Rothenburg on the river Tauber
A small town in Bavaria. But it is perhaps one of the best known German towns. It is located along the romantic road in Germany.
That is a road from Würzburg to the famous castle Neuschwanstein. Rothenburg is known for its medieval architecture.
Well preserved half-timbered houses, a city wall with a walkway op top, tower gates, churches and squares. The city looks like something out of a movie. In fact: films took inspiration of even filmed here.
A brief scene from Harry Potter was filmed here: the Deathly Hallows part 1.
The old film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” shot some scenes in Rothenburg.
Rothenburg served as the inspiration for Walt Disney when making 1940’s Pinocchio.
And of course: anime. Every year lots of Japanese anime fans visit Rothenburg. It is the setting of anime like: A Little Snow Fairy Sugar and Princess Tutu. And we can only imagine Studio Ghibli taking some inspiration from the wonderful town of Rothenburg.
The Celts most likely founded Rothenburg. This was before the first century CE. Rothenburg played an important role in the region in je times of the Habsburg and the Holy Roman Empire.
During WW2 the town was bombed. But many walls and houses remained. The Germans rebuild Rothenburg to the splendour it is today.
Rothenburg is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The top sights of Rothenburg. In no particular order.
1. The old town. Or in German: Alte Stadt. Charming streets, little squares. Well-kept half-timbered houses. A photographers heaven.
2. Town Hall (Rathaus): A 13th century town hall that now sometimes hosts concerts
3. The Old Town Walls: There is walk-way on top of the city walls.
There are 42 gatehouses and towers along the walls.
4. Plönlein: the most famous location. This is the famous spot of the yellow half-timbered house with two gate towers in the back. A must visit. Instagramable.
5. St James Church: Completed in 1485. Considered one of the finest pilgrimage churches in Germany.
Enjoy: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
