Romantic Road Germany

Rothenburg Sights

Things to See in Rothenburg

The Market Square

The market square in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Rothenburg central market square (or Marktplatz) showing the City Councillors' Tavern (Ratsherrntrinkstube) and neighbouring merchants' buildings. This was the location for events, meetings, markets and executions in the Middle Ages - these days it is a little bit more sedate and is thronged with busloads of tourists awaiting the hourly chimes and the animated figures on either side of the clock who reenact the famous Meistertrunk from Rothenburg's (alleged) past.

The White Tower

The White Tower in Rothenberg
The White Tower (Weisser Turm) is the second city gate that visitors will arrive under when approaching from the east. These are part of the original city walls and this area was formerly the location of the Jewish quarter in the Middle Ages.

The Town Hall

The Town Hall in Rothenberg
A view showing the side of the Town Hall and the tower (which is is possible to climb on most days during the summer). The fountain is the Georgsbrunnen - the location for the executions and for a traditional dance by shepherds to help ward off the plague from the town. The timbered building to the left is the Jagstheim House, built in the 15th century.

The Castle Gate

The Burgtor in Rotenburg
The White Tower (Weisser Turm) is the second city gate that visitors will arrive under when approaching from the east. These are part of the original city walls and this area was formerly the location of the Jewish quarter in the Middle Ages.

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A View of Rothenburg

A view of Rothenberg
This is a view to the southern end of Rothenburg from the Castle Gardens. It gives an idea of the towers and walls rising above the countryside.

Rothenburg's 'Postcard Square': The Plönlein

The Plönlein area of Rothenburg
Actually, the picturesque little open area is known as the Plönlein, but it is the subject of hundreds of thousands of holiday snaps and the motif on as many postcards sent all over the world.

The Klingentor

The Klingen Gate in Rothenburg
The Klingen Gate, built in the 13th century - the tower was converted to use as a water reservoir in the 16th century.

The Church of St Wolfgang

The Church of St Wolfgang in Rothenburg
This church is also known as the Shepherd's Church, because it is said to be where shepherds prayed to St Wolfgang for protection against wolves. It is a fortress church built to help protect the neighbouring Klingen Gate as part of the external defences of the town.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Wrought iron street sign in Rothenburg

Towns Along The Romantic Road