Hike back in time to the Middle Ages – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Tours

18:24 h

42.0 mi

3,150 ft

The town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Franconia in Germany witnessed a rich and eventful history. As an imperial town, it flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries when many magnificent buildings were built and mills were constructed along the Tauber Valley, some of which still stand today. Although the town was damaged during WWII, the alleys and squares still retain their medieval charm. You can expect to see quaint half-timbered houses, strong city walls, medieval bastions, and impressive buildings on your journey through time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

In the heart of the picturesque old town, stands the town hall in the market square, which is the starting point of all six hikes in this Collection. Depending on which route you choose, you travel from the square to idyllic valleys, glistening lakes, and small towns. You walk through the valley of mills which would once have supplied leather, tools, and paper to the town.

On the Panorama Trail, you can enjoy completely new perspectives from Rothenburg’s countless towers whilst the W12 Trail takes you to the dreamy little village of Gebsattel. If you are looking for peace and nature, then the hike through the wild and calm Steinbachtal valley is for you. The Schandtaubertal valley also enchants visitors with its dense greenery, ancient trees, and old mills. Birdwatchers will love Lindleinsee Lake, a protected area surrounded by reed beds which is a haven for birds.

Each of the six hikes is a great combination of culture and nature. You first stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town before venturing into the surrounding area of Rothenburg.

It is possible to shorten, lengthen, or combine some of the day Tours. You can find more information in the individual Tour descriptions. Furthermore, Rothenburg is connected to the rail network so you can arrive by train. So pack your hiking boots and step back in time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber!

On The Map

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
W2: Through the valley of the mills near Rothenburg – hiking around the Franconian towns
03:01
6.84 mi
2.3 mph
550 ft
525 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
You start at the market place in Rothenburg. Past the Fleischhaus on the left, follow Hofbronnengasse and soon you will be walking along the impressive city wall. You leave the old town through the Sieberstor and reach the fortified Spitaltorbastei from the 16th century. On the Tauberhang it goes down…
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W12: Gebsattler Weg – Tagestouren Rothenburg
02:38
6.15 mi
2.3 mph
350 ft
325 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
From the splendid market square, it is worth taking a detour to the Markus Tower, on the top of which a pair of storks nests in spring. Then it goes south past the Plönlein and Sieberstor. In front of the swimming pool, turn right onto the Walkmühlsteig, which leads you into the Taubertal.

You walk past…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
W9: Ins Steinbachtal und nach Bettwar – Tagestouren Rothenburg
03:59
8.90 mi
2.2 mph
850 ft
850 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This circular hike takes you north into the idyllic, beautiful Steinbachtal. The abbreviation W9a remains in the valley and runs along the Tauber. The alternative W9b branches off into the green Ruhbachtal and extends the route a little.

This tour also starts at the market square. The picturesque alleys…
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W6: Panoramaweg – Tagestouren Rothenburg
02:05
4.45 mi
2.1 mph
625 ft
625 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
As the name suggests, this circular route offers you fabulous views of Rothenburg. With the abbreviation W6a over the Fuchssteige or the alternative extension W6b over the Schandhofhöhe you can adapt this tour to your taste.

The starting point is on the market square with the impressive town hall. From…
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W10: Tour zum Lindleinsee – Tagestouren Rothenburg
02:41
6.37 mi
2.4 mph
250 ft
250 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The hike takes you to the Lindleinsee northeast of Rothenburg, which is a regionally important bird sanctuary. The reed belts and the extensive silting zones are an important habitat for many bird species.

This tour also starts at the market square and initially takes you along Galgengasse to the Galgentor…
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W5: Ins Schandtaubertal – Tagestouren Rothenburg
04:00
9.32 mi
2.3 mph
550 ft
550 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The picturesque Schandtaubertal characterizes this circular hiking trail, which takes you to Bettenfeld in the southwest of Rothenburg. On this route he follows the Franconian-Swabian Way of St. James. At the hammer mill you can take the shortcut W5a over the Schandhofhöhe, which halves the entire route…
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