Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely regarded as Germany's best-preserved medieval walled town, sitting atop a limestone plateau above the Tauber valley in northern Bavaria. The town escaped major damage in the Second World War and its 15th-century ramparts, towers, half-timbered buildings, and cobblestone lanes survive in an unusually complete state. The complete circuit of town walls stretches 2.5 kilometres and can be walked along the walkway on top; access is free and the route passes through a series of half-round sentry towers with views over red-tiled rooftops and the valley below. Marktplatz is the central set piece, ringed by the Gothic Rathaus (with a tower that can be climbed), the Ratsherrn Trinkstube with its clock that performs the Meistertrunk legend hourly, and outdoor cafes. The Medieval Crime Museum on Burggasse is the largest museum in Europe devoted to medieval criminal law and torture instruments, quirky but genuinely informative and popular with older children and adults alike. Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village on Herrngasse sells seasonal decorations year-round and draws visitors regardless of season. Schneeballen — deep-fried pastry balls dusted with icing sugar — are the town's signature edible souvenir. The Night Watchman's tour, departing Marktplatz at 8 PM, is considered one of Germany's best guided tours: an English-speaking guide in period costume delivers a humorous and historically accurate walk. Day-trippers from Munich or Nuremberg flood in from mid-morning to late afternoon; staying overnight reveals a quieter, more atmospheric town.