We said goodbye to Bavaria and headed Northwest. We decided to rent a car from Munich and drive along the "Romantic Road" to the city of Rothenburg. This town was postcard perfect. The "Romantic Road" is a popular themed drive that takes you by many picturesque castles and historic towns showing you quintessential German settings.
Rothenburg is a well preserved medieval walled town. The best thing to do here, is just wander the streets of this ancient city.
Rothenburg is also home to a few year round Christmas stores and has one of the most stunning Christmas markets in Germany. The year round "Christmas Village" is the largest Christmas store in all of Germany. It was definitely different, and pretty amazing really.
Photography is not allowed inside, but here are a few pictures from their website. http://wohlfahrt.com/en/christmas-stores/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber/the-christmas-village-in-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber
Traditional lunch, a little fresh herbed goat cheese, some truffle hard cheese, sliced meats, bread, and a little wine.
Every hour on the hour in the market square you will find a free show taking place on the clock tower. It shows the story of an old tale of when the town was saved in 1631 by their mayor by drinking down 3 liters of wine in one glorious chug! You can see the mayor on the right.
The best thing we did here was the "Night Watchman's" Tour. Every night there used to be six night watchman who would patrol the streets keeping the town safe from fires, thieves, and drunks. The threat of fire during this time was the worst thing that could happen to a walled city. The tour guide, or Nights Watchman; is hilarious. He cracks jokes and tells the stories of life in Rothenburg during medieval times.
Entrance to the city
Town Hall in Market Square
We absolutely loved this place, if you are visiting Germany make sure to come here and tell the Night Watchman hello from us!
