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Rothenburg ob der Tauber – The Perfect Day for Groups

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is no ordinary destination—the town is an experience in itself. Behind every half-timbered house, in every narrow alley, and on every square, you can feel the breath of history. Here, time seems to have stood still, and yet life pulsates between the city walls, towers, and cobblestone streets.

Mann in historischem Kostüm mit Hellebarde und Laterne spricht vor einer Menschenmenge vor einer Steinmauer.

10:00 a.m. – Guided walking tour of the Old Town

Join your group for a guided walking tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, arguably Germany’s most famous medieval town. During the tour through the historic Old Town, with its many winding alleys and towers, picturesque corners, and squares lined with half-timbered houses, we’ll get an overview of the various aspects and eras of Rothenburg’s history. We’ll walk past the most important and beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages and conclude the tour at the famous St. James’ Church, home to the remarkable Holy Blood Altar by the renowned woodcarver Tillmann Riemenschneider. 

 

12:00 PM – Lunch with the Rothenburg Cellar Master

A truly special experience awaits your group during lunch with the cellar master in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In a rustic atmosphere, you’ll not only enjoy a traditional Franconian meal but also the company of a genuine Rothenburg cellar master—complete with entertaining anecdotes, wine knowledge, and medieval charm. The cellar master will welcome you in traditional costume and take you on a brief journey through the world of wine and Rothenburg’s drinking culture. Between courses, he will share stories with wit and knowledge about old customs, regional wine varieties, and life in medieval Rothenburg.


2:30 p.m. – Museum visit: Medieval Crime Museum or Rothenburg Museum

A visit to the Medieval Crime Museum is one of the most memorable experiences in Rothenburg ob der Tauber—especially for groups. Within the historic walls of a former Johanniter commandery, you’ll discover, in a vivid and engaging way, the evolution of law, punishment, and order in Europe over the course of a millennium. Spanning over 1,000 m², the exhibition covers everything related to criminal law, torture, public punishments of shame, witch hunts, and judicial symbolism—impressive, educational, and often surprisingly relevant today. Numerous original exhibits, such as masks of shame, execution swords, and pieces from the pillory, inspire wonder, reflection—and plenty of conversation.


Anyone who truly wants to understand Rothenburg ob der Tauber should definitely pay a visit to the RothenburgMuseum. Housed in the former Dominican convent, it is one of the most impressive cultural-historical museums in the region—a place where over 800 years of city history come to life. Even a tour of the centuries-old building is an experience in itself: original preserved convent rooms such as the cloister, the chapter house, and the convent kitchen tell stories from the time of nuns, merchants, patricians, and artisans. Particularly impressive is the fully furnished 13th-century convent kitchen—the oldest in Germany. For groups, guided tours of the museum led by knowledgeable docents are available upon request—ideal for gaining deeper insights into Rothenburg’s history, life in the Middle Ages, and the significance of the Imperial City.

 

4:30 PM – Free time in the Old Town

After the group program, the group will have some free time to explore Rothenburg on their own. The romantic Old Town, with its winding alleys, historic squares, and charming specialty shops, invites you to stroll, linger, and enjoy. Whether taking a leisurely walk through the romantic castle gardens, along or atop the city walls, browsing small boutiques and souvenir shops, or taking a break in one of the quaint cafés—Rothenburg offers the perfect experience for every taste.


6:30 PM – Dinner and themed tour of the Old Town

The best way to round off a successful day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is with an atmospheric evening program: a group dinner in a historic setting, followed by an exciting themed tour of the Old Town. First, the group enjoys a traditional Franconian dinner in a cozy inn. With regional specialties and a convivial atmosphere, the day winds down in a relaxed manner—perfect for sharing impressions and gathering new energy for the second part of the evening.

The themed tour then begins, bringing history to life in an entertaining way. Whether you’re exploring the dark alleys with the night watchman, taking a “behind-the-scenes” tour, or joining a historical figure like Walburga, the craftsman’s widow—the combination of dim lighting, ancient walls, and captivating stories creates a unique atmosphere.

Want more?

Zwei Personen betrachten im Museum eine Ausstellung mit Ritterrüstung und Helmen hinter Glas.

Guided Hike or Bike Tour in the Tauber Valley

For groups looking to incorporate nature and physical activity into their itinerary, guided hikes or bike tours in the Tauber Valley are an excellent option. The routes wind through the diverse cultural landscape around Rothenburg and offer a relaxing opportunity to experience nature away from the city walls (duration approx. 3–4 hours).


Creative group experience in the Old Town

Creative activities such as making your own chocolate figures or painting porcelain are ideal for a special group experience. These programs promote interaction and team spirit and can be easily integrated into an extra day of your stay (duration approx. 2–3 hours).


Beer tasting at the Reichelshofen Brewery

A visit to the Reichelshofen Brewery offers insights into the region’s brewing culture. During a beer tasting, groups get to know different types of beer and learn interesting facts about the production and traditions of brewing in the region (duration approx. 2 hours).

Rothenburg ob der Tauber for tour operators

Information on guided tours

  • The maximum group size for city tours is 25 people. 

Information for tour buses

  • Comprehensive information is available online.

Further informations for travel organizers

Jörg Hentschel und Claudia Büttner