Before I moved to Germany I didn’t have much of a mental picture about the country. I knew the Germans liked to eat pretzels, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, but I didn’t know much about the landscape or the architectural design of the buildings. Where I live in Bavaria, it’s common to find houses with paintings on the side depicting a story of craftsmen from long ago.
When I knew I was going to be spending some time living in Germany, I did a quick Google search for basic images, and the image that stuck with me the most was of beautifully striated houses in a town called Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or Rothenburg for short. I had no idea where Rothenburg was, nor did I ever think I would visit, but I finally made my way to this adorable medieval city and I loved every moment of my visit.
Rothenburg is most known for its walled in city, striated houses, and picturesque photo opportunities. The entryway into the city is one of the most photographed spots in the entire city, and for good reason. I made it to the city before anyone came to life, and was able to snap a photo of this spot without any humans in my way.
The clouds quickly lifted and the sun came out providing a beautiful color to the adorable houses. My roommate Laura and I embarked on a German road trip last month, and Rothenburg was our first stop. She had been, but I hadn’t so we split up for a couple hours to explore at our own pace. Before we separated, we visited the Käthe Wohlfahrt mothership. The headquarters for this mega shop is in Rothenburg, and this was my first time stepping inside.
This was basically the Disneyland of Christmas.
I bought an ornament for my mom, but she won’t know until it arrives because she only skims my blog for the photos. 😉 (Update, the ornament arrived. She loved it.) After we got our Christmas fix, we wandered the only park within the city while my roommate sipped on Glühwein. I don’t like wine, but I tried a sip. I confirm that I still don’t like wine, even when it’s hot and mixed with sugar.
After the park we officially parted ways, and I got lost between the alleys and houses. I say I got lost, but really that’s nearly impossible. The city is quite small, but large enough to spend a good few hours wandering without getting bored. I found my way to the border of the wall that hugs around the city, and climbed the stairs to walk around the perimeter.
Along the way I found door, after door, after door that caught my attention.
I found my way inside of a coffee shop for an afternoon pick me up, where lucky for me everyone spoke English. I would have managed fine if they hadn’t though, I know how to order a black coffee in German. I know the basics of ordering food and drinks, but everywhere I have traveled thus far someone speaks English. It’s both helpful and hindering as it doesn’t motivate me to learn more German.
After my coffee fix I climbed the top of the city hall tower which wasn’t very tall, but it still provided a decent panoramic view of the city. Anytime I find a tower to climb for a decent price, I climb it. There has only been one tower thus far that I said a big no to, and that was in Pisa. There was no one else at the top of the tower when I went up, so I had the entire view to myself.
We visited Rothenburg a week too early, because we missed their Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Market.
After I climbed the tower my roommate and I met back up for lunch. We grubbed, and were gifted free water and cake because my roommate is a fan of a German soccer team that our waiter was also a fan of. I have never felt more VIP since moving to Europe. Free water?! Who are we. Despite the fact that I was just gifted free cake I couldn’t come to Rothenburg and NOT try a Schneeball….
Another native Rothenburg creation, this ball of crunchy dough comes in a variety of flavors. I chose chocolate because I am a creature of habit. By this time we had been in Rothenburg for about five hours, and it was almost time to move onto our next destination. Rothenburg is a perfect day trip, and five hours was a perfect amount of time to spend there.
I don’t often buy souvenirs when I travel, mostly because I don’t like collecting things that clutter. However, if something “speaks to me” I will buy it (but not after a long debate in my brain about whether it’s practical.) When I first walked into the city I saw something in one of the windows that spoke to me, but I didn’t think it was practical.
I spent the entire afternoon trying to decide if I should buy it, and finally decided to buy it.
I don’t know what the significance of the mushroom is in Rothenburg, but a few shops had mushroom items indicating some kind of theme. I can’t tell you what it was about this stuffed shroom, but when I first walked by the window with him and his friends, he immediately spoke to me. I regret nothing, and this was worth the 12 euros because every time I look at him I smile.
This is my shroom, his name is Schmerb.
All around me are familiar faces.
Schmerb was officially along for the ride for the rest of our German road trip, and immediately became our mascot. Anytime I looked at him I laughed, and I continue to laugh anytime I look at him. He was most definitely a mental health boost. Love ya Schmerb. I’d love to return to Rothenburg someday, maybe for their Christmas market.
A perfect start to our German road trip!
Q: Am I alone in laughter when looking at Schmerb?
