The Best and Worst of Europe by Rick Steves
After Prague, Kraków and Budapest are central Europe's best cities. Bratislava (Slovakia) and Bucharest (Romania) are probably my least favorite of the big ...
Rothenburg
I'll close with a lightning round of "ultimates" (what travel writer can resist?): the ultimate medieval walled town in Germany ( <anchor>Rothenburg</anchor>), prehistoric stone fortress in Ireland ( Dun Aengus), Riviera town (Vernazza), hike in England's Lake District (Catbells above Keswick), neighborhood pub in London (The Anglesea Arms), castle in North Wales (nope, I still can't pick just one)...and pedestrian market street in Paris (Rue Cler).
Rothenburg Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves
Rothenburg Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

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# Rothenburg ob der Tauber

In the Middle Ages, when Berlin and Munich were just wide spots on the road, Rothenburg ob der Tauber was one of Germany's largest towns, thanks to its strategic position on the trade routes between northern and southern Europe. Today, it's the country's best-preserved medieval walled town, enjoying tremendous tourist popularity without losing its charm. While roughly 2 million people visit each year, most come only on day trips. Rothenburg is yours after dark, when the groups vacate and the town's floodlit cobbles wring some romance out of any travel partner.

## Plan

- [Germany: Recommended Itinerary](/europe/germany/itinerary)
- [When to Go to Germany](/europe/germany/best-time-to-go-to-germany)
- [Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Germany](/europe/germany/festivals)
- [Guidebook Updates for Germany](/europe/germany/guidebook-updates)
- [Germany Rail Passes and Train Tips](/travel-tips/transportation/trains/germany-rail-passes)
- [Germany: Recommended Books and Movies](/europe/germany/books-movies)

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## Watch

- [Germany’s Romantic Rhine and Rothenburg (episode)](/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/germanys-romantic-rhine-and-rothenburg)

## Read

#### Rothenburg ob der Tauber

- [Engaging Experts Enrich European Experiences](/watch-read-listen/read/articles/walking-food-tours)
- [Germany’s Fairy-Tale Dream Town: Rothenburg](/watch-read-listen/read/articles/germanys-fairytale-dream-town-rothenburg)
- [Souvenir Shopping in Europe? Lighten Up](/watch-read-listen/read/articles/souvenir-shopping-europe)
- [The Character — and Characters — of Rothenburg](/watch-read-listen/read/articles/characters-of-rothenburg)

## Listen

#### Rothenburg ob der Tauber Audio Tours

- Rothenburg Town Walk

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## Latest Rothenburg ob der Tauber Travel Forum Posts

- [Rothenburg Church Service](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/rothenburg-church-service)
- [Frankfurt am Main how many days](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/frankfurt-am-main-how-many-days)
- [Will We Make It????](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/will-we-make-it)

[All Rothenburg ob der Tauber Travel Forum Posts](https://search.ricksteves.com/?date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Rothenburg+ob+der+Tauber)

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