Attractions Nearby Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Day Trips and Excursions

(Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany)



Picture of the Nuremberg cityscapeAlthough Rothenburg ob der Tauber itself has enough to see to keep visitors busy for most of their stay, it has to be said that this region of Bavaria has some of the most spectacular and famous tourist attractions in the whole of Germany. Popular excursions range from stunning mountains and verdant countryside to world-famous cities such as Nurnberg (Nuremberg) and Bayreuth, renowned for its annual opera festival focused on composer Richard Wagner.

Although public transportation in Germany has an excellent reputation, the most convenient way to travel around the region's attractions is by hired car. Roads are first-class and journeys take far less than expected, making day trips around the Rothenburg ob der Tauber area both comfortable and stress-free.


Photograph of fountain outside of Nuremberg's city museum

Nuremberg (Nurnberg)

Around an hour's drive from Rothenburg ob der Tauber is world-famous Nuremberg, residence of German Emperors and political centre of the region for hundreds of years in the Middle Ages.

Reconstructed with the original materials after its destruction during WWII, its Old Quarter is well worth a visit. Nuremberg Castle, the National Museum, the beautiful Frauenkirche, unlimited dining and shopping, and much more makes the city the perfect day trip.

Aerial view of the nearby town of Wurzburg

Wurzburg

Just under an hour's drive from Rothenburg ob der Tauber brings visitors to the baroque old town of Wurzburg, set on the River Main. The centre of the Franconian wine industry, Wurzburg is surrounded by vineyards and is the loveliest baroque town in Germany. Restoration following WWII has also taken place here, even at the Wurzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive fortress of Festung Marienberg is a must-see.

Steinach

This small, totally Bavarian town is way off the tourist route and rarely visited. For a glimpse of traditional Bavarian life where few of the friendly locals even speak English, this is the place. Steinach lies just over two hours to the north-east and offers peace, quiet and lots of character.

Image of the Tauber River Valley, next to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Tauber River Valley

For a change from ancient buildings, a drive through the Tauber River Valley, part of the vast Nature Park Frankenhohe, is an unforgettable experience. Vineyards, villages, small towns and stunning countryside are all here and, for the energetic, there are hiking and biking trails to hand, both short and very long.

The Romantic Road

Address: from Wurzburg and beyond to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
This world-famous route runs for about 180 km / 112 miles, and should be an essential part of a driving holiday based in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Vineyards, ancient structures, UNESCO heritage sites, fairytale castles, palaces, quaint towns and villages, churches, towering mountains, the meandering river and spectacular countryside make this drive a rare treat.

Photo of the Neues Schloss attraction in Bayreuth, nearby Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Bayreuth

A longish but not impossible day trip takes visitors to Bayreuth (around two hours and 30 minutes), famed for its annual August Bayreuth Festival celebrating the works of composer Richard Wagner, with performances of his best-known operas such as Lohengrin, Parsifal and Der Ring des Nibelungen. Although tickets for the festival are booked up to ten years in advance, there is still a great deal to see in this city, including the massive New Castle, the Richard Wagner Museum, the Franz Liszt Museum, the Old Castle, Margrave's Opera House and the Festspeilhaus itself.

Photograph of historic attractions in Dinkelsbuhl

Dinkelsbuhl

A charming medieval town situated around 49 km / 30 miles to the south, Dinkelsbuhl is more often than not completely overlooked by tourists and day trippers, remaining relatively untouched by the world of tourism. Visitors will be able to walk along the town's fortified walls, checking out the 16 towers along the way, before heading to the simply enormous Munster St. Georg, a Gothic church dating back to the late 15th century. A particularly fun family attraction in Dinkelsbuhl is the Museum of the 3rd Dimension, which will easily fill a spare hour or two.

Nordlingen

Another neighbouring town packed with medieval character, Nordlingen is encompassed by some very attractive 14th-century town walls and lies around 91 km / 57 miles to the south of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Nordlingen is best viewed by climbing the lofty tower of St. Georgkirche (Saint Georg's Church), which presides over the very heart of this circular town. Particularly interesting is the fact that Nordlingen resides in the centre of a giant meteorite crater which is thought to have been created around 15 million years ago and is approximately 25 km / 16 miles in diameter.