Segment: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Episode: Grand European ep 11
Air Date: 23rd February 2020
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

One of the most beautiful towns in Germany, Rothenburg is well worth a stop on your Viking cruise through Europe.

• About an hour from the ship’s docking point, the drive to Rothenburg takes you on a picturesque route known as the Romantic Road.
• Rothenburg is considered to be Germany’s Fairy Tale dream town, named for its location on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River.
• Vikings walking tour starts with a stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets, allowing guests the opportunity to photograph the town’s pastel coloured, half-timbered buildings.
• At the heart of Rothenburg lies the Town Hall, dating back to 1250. It consists of two buildings – a younger part and an older part.
• There was a large attack in WW2, destroying around 40% of the city. Central, Northern, western and southern Rothenburg remained almost completely untouched.
• Rothenburg’s historic centre is completely encircled by the medieval wall, about 1.5 miles long. If you walk the wall, you’ll see stones engraved with names of people from all over the world – people bought portions of the wall to raise money to help rebuild the city after WW2.
• Plonlein is known for its half-timbered houses in the middle of the street, and the two streets dividing off. Known as one of the most photographed spots in the all of Germany, it’s not hard to see why.
•  Be sure to check out Kathe Wohlfahrts Christmas Shop – it’s world famous, and is absolutely beautiful.