Rothenburg ob der Tauber Saints and Sinners Self Guided Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Rothenburg was too poor to modernize for 200 years — which is exactly why it's one of Europe's best-preserved medieval walled towns. This self-guided app-based walking tour of Rothenburg takes you through 18 stops and 900 years of history, entirely at your own pace.
You'll hear the drinking legend that supposedly saved the town from destruction, see the fountain Disney copied, and find out how it was saved from total destruction during WWII. The route covers the landmarks on Market square, passing by St. Jakob's Church and the Medieval Crime Museum plus lesser-known spots most guided tours walk right past.
Start anytime, pause for a glass of Franconian wine and take detours without holding anyone up. The tour works offline, so spotty signal in Rothenburg's narrow lanes won't slow you down.
If you want to explore without being herded between stops, this was made for you. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours and a full refund guarantee means there's zero risk in booking.
Available options
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Saints and Sinners Self Guided Tour
What's included
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
1-year access to audio on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
Audio and written guide included
Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stand where 17 rebel leaders were beheaded in a single afternoon and left for the town to see and hear about Rothenburg's most powerful citizen who died without ever getting a trial
2
Watch a mechanical mayor enact a famous legend — and question whether it was true.
3
Stop 3
Spot the fountain Disney quietly copied.
4
Do your windowshopping at a shop where Christmas never stopped.
5
Walk the grounds of a royal castle that an earthquake erased and an entire town scavenged for parts.
6
Hear about the historic building, it’s current exhibits and uncover a peaceful garden
7
Hear about a wooden altar so radical its creator refused to paint it and other treasures
8
Count the seven virtues and seven deadly sins carved side by side, and hear why the architect mixed them together.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Learn about the iron mask custom-built for gossips and the barrel reserved for the town drunk.
10
Frame the photograph that Disney, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and two million visitors a year keep coming back for.
11
Read Rothenburg's growth rings in a watchtower stranded in the middle of town and check for storks nesting on top.
12
Take a photo by a house that was rubble in 1945 and rebuilt nail by nail.
13
Walk the ramparts and read the names of strangers from around the world who paid to put them back together.
What's not included
Entry to castle tower/ museum is not part of this tour
Any physical devices or headphones
Human tour guide at location
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
PL
FR
NL
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This is a self-guided audio tour on the company's self-guided tours app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from the company or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for our company in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.
Important notes
Know before you go :
• You will need to download the "Tourific self guided tours" app from the Google play store or App store
• Right after booking, you’ll receive an email from Tourific or the tour booking platform with instructions to access the tour.
• Having trouble finding the email? Just search for “Tourific” in your inbox or spam folder.
• The tour is valid for 1 year and can be listened to any number of times. So feel free to download tour and experience a few stops before going on the tour.
• Fully charge your phone and carry your headphones for the best experience
• The tour follows a set route that we recommend that you follow. Once the tour is downloaded, the introduction will guide you to your starting point
• Change of plans? Enjoy the tour on a different day or from home
About Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town in Bavaria, renowned for its well-preserved old town and picturesque half-timbered houses. It offers a step back in time with its cobblestone streets, historic gates, and the iconic Christmas Museum.
Top Attractions
Rothenburg Town Walls
The well-preserved medieval town walls offer stunning views and a glimpse into the town's history.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Christmas Museum
The Christmas Museum showcases the history and traditions of Christmas celebrations.
Museum/Cultural
1 hour
€6-€8
St. Jakob's Church
A beautiful Gothic church with a rich history and stunning architecture.
Religious/Historical
1 hour
Free (donations welcome), Tower climb €3-€5
Must-Try Local Dishes
Schäufele
Roasted pork shoulder, a Bavarian specialty, often served with sauerkraut and dumplings.
Main Dish
Meat dish, not vegetarian or vegan
Käsekuchen
A delicious cheesecake with a crust made from shortcrust pastry and filled with quark cheese.
Dessert
Contains dairy, not vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tauber Valley
Biking along scenic trails
Picnicking by the Tauber River
Coffee breaks at local cafes
Visiting museums
Attending local festivals
Christmas markets
Winter walks
Best Time to Visit
June to August, December
Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the town. December is magical with Christmas markets and festive decorations.
15°C to 25°C in summer, -5°C to 5°C in winter
59°F to 77°F in summer, 23°F to 41°F in winter
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Rothenburg is a very safe town with low crime rates. The main concerns are pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Use metered taxis or pre-booked services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Nuremberg Airport • 110 km (68 miles)
By train
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Station
By bus
Rothenburg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are reliable and frequent. Easy to navigate with clear signage.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi services, no major apps
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Tauber Valley
Day trips
Nuremberg
110 km (68 miles) • Full day
Nuremberg is a vibrant city with a rich history, famous for its medieval architecture and WWII history.
Würzburg
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
Würzburg is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and the famous Würzburg Residence.
Festivals
Rothenburg Christmas Market • Late November to late December
Rothenburg Summer Festival • June to August
Pro tips
- Visit the Christmas Museum even if it's not Christmas season for a unique experience
- Climb the town walls for the best views of the town and surrounding countryside
- Try local specialties like Schäufele and Käsekuchen
- Explore the town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming alleyways
- Book accommodations early for Christmas markets and summer festivals
$7
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
