For an excellent view over the town, take a walk on the ramparts between the massive 16th-century Spitaltor tower (at the end of the Spitalgasse) to the Klingentor tower. A circuit takes about a half-hour. At the Rödertor (Röder Gate), you can climb the tower to a small exhibition describing an air raid in 1945 that leveled a large part of the eastern end of town. Entry to the ramparts is 1.50€ for adults, 1€ for children, but opening times vary and depend on the weather.
Raise a Toast to the Bürgermeister
Rothenburg’s famous 17th-century drinking binge, in which the Bürgermeister (mayor) downed a tankard of beer to save the town, is re-enacted in a play, “Der Meistertrunk” (“The Master Draught”), first performed in 1881. These days it’s part of a festival that takes place every September/October. Hundreds of citizens dress up in period costumes and, of course, drink beer.
Get Out of Town
If you want to escape the tourist hordes, rent a bike at Rad und Tat, Bensenstrasse 17 (tel. 09861/87984; www.radtat.de), for about 12€ per day. Get a map from the tourist office and follow the bike path along the Tauber River; for more information, check out cycling routes at www.germany.travel.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
