinks are sure to be a hit.

Rothenburg Should Be On Your Germany Summer Bucket List

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of those destinations that strikes the imagination in so many different ways.

You can easily pretend that you’re taking a stroll centuries back in time. Or perhaps, you’ll feel miles from civilization as you explore nature around town, safe in the knowledge that Market Square is moments away.

And, as we’ve seen, you’ll be able to sample gastronomic highlights that will take your tastebuds on a trip of their own.

Of all the top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber this summer, the only question that remains is where to start!