Rothenburg ob der Tauber

<h2>The Perfectly Preserved Time Capsule</h2><p>If one were to imagine the quintessential medieval German town, it would look exactly like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. As the crown jewel of the famous Romantic Road, Rothenburg is a miraculously preserved walled city that feels less like a modern town and more like an elaborate, living museum or a film set.</p><h3>Medieval Marvel</h3><p>Its entire Old Town is a breathtaking ensemble of cobbled lanes, colorful half-timbered houses, and formidable stone towers. The town's most famous and photographed spot is the Plönlein, a small square featuring a crooked, charming yellow house framed by two medieval towers - an image that has graced countless postcards and travel guides.</p><h3>Walking the Walls</h3><p>What makes Rothenburg truly special is its intact medieval city wall. Visitors can walk along much of its 4-kilometer length, peering down at a sea of red-tiled roofs and gaining a unique perspective on the town's layout. The covered walkway provides protection from the elements and offers numerous towers and gates to explore.</p><h3>Living History</h3><p>For a dose of atmospheric storytelling, the nightly tour with the Night Watchman is an absolute must, bringing the town's history to life with humor and anecdotes. The costumed guide leads visitors through darkened streets, sharing tales of medieval life, plagues, and wars.</p><h3>Year-Round Christmas</h3><p>For those with a taste for the macabre, the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum offers a chilling look at the legal system of the Dark Ages, complete with torture instruments like the infamous Iron Maiden. And for a touch of year-round festive cheer, the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum and shop is a magical world of ornaments and decorations.</p><h3>Magical Evenings</h3><p>Rothenburg is extremely popular and can be overrun with day-trippers. The real magic happens for those who stay overnight. The town becomes peaceful, romantic, and deeply atmospheric after 5 PM, when tour buses depart and locals reclaim their streets.</p>