Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market: Private Walking Tour through Germany's Fairytale Village
4.5
6 Ratings
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Experience the magic of Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market on a private walking tour. Explore the fairytale village, indulge in German delicacies, and find unique Christmas decorations.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Rothenburg Town Hall (Rathaus) - We will start our tour by visiting the most known corner of town: Plönlein. The best-known view of Rothenburg and an inspiration for countless artists, its name comes from the Latin word “Planum”, meaning “levelled square”. We advise to see 1940’s Disney’s classic Pinocchio before your visit. You will recognize this square!
After this we will pass the 14 th century city walls. On the way to another important site, the main door of the city: Rödertor. It’s a fortified gate with an important cannon complex, through which all goods entered the city. From here we walk inwards, to meet the Röderbogen, once also the entrance of the city, but this time the gate of the 12 th century. Note the tower of Saint Mark, a prison until the 19th century, 22 meters high and 2 meters thick walls, similar to the tower of London.
Then we will head to the central square of the city, and the heart of the Christmas Market: Marktplatz. Here we will find the Ratstrinkstube, the old town hall of the city and site of the famous astronomic clock that represents the mayor of Rothenburg drinking 4 liter of wine in order to save this city from the 30 Years War. In front of it you will see the Rathaus, today’s town hall, with its two towers, one of 13 th century gothic style, and the other of 16 th century baroque. We will spend some time here, enjoying the stalls, some hot mulled wine and some more stories about the market and the 500 years-old Christmas traditions.
We continue on our way down the street and find Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop, the most famous holiday shop in the world and were you will find over 30 thousand handmade pieces, traditional or otherwise. Open all year, this is where you will find the magic of Christmas always alive and well. We will also pass the Franziskaner Kirche, a church of the Franciscan monks’ order dating of the 13 th century in pre-gothic style. Then we’ll reach the gate of the castle (Burgtor), and then finding the gardens of the castle (Burggarten) and the best view of the city. This was once the site of the imperial castle of the 12 th century, but this one was destroyed by earthquake in the 14 th century and its ruins were used to build the second wall of the city. Only a small chapel remains, with a monument to the fallen in the Two Worlds Wars. On our way back to the market we will stop at the church of Saint Jakob, were a drop of the blood of Christ is kept, a relic brought here during the Crusades. We will then finish our tour of this wonderful Christmas town in its heart and center, for some more Christmas exploration on your own.
What's Included
- Customizable tour options
- Exclusive private guide
What's Not Included
- *Gratuities
- *any entrance fees
- *food or drink
Additional Information
Rothenburg ob der Tauber encapsulates the quintessential charm of German hamlets, appearing as if it’s been plucked right out of a storybook. With its winding paved lanes, half-timbered residences, and immaculately maintained medieval fortifications, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a Disney feature. Coupled with the magnificent Christmas Market, you’re in for a picturesque festive spectacle. We’ll guide you through a historical journey spanning five centuries, revealing how customs have remarkably stayed intact and continue to be honored today. No mention of Christmas would be complete without a delightful spread of German gastronomy, all set to the tunes of holiday anthems played by local orchestras. Come with us as we explore the most famous landmarks of the town, and peruse a myriad of stalls offering meticulously crafted Christmas wares. Here, you’ll surely discover the perfect present for your family, or a distinctive memento of your visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Location
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Plönlein, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
Sharie9471
Dec 19, 2023
Behind the Christmas market, there’s another Rothenberg waiting to be experienced! - Antonia was our guide yesterday. She is a delight. We walked around the area of the Christmas market. We took in the Town Hall area and learned historical things. She included a walk along the city wall. The views are amazing up there. We walked a different area, away from the Christmas market and learned more history of the importance of Rothenberg. We shopped a little as we began. She was kind to let us do that. We ended back in the Christmas market. She helped us get back our bearings so we knew where we were before she left us. Antonia couldn't have been more kind and informative. She is a wonderful guide and lady! We enjoyed her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Romtas
Dec 13, 2023
Heartwarming short visit! - A short visit to this museum delights most guests. In this shop with a permanent exhibition, Advent and Christmas are remembered all year round. Of course, you can also buy all of the exhibits. Very nice!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brianne_m
Dec 26, 2022
Rothenburg with kids - This was our second visit to the city but first tour. It was amazing, got to see and learned more then we found out on our own. Our guide was beyond amazing! The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves as well. 100% recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Tt-thetraveler
Dec 1, 2022
Just what we were hoping for. - My wife and I used to live near Rothenberg many years ago and we had gone a number of times. Therefore, we wanted something a little more private and in-depth. Antona was exactly what we were hoping for. She showed us things that we'd never seen and explained things we never knew (or at least didn't remember. Definitely worth the extra price!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scotalberta
Oct 27, 2023
Talk about Taking Christ out of Christmas - It's a store. Sells "seasonal" decorations in the theme of ¹"traditional" German Christmas. Some cute items, lots of tree decorations, winter scenes, and unique home decor materials but very little to do with religious Christmas material.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
