Places to visit in Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a beautiful German town
It’s no surprise that the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber has become one of the most popular German tourist destinations in recent years. The beautiful town right on the Romantic Road has been carefully maintained since medieval times, and it shows through in its well-preserved half-timbered houses, charming town square and towers, and fortified walls surrounding the city center. No visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber would be complete without taking in some of these famous landmarks and sights, so make sure you don’t miss out on any of these places to visit in Rothenburg ob der Tauber!
The Plass

is one of the most picturesque places in Rothenburg. It’s surrounded by quaint shops and restaurants, and has a beautiful view of the Tauber River. There are also plenty of things to do in the Plass, including taking a boat ride or visiting the art museum.
The Anker-Gymnasium: houses an art gallery with some great pieces from famous artists such as Pieter Brueghel the Elder and Matthias Grünewald. The park features more than 2,000 species of birds, so you’ll never be bored! If you love nature, then this is the place for you. You can even spot a few different types of deer roaming around the park, which adds an extra bit of natural beauty.
A nice place to visit when it gets hot outside is Heiligenstock Park.
St. Jakob’s Church

One of the most popular destinations in Rothenburg is St. Jakob’s Church. The church is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Visitors can also climb to the top of the church tower for an incredible view of the town below.
If you’re looking for things to do in Rothenburg, be sure to add St. Jakob’s Church to your list! You won’t regret it. Rothenburg is such a charming place with many historical buildings and natural beauty. For those who want to explore outside of the city, you’ll find that there are plenty of hiking trails nearby as well as quaint towns with great restaurants to stop at on your way back.
There are also many museums to enjoy while you’re here.
St. James’ Cemetery

The St. James’ Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The cemetery is full of beautifully crafted tombstones and mausoleums, many of which date back hundreds of years.
Visitors often come to the cemetery to admire the craftsmanship, pay their respects to the dead, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. One monument in particular is worth noting: the sculpture on Tobias Kuhn’s grave. His family commissioned it when he died at an early age.
It depicts him playing his violin, surrounded by toys that represent his short life: animals, a cart, a ball and musical instruments. The inscription reads Finis Coronat Opus – meaning The end crowns the work.
The Town Hall Tower

The Half-Timbered Houses (three sentences): The half-timbered houses are another defining feature of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. They are one of the oldest building types and also one of the most durable, making them an attractive option for home buyers.
The Rathaus tower is a must see when you come to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and there is a guided tour available every day from 10 am to 5 pm with visitors being taken up the tower by elevator. The view over the roofs of the town is amazing and even on rainy days you can still see a lot. It’s possible to book tours in advance but it’s better to just turn up as there are limited places on each tour.
The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

The Altes Rathaus is one of the most iconic buildings in Rothenburg and dates back to the 14th century. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with its ornate facade and tall spire. Inside, the building is just as impressive with its large hallways and grand staircase. The Altes Rathaus is definitely worth a visit when you are in Rothenburg!
The Plönlein (two sentences): The Plönlein is a small square located in the old town of Rothenburg. The street running through it was once used for horse-drawn carriages and now has benches lining it on both sides. In the center of the square is a water well that also served as a watering hole for horses on their way to market.
Marktplatz Square

The first place on our list is the Marktplatz, or Market Square. This is the heart of the city, and it’s where you’ll find the old city hall, as well as the New Town Hall. The square is also home to the statue of Hans Sachs, a famous poet from the 16th century.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite or do some shopping, this is the place to be! Here you’ll find restaurants and shops lining all four sides of the square. Be sure to stop by one of the bakeries if you’re feeling hungry – they have a delicious selection of breads and pastries that are hard to resist!
One thing we love about this market square is that there’s so much space to explore, whether you want to relax on a bench near the fountain.
The Castle Ruins

The Night Watchman’s Tour (three sentences): The Night Watchman’s Tour is a must-do for any visitor to Rothenburg. You will see how the castle was built, what life was like during the Middle Ages, and how it was destroyed by fire.
The Beggar’s Bridge: The purpose of this bridge is not quite clear. Some say it used to be a place where poor people could beg from passersby; others say that beggars were thrown off of it! It’s really only speculation, but I think its best if you just come and find out for yourself! Make sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes because there are many steps. There are also tours for the castle ruins and other parts of the city which can be found on an app called Walkspiel.
The Julius Tower

The Half-Timbered House (three sentences): The Half-Timbered House is another popular tourist attraction in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It’s the largest and most famous of the many buildings from the Gothic period that are still standing in the old town of Rothenburg.
In 1287, it was home to a prosperous merchant named Heinrich von Koppen who made his fortune trading with Russia and Poland as well as exporting goods such as salt, wine, linen and wool across Europe. The house has also been used as an inn and restaurant over the centuries.
Today, visitors can explore its three levels while imagining what life would have been like for this family more than 700 years ago.
German Garden Altstadt (English Garden)

The first place on our list is the German Garden, or Altstadt. This is a large, well-manicured park that is perfect for a romantic stroll or picnic lunch. The gardens are full of beautiful flowers and there are plenty of benches to relax on. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to take a dip in the pool! There’s also an amphitheater that hosts free concerts throughout the year.
There’s even a restaurant on site if you get hungry while exploring the garden grounds. You should stop by as soon as possible. Make sure to explore the lovely paths and see how many trees you can count.
Bring a book with you so you can sit down under one of the leafy green trees and read away. Have fun!