Blissfulbritt 
27 thoughts on “Rothenburg ob der Tauber”
familyrulesbyplainjane
The mushroom is called a Gluckspilz (should be two dots, an Umlaut, over the u but I can’t figure out how to make it work). That means a lucky mushroom. I don’t know if there is a deeper significance, but they are a fun, silly part of the culture, and they are to be seen everywhere. I still have a few from when I lived there as a kid. Maybe you can think of it like a four leafed clover, a rabbit foot, or a horse shoe.
Brittany
Oh my!! THANK YOU for this information! I love that, he is indeed my lucky/happy mushroom! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
familyrulesbyplainjane
You can also translate it as a happy mushroom, and I think in your case, his mission is accomplished!! 🙂
ReidIvinsMedia
You seem to be making a habit of going to the places I have! Rothenburg is a lovely town. I have very fond memories of it, it’s architecture and walking the walls.
I stayed at a very old Weinstube – so old there was no electricity and there wasn’t a level floor or door in the place. Simply because we were staying there we became the honoured guests of the English Conversational Club who meet there regularly. I thought one man was American but it turned out he had learned his English from Miami Vice! Another chap (Franz?) was a farmer who owns all the land On the left as you leave the station by the trainline. Quite a crazy night where we all ended up talking Gerish – a wine-fuelled hybrid of German and English!
If you get chance you should visit Bamberg. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Rathaus is quite bizarre. Plus there are about fifty breweries in the town so there’s around one hundred and fifty beers to keep you hydrated! The Fässla Brauweri on Köening Strasse has very good rooms. In September there is a huge flower festival that is fascinating. Lots more to see all year round as well.
Brittany
My next post is about Bamberg!! Sadly my experience wasn’t as exciting as this one, but I might need to go back at another time. Maybe sometime next September. I did love the Rathaus though!
Your Gerish chats with the locals sounds like a scene from a good movie. 🙂
ReidIvinsMedia
I’ll look forward to reading it. I love the area roughly centred around Bavaria/Saxony – done lots of hikes round there and I find it a magical place to be with the woods and hamlets that are dotted around.
I have fond memories of illegally crossing the border into East Germany as the wall was coming down – climbed the watchtowers, wandered into a village that hadn’t seen a westerner since world war 2. Probably the maddest thing I’ve ever done in a foreign country!
Brittany
Wow!! That’s amazing. What a memory.
bernieLynne
That’s an amazing story!
rockcakesramblings
Schmerb is so cute, I can see why he makes you smile!
By the way, I am loving your blog. I’ve travelled a few places in Germany, including Rothenburg, and also had a wonderful walking holiday in Bavaria. It brings back good memories to read your posts.
Brittany
Thank you! I love these little German towns, they are so fun and I’m glad you were able to experience some of them.
rootchopper
Every adventure needs a mascot. I was gifted one in Kansas this summer. It’s a pink plastic lizard. Not as cute as your mushroom buddy but it kept me company all the way west.
Brittany
I love it! A lucky lizard for an awesome adventure.
Liz H
Lucky you, with your lucky shroom. And he/she’s the perfect reminder of that funky little town!
Brittany
Right!? I literally love Schmerb so much.
thechrisdotcom
Good read as always. As for your new little mascot, I love it. I have a soft spot for cute plushies. When I was a little kid I played with stuffed animals and gave them their own personalities. To this day, even my child’s giant Yetis have personalities. A lot of the plushes my kid has also has smiles on them. They make me feel happy and laugh, too. And my kid names them all as well. I know it’s weird, but the imagination runs wild. Safe travels!
Brittany
I love this, we’re never too old for a good plushie!
Hettie D.
OMG, this is amazing! Love each and single picture!
Brittany
Thank you. ❤️🤗
Pam
Your shroom looks like a happy little fellow with a button nose🍄🍄❤️
I want to be the night watchman please…..beautiful city🙋♀️👍
Brittany
Beautiful indeed!
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Amy
YESSSSS!!!! This is the one and only place I’ve been in Germany… But I loved every minute of it!! The wall around the city is so fun! I remember visiting a torture museum while we were there… It was strange — but kind of fascinating to see the different medieval things in there. And HOORAY FOR THE SCHNEEBALL!!!!! You are the BEST to solve this 15-year-old mystery for me!! 😉 ❤️
Brittany
Yayayaya! I think of all cities to visit this was a great one for you!
bernieLynne
Looks exactly like the kind of city we like to get “lost” in! Wander and wander, eat and drink and soak up the history.
Brittany
A great city to get lost! My favorite is still Venice.
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