Founded in the 12th century, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, is famous for its art galleries, shops, cafes and pretty hotels.
Situated 114 mi/183 km southeast of Frankfurt, Rothenburg (pronounced ROE-ten-burg) feels like the setting for a fairy tale—it's surrounded by towers, ramparts and walls. Don't be surprised if various streets look familiar—they're often photographed for tourism posters.
Visit the town hall and its vaults, Mark's Tower and Roder Arch, the Castle Gate and garden, St. Jacob's Church with its famous Altar of the Holy Blood, the Toy and Doll Museum, the German Christmas Museum and the Medieval Crime Museum.
St. Wolfgang's Church is fascinating, especially the three altars dating from around 1500. Although Rothenburg is one of the most tourist-laden towns in Germany, it's still worth a visit. Plan to stay overnight, as most tourist buses leave in the late afternoon and the town is most atmospheric in the early evening.
If you want to visit an equally charming town with considerably fewer tourists, try Miltenberg.
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