thebackpackdiaries

Tucked along Germany’s Romantic Road lies a fairy-tale town that seems frozen in time—Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and ancient town walls, it’s no wonder this place has become a must-visit for lovers of history, photography, and storybook charm.

First Impressions
As soon as we stepped through the city gates, We felt like we’d walked onto the set of a medieval movie. Pastel-colored buildings lined the streets, each one crooked and charming in its own way. Flower boxes overflowed with blooms, and the smell of fresh pastries drifted out from every other bakery.

Walking the Town Walls
One of Rothenburg’s most unique features is its intact city wall—you can actually walk along it! The covered walkway gave us panoramic views of the rooftops, church towers, and surrounding countryside. Every few meters, a new stone staircase or lookout tower brought a new photo opportunity.

Plönlein: The Most Photographed Spot in Town
No visit to Rothenburg is complete without stopping by Plönlein, that iconic fork-in-the-road photo spot. The yellow half-timbered house with its slanted roof, flanked by two medieval towers, looks like something out of a Brothers Grimm tale. And yes, we took way too many pictures.

Christmas All Year Round
Even in summer, Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village is open and bustling. Inside, it’s a sparkling wonderland of ornaments, nutcrackers, and towering Christmas trees. It felt a bit surreal to hear carols in July, but also kind of magical.

A Bite of History
Lunch was at a cozy little tavern serving up Franconian specialties. We ordered schneeballen—a local pastry that translates to “snowball.” It’s essentially fried dough covered in sugar, chocolate, or other toppings. I’ll be honest: it’s more fun to look at than to eat (a bit dry!), but you have to try it at least once.

Sunset and Goodbyes
As the sun dipped behind the town walls, Rothenburg became even more magical. The lanterns flickered to life, and the streets quieted. We wandered through the alleys one last time, reluctant to leave this living storybook behind.

How to Get There
Getting to Rothenburg may feel a bit off-the-beaten-path — and that’s part of its charm — but it’s very doable.

🚆 By Train:
From Munich: Take a train to Ansbach or Steinach (b Rothenburg), then transfer to the small local line to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The whole journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

From Nuremberg: About 1.5 to 2 hours, with one transfer.

From Frankfurt: Around 3 hours, also with a transfer.

German trains are reliable and family-friendly.

🚗 By Car:
Driving gave us the most flexibility. The roads are smooth, the countryside is beautiful, and parking just outside the city walls is easy. We parked in P1 or P2, then walked into the old town (about 5–10 minutes).

Tip: If you’re planning to drive part of the Romantic Road, Rothenburg is a highlight along the route.

Tips for Travelers:

• Stay overnight to experience the town without day-trippers.

• Walk the wall early in the morning for peace and great light.

• Visit in December for the famous Christmas market—or anytime for the holiday feel.

Final Thoughts of TheBackpackdiaries:
Rothenburg isn’t just a place you see—it’s a place you feel. Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or simply someone who loves a good photo op, this town will steal your heart.

till next time thebackpackdiaries now signing off….