A masterpiece from the late Middle Ages

The Toppler castle
in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque little town in the heart of southern Germany, is home to a remarkable relic from the past – the Toppler castle (german: ‘Topplerschlösschen’). The story behind this charming residential tower from the late Middle Ages is just as captivating as its architecture. Find out why Mayor Heinrich Toppler built this castle on a pedestal and how it has been preserved to this day.

At the Toppler castle in Rothenburg, the beauty of the architecture and the secrets of bygone times interweave to create a timeless fairytale.

The architecture of the Toppler castle

A masterpiece from the late Middle Ages

In 1388, Heinrich Toppler had the Toppler castle built as a summer residence. It impresses with its unique construction, which resembles a pond house, a special form of festival house. The lower part of the castle is a massive stone base in the fortified tower style, while the upper floors are half-timbered. The building is surrounded by a moat, which was fed by a spring and could divert water into the mill stream via the Fuchsmühle if necessary. Such small residential towers were quite common in the late Middle Ages, but today they are extremely rare.

Here you will find an interesting video by Mr. Helmut Bear on the rise & fall of Heinrich Toppler: Open video on Youtube

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Heinrich Toppler and his refuge: the "legend" of the Toppler castle

Heinrich Toppler and his refuge:
the "legend" of the Toppler castle

Legend has it that the former mayor of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Heinrich Toppler, supposedly built the Toppler castle out of fear of possible attacks. His ingenious idea was to close the train gate to protect himself from intruders and unwanted visitors. Whether you believe the story is up to you 😉

The Topplerschlösschen in Rothenburg today:
A historical jewel in family ownership

The Toppler castle has belonged to the Boas family since 1861, who rented it out as a vacation home until the 1960s. The building is fully preserved and furnished with furniture from the 16th to 19th centuries. It opens its doors to visitors and provides an insight into living conditions from the end of the Middle Ages to the beginning of the modern era. The history of the Toppler Palace even inspired the Duke of Saxe-Altenburg, who built the Duke’s Seat in Rieseneck as his own retreat at the beginning of the 20th century.

Heinrich Toppler: A man of influence and wealth

Heinrich Toppler, born around 1340 in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, was not only a council member of the Imperial City but was also elected mayor multiple times. Under his leadership, the city acquired significant land holdings and rose to become a significant regional power in southern Germany. However, his life was marked by conflicts, including a dispute with King Rupprecht and the Burgrave of Nuremberg. Despite his efforts, his fate led him to the dungeon of the town hall, where he died under mysterious circumstances.

The Toppler castle in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only a historical gem but also a testament to the fascinating past and legacy of Heinrich Toppler, a man who profoundly shaped the history of this city.

More TOP Sights in Rothenburg

Useful information

Address:
Taubertalweg 100 | DE-91541 Rothenburg o.d.T.

open with Google-Maps

Contact:
Family Boas
+49 9861 / 7358
+49 9861 / 87 38 623

Opening hours:
by appointment

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BEAUTY OF BYGONE ERAS

TOP sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Colored facades, slanted gables, wooden beams, golden inscriptions, ornaments, and original carvings – not only do our whimsical half-timbered houses in Rothenburg ob der Tauber possess incredible charm. Get to know the most beautiful places and TOP sights of our enchanting city.