Rothenburg Market Square (Marktplatz)
Marktpl. 5, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, 91541
Rothenburg Market Square is a historical and architectural hub in the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dominated by a photogenic town hall, this vibrant square hosts markets, events, and traditional festivals throughout the year. Visitors from around the world flock to admire Renaissance architecture, soak up the fairytale atmosphere, and people-watch from cafés.
The basics
Most travelers stumble upon Marktplatz when walking around Rothenburg as it’s in the heart of the town. However, it features on many different Rothenburg tours, including private walking tours, self-guided scavenger hunts, and full-day excursions from towns and cities such as Frankfurt or Wurzburg. Whether exploring medieval sights or tracing the Romantic Road, visitors to Rothenburg's market square are sure to be enchanted by its timeless charm.
Things to know before you go
Rothenburg Market Square is wheelchair-accessible, but cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, and steps may pose challenges.
The tourist office offers a map that has wheelchair-accessible routes mapped out.
Every hour, the doors of the Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower open to re-enact the legend of the heroic mayor who saved his town by drinking a gallon of wine.
You can climb up the 220 steps to the town hall’s tower for a magnificent view of the city and the Tauber valley from a platform.
How to get there
To reach Rothenburg Market Square, walk 10–15 minutes from the train station, or take a 2-minute taxi ride. If arriving by air, Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the closest airport, which takes about 1.5–hours by car. Another option is Frankfurt, from which it takes around two hours by car or three hours by train.
When to get there
For a memorable visit to Rothenburg Market Square, plan around its seasonal events. In May, catch the Ambassadors of Music concerts, or immerse yourself in "The Master Draught" (Der Meistertrunk) historical festival during Pentecost weekend. In the summer, explore the Rothenburg wine village festivities. Then, as the year winds down, don't miss the enchanting Christmas market.
Where to eat near Rothenburg Market Square
There are plenty of great restaurant options in and around Rothenburg Market Square. For traditional hearty German dishes, try Hotel & Restaurant Reichsküchenmeister. For classic Franconian cuisine in a medieval vaulted room, head to Ratsstube. Another must-try snack is snowball (schneeballen), which you can try at Bäckerei-Konditorei-Café Walter Friedel.
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