City walls and towers Rothenburg

City wall in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Like from a fairy tale

The old town centre of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is surrounded by a majestic city wall. Six magnificent gates and hidden doorways invite you to enter or leave the old town. Take a walk along the city wall on the Rothenburg Tower Trail, which takes you around four kilometres around the old town in around 2.5 hours.

Along the way, you will find informative boards and brochures that tell you about Rothenburg’s fascinating history through the 46 towers of the town. The city wall is open to you around the clock, so you can explore this fascinating city at any time of day or night.

The Röderturm

In the east of Rothenburg’s old town, the Galgentor (also known as the Würzburger Tor) and the Rödertor lead through the town wall into the medieval alleyways. Here, the Röderturm rises majestically above the town.

From this elevated position, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the old town, including the striking Markusturm tower with its stork’s nest and the accessible town hall tower. The Röderturm (near the Gerlachschmiede) is also a central starting point for the Rothenburg Tower Trail, which takes you on a journey of discovery around the old town.

Röderturm

Markusturm (tower)

A walk along the city walls to Wolfgang's Church

Start your walk at Rödertor, follow the wall to the north, past the imposing Würzburger Tor to Kummereck. From there, the path leads to the eastern part of the city, along Schrannenplatz. The St. Jacob’s Church and the picturesque private gardens along the way will catch your eye before you reach the Wolfgangskirche church. This church, also known as the Schäferskirche, is not only a spiritual place, but also an integral part of the city’s fortifications, into whose Rothenburg casemates you can immerse yourself.

Rödertor (gate)

Wolfgang's Church

Along the wall to Rothenburg castle garden

After your visit to the Wolfgang’s Church, the Tower Path leads you further towards the Castle Garden. You pass by the Criminal Tower and the Rothenburg Museum before reaching the majestic Castle Gate and the enchanting Castle Garden. Here, you have the opportunity for a relaxing break in the shady garden.

The Tower Path continues along the Castle Alley, and your gaze inevitably wanders over the picturesque Tauber Valley and the Rothenburg Wine yard ‘Weinberg an der Eich’.

Castle garden

View from the Castle Garden

View from the
Castle Garden

The Spitalviertel and the Plönlein - a stroll through history

From the Medieval Crime Museum, the Tower Path leads you southward, passing by the world-famous Plönlein and the impressive Kobolzeller Tor into the Spitalviertel of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

In the southern part of the old town, you will encounter the Spitaltorbastei, the youngest part of the city fortification, completed in 1537. The inscription “Pax intrantibus – salus exeuntibus” above the gateway means “Peace to those who enter and health to those who leave” – a fitting motto for a hospitable and cosmopolitan city like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In fact, Haneda Airport in Tokyo has adopted this motto for its mission statement.

Kobolzeller Tor

Spitaltor

The Towers of the Old City Wall

Before you continue your journey, don’t forget to explore the impressive towers in the centre of the old town. The Markusturm and the Weiße Turm were once the entrances to the first town fortifications of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Take your time to discover the history of these towers and enjoy the view.