I visited Germany multiple times between 1998 and 2011 for business trips as my ex-employer’s world headquarter is in Waldorf, 10 KM south of Heidelberg. During my first visit to Germany in 1998, I drove to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most beautiful medieval fairytale village in Germany. I made another visit to this beautiful village in 2011.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (“red fortress above the Tauber river”) or Rothenburg odT or just Rothenburg, the town located on the Romantic Road in Bavaria, is known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The 14th century town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top.
Pictures below are from my visit to Rothenburg in 2011.
Plönlein, the most famous landmark area of Rothenburg odT, featuring old, half-timbered houses, a small fountain, cobbled streets & shops, and the two towers of the old city wall that rise to its left and right – on the left the Siebersturm (Siebers Tower) leading to Spital quarter, on the right the Kobolzeller Tor from 1360, which opens towards the Tauber Valley.Galgengasse (Gallows alley), one of Rothenburg’s most picturesque and historic streets, and Weisser turm (white tower ) in the old town.Galgentor, Gallows Gate, Tower & gateway fortification built circa 1600 with a viewing deck peering over the medieval town.The castle tower and gate, the highest gate tower, a view from Herrngasse, one of the main streets in the heart of the Altstadt (old town).The Marcus Tower, built around the year 1200 together with the first city wall. Along with the magnificent houses and the romantic Röder arch, they make a picturesque ensemble.Market Square (Marktplatz), the center of urban life in Rothenburg. The square is framed on the west by the Town Hall (Rathaus), on the north by the Councillors’ Tavern (Ratstrinkstube) with its tourist information center, on the east by shops and cafés, and on the south by St. George’s Fountain.Market Square (Marktplatz) after dark.Clock Tower of Ratstrinkstube (Councilor’s Tavern) in the Marktplatz (market square). The building’s clock tower chimes every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and two doors open on either side of the clock face to reenact the legendary story of the brave mayor who drank nearly a gallon of wine in order to save his city.Ratstrinkstube (Councilor’s Tavern) after dark.The impressive Renaissance façade of the town hall with the baroque arcades in front. Part Gothic, from 1240, and part Renaissance, from 1572, Rothenburg’s town hall is decorated with intricate friezes and a large stone portico opening onto the main market square.The town hall after dark.Fleisch und Tanzhaus (House of Meat and Dance), the most beautiful half-timbered buildings in the city.Fleisch und Tanzhaus (House of Meat and Dance), after dark. St. George’s Fountain (Georgsbrunnen), erected in 1446, the largest fountain in Rothenburg. On the right is the Town Hall Tower (Rathausturm) built in 13th century, offers the best view the city. The tower does not have a foundation of its own: it rests on top of the gable of the Gothic building.Another view of the St. George’s Fountain (Georgsbrunnen), erected in 1446, the largest fountain in Rothenburg.The Johannisbrunnen, got its name from the St. John’s Church, where it was erected in 1607, has been supplying water for over 400 years.Herrnbrunnen, the fountain erected during 16th century, has a mermaid with two fish tails figure on the top of the column. She has a golden crown on her had and a golden scepter in her hands.Colorful houses in the Marketplace.Colorful houses in the Marketplace.Colorful houses in the old town of Rothenburg.A beautiful half-timber house, converted in to a hotel.A beautiful half-timber house, converted in to a shop.A beautiful half-timber house, converted in to a restaurant.Covered stairs in St. Jakobskirche (St. Jacob’s Church).The Klingentor, one of many towers along the town wall of Rothenburg, though this tower has a special feature: it shares a wall with the Church of St. Wolfgang. Defense and sacred buildings are linked in this unique way. Next to this tower there is a stair where you can climb to the town wall and take a walk to explore the town.Metal signs hanging out side many Businesses in the old town.The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village. The largest Christmas shop in Europe open all-year round, it stocks everything that makes the festive season special.Enjoying freshly brewed Hefeweizen, unfiltered wheat beer, after a long day of walking around the old town.
Pictures below are from my first visit to Rothenburg in 1998. These pictures are taken using my Point&Shoot film camera.
Ratstrinkstube (Councilor’s Tavern) in the Market Square of Rothenburg.The town hall of Rothenburg.The Klingentor tower along the town wall of Rothenburg.Markus Tower & Roeder Arch, one of the most beautiful gateway structures in this medieval city.One of many beautiful half-timber houses of Rothenburg.A street artist playing Harp on one the busy streets.
Both time, in 1998 and 2011, after visiting Rothenburg for a day trip, I drove back to Heidelberg for work next day.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 