Getaway Day Trip: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you’re looking for a great day trip getaway, look no further than the wonderfully preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg o.b. Tauber was initially founded in the 900s and became a commercial center during the medieval ages. This town is only half a kilometer wide and is completely surrounded by a stone wall, dotted with towers and complete with a moat. In 1631, the town was stormed by Count Tilly’s troops who were ordered to take the city for all its worth. In three days, Tilly’s army was able to penetrate the city walls and then set up shop. On a whim, Count Tilly said he would order the withdrawl of his troops if someone would drink a gallon of wine in one draught. Mayor Nusch took up the challenge, was successful and thus saved the town.

Here are a few things that you MUST do:

– Walk around the city wall and peek through the “windows” where soldiers stuck out their bows and arrows as well as poured hot ash onto any uninvited guests

– Visit the Criminal Museum and  check out the ridiculous ways that peace and order was kept in a medieval town, i.e. masks for being a gossip, fines for jumping while dancing and bone breaking wheels for stealing

– Go to Marktplatz and watch the re-enactment of the Mayoral drinking binge at the cling of the hourly bell from the main tower

– Visit one of the many Christmas Markets where Christmas stays alive all year round

– Take a nighttime tour of the city complete with a tourguide in a cloak

As for food and drink, I would say that there are plenty of little spots to find some delish food. For something quick, check out “Brot und Zeit”, which is a great café with paninis, bakery goods and pastas. There are many cafés that dot the city as well as just as many small family run restaurants.

When it comes to laying down your head, I can recommend “Pension Hess” on Spitalgasse 18, which is where I stayed. At only 47EU a night for a double room and private bathroom, Herr Hess gives you a 10% discount on everything in his souvenir shop as well as a free breakfast with goodies from Oma, including homemade jams and pastries.

You can easily enjoy much of the town in a relaxed one or two days.

Enjoy!