Active leisure in Rothenburg: discovering the city walls and surroundings
June 11, 2025
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a magical town in Bavaria that takes visitors back in time to the Middle Ages. Its perfectly preserved defensive walls, gates and towers create a remarkable setting for active recreation. Whether you're a history lover, an active sightseeing enthusiast or a family looking for an interesting destination, Rothenburg has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the most interesting corners of this charming city, showing you how to combine sightseeing with active recreation. Together we will discover scenic walking paths along the city walls, charming gardens and playgrounds, and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the area. Get ready for a fascinating adventure in one of Europe's most beautiful medieval cities!
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A stroll through the city walls - a journey back in time
One of Rothenburg's best attractions, combining active recreation with historical discovery, is a walk along the famous city walls. The route known as 'Turm und Stadtmauerweg' is a true journey back in time, offering unforgettable views and the opportunity to actively explore the city.
The 'Turm und Stadtmauerweg' route is about 2.5 kilometers long and leads around the entire old city. Walking it takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops. It's worth reserving more time to enjoy the views and take photos in peace. The path is relatively easy, but it can be narrow and steep in places, so use caution, especially with small children.
During the hike you will have the opportunity to see many fascinating sights, including two impressive city gates. The first is the 'Blade Gate' (Klingentor), which is located in the northeastern part of the walls. This massive gate, built in the 14th century, is one of the best preserved in the city. From its top you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tauber River valley and the surrounding hills.
The second notable gate on the route is the 'Gallows Gate' (Galgentor) in the western part of the walls. The name of this gate comes from the gallows that once stood nearby. Today it is a picturesque vantage point, offering a panoramic view of the western part of the city and the surrounding fields.
One of the most distinctive points along the route is the 'Double Bridge' (Doppelbrücke). This unique bridge, consisting of two levels, connects the city walls with the outer fortifications. It is not only an interesting architectural monument, but also a great place to take souvenir photos.
While walking along the walls, it is worth noting the numerous observation and gun towers. Each of them has its own history and offers unique views of the city and the surrounding area. We especially recommend stopping by the 'Tower Trail : 11 Scenic View Of Countryside', which, as the name suggests, offers a beautiful panorama of the surrounding countryside.
Walking around the walls, you can literally touch history - some parts of the fortifications date back as far as the 12th century. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about medieval methods of defending the city and life in those days. It is worth noting the differences in the construction of the walls in different parts of the city - some fragments are thicker and higher, while others are lower and thinner, reflecting the different periods of construction and expansion of the fortifications.
Keep in mind that the route along the city walls can be challenging for those with mobility problems. Many sections contain stairs and narrow passages. It's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes, water and possibly snacks, especially if you plan a longer walk with children. During the summer season, it's also worth remembering to wear headgear and sunscreen, as there is little shade on the walls.
Gardens and relaxation areas - the Rothenburg's green lungs
After a brisk walk on the city walls, take a moment to relax in one of Rothenburg's charming gardens. These green oases not only offer a chance to relax, but also provide another attractive place to spend time actively.
The most famous and popular garden in Rothenburg is undoubtedly the 'Castle Garden' (Burggarten). Located on the site of a former imperial castle, this beautiful park offers breathtaking views of the Tauber River valley and the hills surrounding the city. Castle Garden is the perfect place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Here you'll find carefully maintained lawns, colorful flower beds and shady alleys. It's a great place for families - children can run freely on the grass while adults relax on the benches, admiring the panorama.
One of the biggest advantages of Castle Garden is its location - it is right next to the city walls, making it easy to combine a visit to the garden with a walk around the fortifications. The park is open all year round and admission is free. Note the distinctive white gazebo, which is a popular spot for photo shoots.
For those looking for less frequented places, we recommend visiting the 'Convent Garden' (Klostergarten). This small but charming garden is located in the center of town, right next to St. James Church. The Convent Garden offers a peaceful atmosphere and is the perfect place for a moment of tranquility. Medieval herbs and medicinal plants can be found here, providing an interesting history and botany lesson for younger visitors.
If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the 'Park mit Spielplatz' at Sterngasse. This small park with a playground is a great place to take a break from sightseeing. Here children can let off steam on the swings and slides while parents relax on benches in the shade of the trees. The park is well maintained and offers a variety of playground equipment for different age groups.
For lovers of panoramic views, a must-see should be the 'Tower Trail : 11 Scenic View Of Countryside'. This spot, located at the edge of the Burggarten, offers some of the most beautiful views of the Rothenburg area. From here you can admire the picturesque Taubera Valley and vast stretches of forests and fields. This is the perfect place to take souvenir photos and take a moment to contemplate the beauty of nature.
It is worth mentioning that walking between these green spaces, you will come across numerous picturesque corners of the city. One of them is the famous 'Plönlein' - a small square with a distinctive yellow building, considered one of the most photogenic spots in Rothenburg. It's an ideal place to make a short stop and take a souvenir photo.
Remember that Rothenburg is a city that is best explored by walking. Moving on foot between gardens and parks, we have the opportunity to admire the charming streets, colorful house facades and numerous architectural details that make this city so unique. It is advisable to plan your route in such a way as to combine visiting the main attractions with discovering lesser-known but equally charming corners.
Active discovery of Rothenburg's surroundings
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only a charming old town - its surroundings also offer many opportunities for active recreation. For those who want to combine sightseeing with physical activity, the area around Rothenburg is a true paradise.
One of the most recommended walking routes in the area is the path leading to the 'Double Bridge' (Doppelbrücke). This unique bridge, located in the picturesque Tauber River valley, is an excellent destination for a walking tour. The route to the bridge leads through scenic countryside, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forests. The bridge itself, consisting of two levels, is a fascinating example of medieval engineering. It's a great place for a picnic and a rest before heading back to the city.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Rothenburg area offers many attractive routes. One of them is the bike path along the Tauber River, which leads through picturesque villages and fields. The route is relatively easy and suitable for entire families. Along the way, you can stop in charming villages such as Detwang and Tauberzell to rest and enjoy local specialties.
If you're looking for a more challenging activity, consider a trip to the 'Taubertalbrücke in der Nähe des Topplerschlösschens'. This route offers not only beautiful views of the Taubert Valley, but also the opportunity to see the picturesque Topplerschlösschen Castle. The route is a bit more challenging, but the reward is spectacular panoramas and the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful castles in the area.
For those who prefer more organized activities, we recommend visiting the 'Waldschwimmbad'. This is an outdoor pool complex surrounded by forest, offering excellent swimming and relaxation. This is a great option for hot summer days, especially for families with children. The complex offers pools for different age groups, water slides and sunbathing areas.
If you're planning a longer stay in the area and want to combine sightseeing with relaxing in nature, consider staying at 'Camping Tauberromantik'. This campsite, located in the picturesque Tauber River valley, offers an excellent base for exploring Rothenburg and the surrounding area. You can pitch a tent here or stay with a camper, enjoying the proximity to nature while having easy access to the city.
For nature and ornithology lovers, a trip to the 'Rastplatz schöne Aussicht' is an interesting option. This place offers not only beautiful views of Rothenburg, but also the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna. It's an ideal place for a quiet walk and contemplation of nature.
Keep in mind that active sightseeing around Rothenburg requires proper preparation. It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing (depending on the season), water and snacks. Before setting out on longer routes, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and possibly get a map of the area.
All in all, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for active recreation for people of all ages. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls through the historic center, bicycle tours through scenic valleys, or active relaxation at the swimming pool, there is something for everyone. Combining sightseeing with physical activity is the perfect way to fully experience the charm of this unique region of Bavaria.
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