The medieval city still has its fortified city walls completely in tact which means you can walk around the entire circuit. The thing to do for most visitors is simply to embrace the charm of the old town and walk along the old walls. I grew up in Missouri so my access to medieval walled cities was limited to say the least. Rothenburg hit me as an amazing piece of history but also brought out that little kid inside me who always wanted to explore castles and medieval fortifications. Running around the maze of fortified walls and the small narrow streets below transported me into some distance story that I read when I was a child. In all there are 42 gatehouses and towers, so be sure to allow enough time to see as many as possible along your own walking tour.

If you aren’t into walls and fortified structures as much as I am you will still love the town itself. The sheer charm of its buildings and narrow streets make for a lovely stroll, with the way their streets cross over each and intersect seemingly on purpose to create a unique picture like no other. One such street is the famous Plonlein Street. Literally translated as “Little Square,” this is really nothing more than an intersection inside the city walls. Skinny half-timbered buildings dividing the two streets, dating from the early 13th century. This is the most photographed street in Germany.

Rothenbrug is awash with beautiful old churches, world class museums, castle gardens, and, architecturally interesting buildings. I spent about half the day here and wish I could have spent several days. It’s a great stopping point on the road to another destination but it’s also a major destination in its own right!