Rothenburg Christmas Market Guide & Best Things to Do
The Rothenburg Christmas Market is one of the most magical places. to be in Europe in December. Plus, here’s why I fell in love with the medieval German town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Germany, and shockingly, this place is still relatively a hidden gem. I mean it is not packed to the brim like other beautiful cities in Europe (for now, at least!).
And, the movie Pinocchio was inspired by Rothenburg too! All the streets are full of half-timbered houses, so it will feel like a real storybook as you stroll the streets. There’s also an incredible medieval wall surrounding the town, where you can walk along it and enjoy stunning views of the houses below.
And if you’re visiting during the holiday season, the Christmas markets in Rothenburg are an absolute must-see! The town gets even cuter, believe it or not! The streets are decked with so much festive cheer if you visit for Christmas in Rothenburg. And shop after shop is full of Christmas souvenirs.
Now read on for my full guide on visiting this magical town along the Romantic Road in Germany!
Just a heads-up! This post is in collaboration with Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tourism Board, but all opinions are my own. It contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep doing what I love—thank you! ♡. Thank you! Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.
Before you go:
🏨 Best place to stay in Rothenburg is Hotel Eisenhut for it’s central location and views.
🎫 Best Tour Option is a private walking tour of Rothenburg.
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile E-sim card to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card!
🤎 Best time to visit: Spring or Christmas time for the magical Christmas Markets.
About Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the heart of Bavaria in southern Germany along the famous Romantic Road. This picturesque route stretches about 350 kilometers from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south. It takes you through some of the most stunning towns in the Germany.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a history that spans over a thousand years. This medieval town was founded in the 12th century and became a vital trading hub reaching its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Despite the turmoil of the 30 Years’ War, Rothenburg remained intact and is the most well preserved medieval town in Germany.
What makes it even more magical today is the city walls, which still stand tall and proud around the town, offering an incredible walk with views of its iconic half-timbered houses.
When is the best time to visit?
📸 How cute is this Teddy bear in a window blowing bubbles??
My ultimate favorite time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Christmas time. That’s because you get a chance to visit the incredible Christmas Market and see the whole town decorated for Christmas.
And the good news is that in 2025, the Christmas Market starts on November 21st, which is one week earlier than the usual date.
However, shoulder season is also another great time to visit – Spring in Rothenburg is just perfect!
- High Season: Christmas (November to December) & Summer (June to September.
- Shoulder Season: Spring (April to early June) & Fall (September to October)
- Low Season: Winter months outside of the Christmas period (January to March). Note: Some attractions and restaurants may have reduced hours.
How much time to spend in Rothenburg?
Many people visit Rothenburg as a day trip. You can spend 4 to 6 hours here if you visit for the day. While that is plenty of time, I’d also encourage you to stay overnight to experience the magical city. If you’re going in peak season which is during Christmas or Summer, then staying overnight means you get the place to yourself when the crowds roll out.
Where to Stay in Rothenburg
Rothenburg is quite affordable with hotels ranging from €50-170 a night.
Hotel Eisenhut: For an excellent location and views of the town from the window. It’s also located right next door to the famous Christmas shop.
Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus garni: Also has amazing views of the medieval town.
BurgHotel: A small and cozy family run hotel.
How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg doesn’t have an airport itself. So, you’ll need to fly into Nuremberg, which is the closest airport to reach Rothenburg. Nuremberg is about 1.5 hours from Rothenburg.
You could also fly into Munich, Frankurt, or Stuttgart Airport too. All airports are around 2.5 hours from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
| Origin | By Car 🚗 | By Train 🚆 | By Tour 🎟️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuremberg | ~1 hour | ~1.5 hours (2 changes: Neustadt & Steinach) | Book |
| Munich | ~2h 45m | ~2.5 – 3.5 hours (2-3 changes: Nürnberg, Neustadt (Aisch), Steinach; Augsburg & Steinach) | Book |
| Stuttgart | ~2 hours | ~2.5 hours (1-2 changes: Bahnhof Schnelldorf or via Ansbach & Steinach) | N/A |
| Frankfurt | ~2.5 hours | ~2.5 – 3 hours (1-2 changes: Würzburg & Steinach) | Book |
🚆 Train Travel Tips
✅ Train Changes are Easy: Stations like Neustadt (Aisch) and Steinach are small, making transfers quick. In Neustadt, you just board the train opposite—no platform change needed!
✅ Plan Your Timings: Trains to Rothenburg are infrequent, so check your schedule carefully. If you miss a connection, you could be waiting a while!
✅ Check Your Platform Early: Screens inside the train and on your ticket will show your next platform—keep an eye on them so you’re ready to switch quickly.
✅ Short Connection Times: Some transfers are just a few minutes, so be prepared to move fast, especially when changing at Steinach.
I traveled to Rothenburg by train, but if you have a car hire, even better!
🚂 I use Omio to book my tickets, plan the train routes, and see the timings of when the trains are.
🚗 And for car rentals, my go to is Discover Cars as they aggregate all the different rental car companies and show you the cheapest option.
