The Most Beautiful Viewpoints in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Small town, big views: Rothenburg ob der Tauber not only enchants with its fairy-tale old town but also with spectacular views of the picturesque half-timbered city. As you wander through the historic alleys, be sure to change your perspective and head upwards now and then. We show you the seven most beautiful viewpoints in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

The heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the large market square with its gigantic town hall. The building complex consists of two parallel building sections separated by courtyards. With its grand staircase and Renaissance façade, the town hall almost looks like a palace.

The old town is dominated by the Town Hall Tower, which reaches a height of 170 meters. You'll need to climb 220 steps to get to the top. From the observation platform, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view over all of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and into the Tauber Valley and the Franconian Heights.

The old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber enchants not only with its half-timbered houses but also with its impressive city wall and towers. That's why Rothenburg was nicknamed 'Franconian Jerusalem' as early as the 16th century. The city wall has 42 towers, six gates, and a few pedestrian entrances.

A highlight is the Rothenburg Tower Path: Along the route, you encircle the city over a distance of four kilometers in about two and a half hours - and in between, you get completely different views of the city.

The starting point for the Rothenburg Tower Path is the Röder Tower. This begins the walk right at a vantage point. As the city wall was expanded outwards over time, more and more watchtowers were built. At its peak, there were 70, of which 42 are still preserved today.

The Röder Tower was built around the year 1390 - and along with the Town Hall Tower, it is the second observation tower in the city. From its tower room, you have a magnificent view over the rooftops and houses of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Where once stood a castle complex of the Staufer, today extends the green oasis of Rothenburg: the 1.4-hectare Castle Garden. The park was created in the 19th century at the site of the Staufer Castle, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1356.

Today, visitors can discover vast garden areas, 200-year-old beeches, and lindens, and behind the former gardener's house, a figure bed with stunning flowers. From the Castle Garden, you have a wide view of the city and across the Tauber Valley.

Rothenburg is situated above the Tauber and surrounded by a magnificent landscape. The Tauber Valley is ideal for cycling tours and hikes. There are a total of 13 different circular hiking trails around Rothenburg ob der Tauber - and many promise magnificent views of the city.

The Tauber Mills Trail is particularly worthwhile: On it, you not only discover numerous mills but also reach several vantage points along the way, from which you can admire the city panorama.

Located in the southwest of the old town, the Double Bridge, which spans the Tauber, is a popular destination and a great viewing point in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The bridge was likely built around 1330. It was once part of the trade route from Augsburg to Würzburg and served as a toll bridge in the Middle Ages. During World War II, the bridge was blown up and rebuilt true to the original after the war.

The Double Bridge has two superimposed rows of arches and is reminiscent of Roman architecture. However, the Romans had nothing to do with it: the original bridge ended up being too short, prompting the planners to simply build another one. Standing on the bridge, you have a unique view of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

If you want to combine a hike with a viewpoint, you should take the tour to the Engelsburg. This is located opposite the city on a hill above the Tauber. The site has a long history: findings and research have shown that a settlement existed here in early times. The area was secured by the so-called Celtic Wall.

The path leads from the Double Bridge westward and then gently ascends a slope. It continues along Leuzenbronner Straße, past the Engelsburg grill area and the former Engelsburg ski jump to the destination. At the Engelsburg, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view over to Rothenburg!

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.