Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Fairytale Town Frozen in Time

Nestled in the heart of Germany’s Bavaria region, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and towering city walls, this charming town looks like something straight out of a storybook or a medieval painting. Founded in the 10th century, Rothenburg flourished as a trade hub during the Middle Ages. However, after the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) and economic decline, the town was largely untouched by modernization, preserving its historic charm. Walking through Rothenburg feels like stepping back in time, with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque-style buildings lining the narrow streets. One of the most famous spots in Rothenburg is the Plönlein, a picturesque street corner featuring a leaning half-timbered house, a stone tower, and two diverging cobbled roads—one of the most photographed scenes in Germany. The Rothenburg Town Hall (Rathaus), with #hiddengems