Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, two hours east of Heidelberg, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Walking through Rothenburg feels like stepping into a storybook. The town’s half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades create a picturesque setting that’s straight out of a fairytale.
Rothenburg has a deep history dating back to the Middle Ages. The town played a significant role in various historical events, and its well-preserved architecture reflects its past. Landmarks like the Plönlein, a charming narrow street with a fork and iconic half-timbered house, and the Gothic-style St. Jakob’s Church, which houses the famous Holy Blood altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, are must-sees. The city walls, towers, and gates offer a glimpse into the town’s fortified past. Climbing the Town Hall Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Tauber Valley. The scenic landscape, with its rolling hills and vineyards, is breathtaking.
Rothenburg is famous for its Christmas market, one of the most magical in Germany. Even outside the holiday season, you can visit the Christmas Museum and shop at Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village, which is open year-round and offers festive decorations and gifts. As a kind of contrast, the Medieval Crime Museum provides an intriguing look at the history of crime, punishment, and justice in medieval Europe. It’s both fascinating and chilling, offering insights into the darker aspects of the past.
Where is Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Reviews related to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Manfred the driver, concierge, regional expert, dining buddy and historian!
Fred put together a custom trip from Heidelberg to Rothenberg, including historical sites along the way. He included a river crossing on a vintage 1933 auto ferry with a super colorful and engaging pilot. We experienced flammkuchen, the Night Watchman and a good dose of regional history on our extended day tour. This was a great life experience with a regional expert! He is a safe and professional driver with an immaculately maintained car. Fred is outgoing and pleasant with a quick sense of humor and great command of English.
Everyone should have a friend like Manfred!
I wish I could give Manfred ten stars! We used his services three times during a recent trip. The first was a pickup from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg. He communicated well prior to pick up and was waiting for us when we arrived. The third time we used him was for a transfer from Heidelberg to Strasbourg, which was super easy. Again, he was punctual and friendly. The second trip, however, was where he really shined. We used Manfred for a day trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber. Some people just drive and pick up but Manfred takes you around town showing you all the spots of interest, like a tour without all boring details that my teens hate. I, however, love those details so whenever I asked Manfred about a specific building or historical event, he knew the answer. It truly was like having a friend show you around. One final example of how Manfred went above and beyond is that I was looking for a German card game that I had recently played with my Swiss relatives and everywhere was sold out. Manfred called a dozen stores and found three copies for me in a Heidelberg store. The store would have been a half hour walk for me so Manfred biked over and dropped it off at our Airbnb… just so above and beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. And to top it off, he is just a really great guy to spend a few days with. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Cross country to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
I found Manfred online whilst looking for a travel option from Speyer to Rothenburg. The travel date happened to be our wedding anniversary so I asked Manfred if he could pick us up and provide some cake and refreshments with a stop off somewhere to enjoy. Manfred’s vehicle is impeccably maintained and extremely comfortable, his service and manners match. I consider the service to be great value.
We have hired him three times and have loved every experience!
My husband and I have toured Germany with Manfred three times, and we have thoroughly enjoyed each visit. In 2019, Manfred drove us from Heidelberg to Grosskarlbach to visit the church where my great-great grandparents were married shortly before they emigrated to the United States. Even though the church was closed upon our arrival, Manfred contacted the minister and arranged for a tour of the church for us. In addition, Manfred contacted distant cousins of mine and arranged for a private luncheon for us at my cousin’s wine bar and restaurant. In 2021, we visited Germany again, and toured the Mosel and Middle Rhein regions with Manfred. We visited Eltz Castle, Bonn, and several small villages along the Rhein over the course of two days. We spent another afternoon hiking through vineyards in the Rheinhessen region before traveling to Stuttgart to visit the Porsche Museum and to Sindelfingen to visit a weaving museum and school. (Manfred located the weaving museum for me because of my interest in the craft.) After taking a break to spend several days with relatives in 2021, we re-joined Manfred for a tour of Bavaria and Neuschwanstein Castle, before moving onto Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The total time spent with Manfred in 2021 was seven days. This year, in May 2023, we returned to Germany for a third time. After visiting relatives once again, we spent several days with Manfred and visited the Altstadt, Philosopher’s Way, Nazi Amphitheater and Mark Twain Center – all in Heidelberg – before traveling back to the middle Rhein region to visit the Rheinstein Castle. Now that we have spent well over two weeks in Manfred’s presence, we can once again attest that he is the most professional, knowledgeable, charming, charismatic, friendly, funny and downright fun tour guides we have ever met. As his company name suggests, he really is not a tour guide, but he is a friend. We only hope that we will visit Germany for a fourth time sometime in the not-too-distant future and will spend more time exploring the country with Manfred. And we hope that Manfred will someday visit us in the United States.
October in Germany
Heidelberg has been a destination for over 30 years with minimal travel outside Heidelberg and the surrounding area. This trip I wanted to be a little different as I knew this would be the one and only time my mom would be able to accompany me. To add to the adventure Mom had broken her foot (again) 3 days before we headed to Heidelberg. Having a private tour/driver has an additional cost but the value you get out of the experience is worth every penny/euro spent. Manfred went above and beyond with everything that was asked and provided more!! Within minutes of Manfred picking us up – my daughter, mom and myself it felt like we had been friends for years. He truly is “a friend in heidelberg”. We enjoyed the scenic route to Rothenberg and spent time just exploring the town and few shops. With Mom having her foot in a walking boot Manfred made sure everything was as easy as possible. Our drive back to Heidelberg was via the autobahn and a new experience for Mom. Manfred’s knowledge and easy communication style made the day. He is a genuine good person. Will book again with Manfred if the need arises and will definitely have dinner with Manfred and his girlfriend and of course I need to meet his dog next time Thanks for the great day!