I was in Nuremberg for a few days and saw a few interesting day trips from the city. I decided on visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
This quaint destination looks like it came from a fairytale.
Brief Look
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a quaint town in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. It's one of the destinations you can visit that's along Germany's famous Romantic Road. Rothenburg's main draw is its well-preserved old town. The walls and some buildings, homes, and structures in town are centuries old. Walking around felt like I entered a fairytale with the timber houses and pastel colors.
The Rathaus or town hall in Marktplatz is a fine work of architecture that dates to the 13th century. The building has undergone many additions throughout the centuries some of which include the tower, clock, Imperial Hall, and the Council Tavern to name a few.
Plönlein is arguably the most photographed area in Rothenburg. This section isn't even big, it's more of an intersection. The two towers (Siebers and Kobolzeller) you'll see before passing this section date to the 13th century.
St. James' Church is another centuries old landmark in Rothenburg. Construction of the church fnished in 1485. Inside you'll find the Altar of the Holy Blood which depicts the Last Supper.
During the time of the Nazis, Rothenburg was dubbed as the "most German of German towns." The Nazis used Rothenburg as an idealized version of the family when they spread their brand of propaganda across Germany. Bombs destroyed a substantial part of the town when the Americans advanced deep into Germany during World War II. However, the town was spared from complete destruction when the local government at the time agreed to surrender. After the war, reconstruction took place. Some of the houses and buildings that were destroyed had to be rebuilt from scratch. The construction followed the overall design of the town so that the reconstructed buildings and houses blended in.
Fast forward to today, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a popular tourist destination Bavaria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and shops in town if you'd like to grab a bite, get a drink, or buy a souvenir. The quaint old town is a nice place to simply hang out in and soak in the atmosphere.
How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by Public Transportation
The easiest way to get to Rothenburg by public transportation is to take the train. You'll need a couple of changes but they're easy to make once you reach your stop. You'll have to go to Ansbach, then switch trains to Steinach (b Rothenburg ob der Tauber). From Steinach, you'll then board the train bound for Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You'll have enough time to change platforms and catch the next train you need to be on. The whole one-way trip including transfers takes over an hour. I bought the one-day Bayern ticket (around €28), which I think is good value for the distance I covered from Nuremberg and back.
You can check this site for schedules: https://www.bahn.com/en
