Germany > Medieval Rothenburg

Within the city walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, every street is beautiful to see. Old houses with typical German timber framing. We enter the old town through the Galgentor gate. Here, we climb up to the city wall via a narrow staircase. Due to the corona measures, one-way traffic has been implemented so you don’t encounter people coming the other way on the narrow walkway. From the city wall, we look out over Rothenburg. We see the houses and backyards of the locals who undoubtedly also benefit from the many tourists. Although Rothenburg is a tourist town, people still live here. At the end, near the Klingentor gate, the walk along the city wall ends. We continue to wander through the streets. When we pass through a small gate, we enter the cloister garden. The former Benedictine monastery is now a museum. We follow the outer walls of the city and arrive at the Burgtor gate. Behind this gate lies the Burggarten. On this steep rocky point above the Tauber valley once stood Rothenburg Castle. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle fell into disrepair. During an earthquake in 1356, the castle collapsed. Only the Blasius Chapel was rebuilt in its original state. The chapel now serves as a memorial for those fallen in wars. From this point of the former castle, we look down into the deep valley of the Tauber River. We can also see the contours of Rothenburg behind us. Through the narrow streets, we return to the market square.

Germany - The wooden walkway around the city walls

The town hall at the square consists of two parts. The rear part is Gothic, the front part facing the market square is in Renaissance style. The Gothic part dates from the 13th century and is the oldest part of the town hall. Unfortunately, due to corona measures, it is not possible to climb the tower. We can enter St. Jacob’s Church. Inside is the Blood Altar, a woodcarving by the once-famous Tilman Riemenschneider. After a drink on a terrace, we walk to the other end of the walled city. Occasionally, we walk a short stretch on the city walls. The Sieberstoren is the most famous spot in Rothenburg. This tower and the timber-framed house in front of it appear on every image of the town. Last night it was easier to take a photo here without all the tourists. In daylight, this is practically impossible. Behind the tower, we view the austere Spitalkirche Heilig Geist. Wandering further, we arrive at the Rödertort, the official city gate. Here too, the tower cannot be climbed. It is what it is. The city gate and bridge form a beautiful ensemble as the entrance to the town. We conclude that perhaps we haven’t wandered every single street, but we have certainly seen all the important spots in town. In the Biergarten near a hotel, we order a drink. Nice to sit down for a bit. Unnoticed, you walk quite a distance through the town. To end the day, we decide to take the walking path around the city.

Germany - The market square of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Via the last piece of city wall we haven’t walked yet, we arrive at the southern city gate. Here lies the Spital bastion. In the 17th century, an impregnable stronghold. Here, we find that we can walk through. Cannons are still in place. On the other side, we descend by stairs into the dried-up moat. A beautiful part of Rothenburg. We walk the path outside the city wall. The sun is strong here and it is warm. At the Castle Gate, we enter the walled city again. The Franciscan church was not open this morning, but now it is. The simple church consists of two parts. In the front part is also an altar by Riemenschneider. The Franciscan church is the oldest church in town, dating from 1285. Our visit to the church concludes our walk through Rothenburg. We return to the hotel. In the evening, we eat on a terrace in the old center. We had reserved here this afternoon. Seven o’clock was not possible, but half past six was. When we arrive, we are the first guests. We did not expect this. Other people who come asking for a table are turned away if they do not have a reservation. Only guests with a reservation are welcome. The waiter offers a bread roll and a kind of strawberry shake on the house. The salmon in curry sauce tastes very good. When we pay, not all tables are occupied yet. On the other tables, the reserved signs still stand. We take another stroll through the town. Funny enough, we find some streets we haven’t yet visited today. Streets just as charming and just as beautiful.