If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next motorhome trip, you should definitely consider Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a charming medieval town in the heart of Germany. This town is part of the famous Romantic Road, a scenic route that connects some of the most picturesque and historic towns and villages in southern Germany. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the country, and it will make you feel like you have stepped into a fairy tale.
We only spent a day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with our motorhome, and we had a wonderful time exploring its narrow streets, colourful houses, impressive fortifications, and rich history. Here are some of the highlights of our trip and some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Where to Park Your Motorhome
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a motorhome is very easy. The town is surrounded by a wall that dates back to the 13th century, and there is no access for motorhomes inside the old town. However, there are several options for parking outside the wall, within walking distance of the main attractions of the old town.
We parked at one of several motorhomes overnight parking areas called P2 Nördlinger Straße. There is a limited number of electric plug in points as well as a drive over grey waste, chemical toilet emptying point and fresh water. We paid 12 euros for the night and it is only about 200 metres from the old town.
There is also a campsite at the Tauber Valley Camping Park, which is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the town centre, along the Tauber River. This is a well-equipped campsite that offers electricity, water, showers, toilets, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. The price per night for a motorhome with two people is 25 euros. You can also rent bikes or take a shuttle bus to the town from here.
Another option is to park at the P4 parking area, which is located near the Spitaltor gate, on the south side of the town. This parking area has spaces for motorhomes and costs 12 euros per day. There are no facilities here, but you can use the public toilets near the gate. This parking area is closer to the town centre than the campsite, but it can get crowded during peak season.
What to See and Do
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has so much to offer that you can easily while away a few days here. Here are some of the things you could enjoy during your stay:
- You can walk along the town wall, which is one of the most impressive features of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The wall is about 4 km (2.5 miles) long and has 42 towers and gates. You can walk on top of the wall or along its base and enjoy the views of the town and the countryside. The wall is open from 8 am to 6 pm (or until dusk) and is free of charge.
- Why not visit St. Jacob’s Church, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Germany. The church was built between 1373 and 1528 in Gothic style and has a stunning wooden altar by Tilman Riemenschneider, a famous sculptor of the late Middle Ages. The altar depicts scenes from the life of Jesus. The church also has a tower that you can climb for a small fee and enjoy a panoramic view of the town.
- The Imperial City Museum, is housed in a former convent building and tells the history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber as a free imperial city from 1274 until 1803. The museum has exhibits on various aspects of life in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, such as trade, crafts, religion, art, war, and culture. The museum also has a collection of weapons, armor, coins, paintings, and sculptures. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (or until 6 pm in summer) and costs 7 euros for adults.
- You can join the Night Watchman’s Tour, which is one of the most popular and entertaining activities in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The tour is led by a man dressed as a night watchman who takes you around the town at night and tells you stories and legends about its history and people. The tour lasts about an hour and starts at 8 pm (or 9:30 pm in summer) at the Market Square. The tour costs 8 euros per person and does not require reservation.
- On the tour you learn about the Master Gulp, which is one of the most famous events in Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s history. In 1631, during the Thirty Years’ War, the town was besieged by the Catholic League forces under Count Tilly. The town was spared from destruction when a citizen named Nusch accepted a challenge from Tilly to drink 3.25 litres of wine in one gulp. The town celebrates this event every Whitsuntide by performing a play called Der Meistertrunk at the town hall.
Where to Eat and Drink
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has many restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local and international cuisine. Here are some of the places you might want to try:
- Try a hearty breakfast at Cafe Walter, which is located near the Market Square and has a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. The cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, such as eggs, bacon, cheese, bread, jam, yogurt, fruit, and coffee. The prices are reasonable and the portions are said to be generous.
- You can have a traditional lunch at Zur Höll, which is one of the oldest and most authentic restaurants in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The restaurant is located in a historic building that dates back to the 12th century and has a rustic decor and a fireplace. The restaurant specializes in Franconian cuisine, such as sausages, roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut, and potato salad.
- Why not try a sweet treat of Schneeballen, which is a local specialty and a must-try in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Schneeballen are balls of pastry dough that are deep-fried and coated with sugar, chocolate, nuts, or other toppings. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they come in different flavors and sizes. You can find them at many bakeries and shops around the town,
- We had a nice lunch, for a reasonable price, at Hotel & Restaurant Reichsküchenmeister Das Herz von Rothenburg. It’s next to the church in the centre of the old town and we sat out in the beer garden as it was a hot and sunny day.
Finally!
We had an amazing time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with our motorhome, and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a living museum that preserves the charm and spirit of the Middle Ages. If you are looking for a motorhome adventure that will take you back in time, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the perfect destination for you!
More motorhome blog articles about Germany
A motorhome adventure at Lake Titisee in The Black Forest
Motorhome Magic – A journey through Germany’s wine road
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