👉 Book a Tour There are many tours that will take you to Rothenburg too so you don’t have to deal with logistics of getting there.
Things to do in Rothenburg
1. Check out Plönlein, the most famous street
The most photographed street in Rothenburg, this charming half-timbered house with a split road and two towers is straight out of a storybook. This is the street that also inspired the film Pinnochio. It is one of the most Instagrammable streets in Rothenburg—and in Germany, for that matter.
You can find the exact location of the famous street, Plönlein, here on google maps.
2. Walk along the Medieval Walls
In Rothenburg, there are 14th-century walls that surround the town and the cool thing is you can walk along the walls. As you climb up some stairs which can be accessed from multiple points of the town, you’ll find stunning views over the rooftops.
3. Visit the Year-Round Christmas Shops
Rothenburg is home to the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, where you can shop for ornaments and festive decorations any time of year! A visit to this shop, is unmissable. It is one of the most impressive Christmas shops I’ve ever seen.
There’s a huge beautiful Christmas tree inside and many other insane displays.
They are open daily aside from Sunday from 11am to 5pm. During Christmas, the hours are extended.
4. Climb the Town Hall Tower
For 360° panoramic views, climb the 52-meter-high tower (Rathaus Tower)! It’s well worth the small fee and short climb to see the red rooftops of Rothenburg from above.
5. Watch the Clock Show at the Marktplatz
Every hour between 11 AM and 3 PM, and again from 8-10 PM, the clock on the Town Hall comes to life with a fun display telling the story of Rothenburg’s history.
6. Visit the Medieval Crime Museum
One of the most unique museums in Germany, this place showcases medieval torture devices and legal history— truly dark, but really interesting stuff!
Tickets can be purchased on the official website for €8.50.
7. Relax at the Castle Gardens
While Rothenburg’s castle was destroyed in an earthquake, the gardens are still around. If you visit, you’ll also find beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. It is open 24 hours a day and you can find the location here.
8. Try the Famous Schneeballen
A local specialty, these deep-fried dough pastries covered in powdered sugar or chocolate are a must-try. They’ve been made here for over 300 years! The best place to try it is at one of the most amazing bakeries called BrotHaus Zuckerbäckerei
9. Experience the Night Watchman Tour
Join a costumed guide at dusk for an entertaining walk through the city, learning about its medieval history and legends. I’d highly recommended this experience for first-time visitors!
The cost is €8 in cash for adults and free for children under 12. It happens daily at 20:00 and 21.30 in the town’s market square.
Note: The English tour starts is at 20:00 (8pm).
10. Explore the Romantic Road
Rothenburg is one of the highlights of Germany’s Romantic Road, a scenic route passing through picturesque villages and castles. Consider a bike ride or road trip to nearby spots like Dinkelsbühl or Würzburg.
You can also take a tour like this one along the Romantic Road.
Best Restaurants in Rothenburg
Restaurant Don Gallo: You might think this is crazy, but I had Mexican food during my visit to Rothenburg and it was AMAZING! Highly recommend.
Zur Hoell: for meaty German classics
HerR Restaurant: Michelin recommended
Rothenburg Christmas Market Guide
Why Visit Rothenburg at Christmas?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is considered the Christmas capital of Germany. Coming during this time is something really special. And it’s not overly crowded like other European Christmas Markets. The whole town is decorated festivly and each store explodes with Christmas decor and souvenirs.
Rothenburg Christmas Market Dates
In 2025, the Rothenburg Christmas Markets will begin one week earlier than usual! They will start on November 21st and end on December 23rd.
The market hours are 11 AM–7 PM Monday to Thursday and 11 AM–8 PM Friday–Sunday.
Pro-tip: If you arrive on opening day, you can watch the opening ceremony! You will find horses in the market square before the mayor greets everyone and the Christmas tree is lit up.
Christmas Market Location
The market takes place in the main market square, Marktplatz which is the heart of Rothenburg. Here you’ll be surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
Rothenburg Christmas Market Guide
My ultimate tips for visiting Rothenburg during Christmas:
- The market is small compared to bigger cities but I loved that! There’s 61 stalls full of food and handmade items.
- Climb the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views of the Christmas market and the town lit up in festive glory.
- Try the famous Schneeballen (snowballs), a deep-fried pastry covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. Also, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies are a must.
- Enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein). My favorite mulled wine was with apple and honey! Most places will make you pay a deposit for your glass and if you don’t want to keep it, you can return it and they will give you €2-3 back.
- Many stalls may not accept card payments, so make sure you have enough cash with you.
- Book hotels early as this is the most popular time to visit!
- Dress warm because you will mostly be outside strolling the markets and popping into Christmas shops as you like.
Hopefully you enjoyed this guide on Rothenburg, the most magical fairytale town in Europe!
You may also like these posts:
🎄Cologne Christmas Market Guide
🚆 Best European Christmas Markets by Train
🐻 Best Christmas Displays in Paris
🏘️ The Charming Town of Eguisheim, France
🎅🏼 Christmas Markets in Alsace, France
🎡 Best Christmas Decorations in London
🇨🇿 Best Christmas Markets in Prague + Things to Do
