Â鶹APP

Close up photo of a Christmas ornament hanging off a tree. Photo by Chad Madden

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Christmas Market Rothenburg

You can immediately tell how many generations have travelled these cobblestone streets after passing through one of the city’s defensive gates. Oldest homes in Rothenburg date back to the thirteenth century (and locals have a friendly rivalry going on as to whose home is actually the oldest). 

Due to its location at the crossroads of important European trade and pilgrimage routes, Rothenburg did indeed become wealthy throughout the Middle Ages. Visitors nowadays can still experience this affluence by passing through the opulent structures in the vicinity of Market Square.

You won’t quickly forget a Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Imagine the world-famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village emitting winter cheer, half-timbered cottages dusted with snow, and Glühwein kiosks springing up all around the quaint old town.

Even in 2021, when the Christmas market won’t be held, a stroll through Rothenburg is enough to put anyone in the holiday spirit.

These are the top 10 amazing facts about Christmas Market Rothenburg ;

1.During the first world war Rothenburg got slightly destroyed

As one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns at the time, Rothenburg captured the attention of romantic period authors and painters, who helped the city regain its notoriety by highlighting its beauty. This marked the start of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s tourism period. 

Let’s jump ahead to World War II. Bombings in March 1945 completely destroyed 30% of the town. However, Rothenburg’s historical importance—which the Americans were well aware of—protected it from total destruction. Following the initial airstrikes, the US army dispatched a delegation of six troops to negotiate the city’s surrender and prevent further destruction.

Donors from all around the world gave large sums of money after World War II to help Rothenburg get back to how it was.

2.The famous Night Watchman Tour’s history of Rothenburg

The renowned Night Watchman Tour provided me with a wealth of information about Rothenburg’s past. Local tour guide Hans-Georg describes what life was like for early residents of Rothenburg while disguised as a medieval watchman. 

He leads you around the Old Town’s lit-up lanes as he weaves together anecdotes, humour, and human interest tales. This isn’t your normal tour where facts are forced down your throat; instead, you learn bits of history alongside a theatrical play. 

Every day at 8 o’clock in the evening in English, the group gathers for the Night Watchman tour (no pre-booking necessary).

3.Christmas Market `Rothenburg is known for the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum

The Reiterlesmarkt, one of Germany’s most exquisite Christmas markets, has been held in the city for more than 500 years. 

The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum, the only institution of its sort in the world, makes it seem like Christmas is celebrated in Rothenburg every day of the year. Then there is the nearby Christmas Village, which has 16,000 square feet of hand-made Christmas decorations and artifacts, including collector’s items and limited edition items. This area alone might be a museum. 

You can tell that a Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a solemn occasion. You can find lovely decorations, trees decorated with ornaments made by neighbourhood schoolchildren, and tiny pop-up Glühwein stands run by neighbourhood cafes as you explore the Old Quarter’s streets.

4.Old Quarter artisanal gift shopping at Christmas Market `Rothenburg

Take a trip down Obere Schmiedgasse and the lanes that run parallel to it if you want to find one-of-a-kind presents or goods for yourself while supporting regional craftsmen. Here are a number of stores where the proprietors create and market handmade goods.

Even better, you might be able to observe local craftspeople at work developing their upcoming items! 

Since small companies have been the most severely impacted by the pandemic, it is now more crucial than ever to support them while visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber for the holidays.

5.Christmas Joy and Old Town Walks at Christmas Market `Rothenburg

Cars parked beside the road in town during the day. Photo by Pat Whelen

The finest way to experience the true spirit of Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to take a stroll through the Old Town while sipping on some gluhwein or hot cocoa. Shop windows are decked out for the holidays to brighten up onlookers. 

With a light covering of snow and after dark when all the Christmas lights are up, the streets look really lovely! Market Square and Herrngasse provide the most festive atmosphere (where the Christmas Museum and Village are).

The finest way to experience the true spirit of Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to take a stroll through the Old Town while sipping on some gluhwein or hot cocoa. Shop windows are decked out for the holidays to brighten up onlookers.

6.Frosty tours of the fortifications in Old Quarter

The first snowfall of the year fell during my Christmas visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The Old Quarter is surrounded by fortifications, so on my final morning in town, I got up early and went for a stroll along them to enjoy the winter panorama. 

I had expansive views of the Tauber Valley on one side. On the other, I could look up at recently dressed white-coated medieval ramparts. Simply put, this was a beautiful experience!

7.Attempt a Classic The Schneeball, a Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas treat

Germany, travel, Rothenburg, fresh bread, baking. Photo by Corinne Kutz

This Rothenburg ob der Tauber seasonal delicacy with a name like “snowball” quickly conjures images of Christmas and winter celebrations. It is a must-have while you are in town, and Rothenburg’s original Schneeball bakery has 18 flavours to pick from.

8.Visit the outdoor gluhwein bars in Rothenburg

By the way, be sure to try both the red and white Glühwein during your Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas tour. Red glühwein is a timeless favourite, whilst white glühwein is unquestionably more of a regional specialty.

9.Christmas tour at the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum in Rothenburg is one of Germany’s top 100 tourist destinations. 

Here, you can travel through time and see how crime and punishment changed throughout the Middle Ages. In the process, you’ll discover some of history’s most infamous criminals and gain insight into the mindset of medieval society.

10.For Your Living Room, a Miniature Rothenburg by Leyk sold at the Christmas Market `Rothenburg

Beautiful view of buildings around the city. Photo by Hendrik Kespohl

Make sure to visit Leyk if you want to take a little bit of Rothenburg home with you. Ursula and Bernt, a local couple, create candle-lit clay cottages that are painted to resemble the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings. Purchase a solitary lighthouse that represents your preferred Rothenburg structure, or a complete village scenario!