Rambling in Rothenburg - the Famous Medieval Town in Germany
My first weekend in Germany I visited the famous medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. My previous knowledge of the town consisted of what the traveler guidebooks informed me: famous 12th century town that preserved its medieval walls, one of the most popular destinations on Germany's Romantic Road, and a large tourist trap. Newly arrived and still somewhat jet-lagged, I nevertheless considered it a good place to dive into my travels. I had to begin somewhere. I knew that July marks a high water point in the tourist season, so the crowds of visitors did not surprise me. However, the easygoing nature of the town did astonish me. I expected a frenetic mess of tourists and elbow-to-elbow traffic. Instead, I enjoyed a pleasant stroll down the cobblestone streets, listening to the cacophony of accents and languages surrounding me. I marveled at the brilliantly colored flowers that spilled out from the window boxes kept by the local residents. I currently live 45 minutes away from Rothenburg, and I have returned to the town on many occasions since that first visit.
A person can all too easily take for granted the attractions and appeal of Rothenburg. Undeniably, the town thrives on tourism and trades well on its charm. Estimates place the visitation rate at 2.5 million people per year. Clearly, Rothenburg is not one of those well-kept secrets travelers often seek. Though a cynic might grimace that the large tourist draw makes Rothenburg little more than a medieval amusement park, I believe such an assessment belies the allure of the town. With a little of something for everyone-hiking, shopping, great food and drink, historical sites, and panoramic views-Rothenburg can be a delightful indulgence. It also may be one of the few places in Germany where you can trot out your camera and not feel out of place. I say take the time for a brief visit, perhaps a day and a night. Why not kick back a bit, and ramble through Rothenburg?
The best way to enjoy Rothenburg is at a stroll. Hiking trails zigzag across the Tauber Valley, outside the walled portion of the town, and sidewalks line most streets. I recommend beginning with the Stadtmauer (the 14th century city wall). As most of the sentry walk remains, you can traverse the nearly the entire perimeter. People over six feet tall should take heed about the height of the passages, since they will need to hunch down in order to navigate the walk. One highlight of the wall walk is the Rödertor (Eastern gateway). Between April and October, visitors can (with fee of course) climb to the top of the tower, and take in an eagle's eye view of the area. Included in the Rödertor is an intriguing exhibition and photo display about the bombing of Rothenburg during the last weeks of World War II.
Latest Articles