Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Germany’s Romantic Christmas Village
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval villages. Surrounded by tall historic city walls, massive watchtowers, cobblestone streets, and halftimbered, Rothenburg is the quintessential fairytale town of Germany. While stunning year-round, it is a popular destination during December and a MUST if you love Christmas. The Rothenburg Christmas Market, the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt stores, and the German Christmas museum will spark Christmas joy even in the biggest Grinch.
Please keep in mind that due to the current pandemic, there might be restrictions on indoor and outdoor activities in Rothenburg.
Käthe Wohlfahrt Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Address: Herrngasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Phone: 0800 4090150
Website
The stores of Käthe Wohlfahrt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a true Christmas Wonderland. You will find beautiful Christmas decorations in all shades and colors, intricate wood carvings and Christmas pyramids, Rächermännchen (little wood figurines that hold incense and “smoke”), Nutcrackers, and of course, the famous German Christmas Pickle.
Founded in 1964, the family-owned company is originally from Rothenburg but has since expanded all over Germany, Europe, and even the United States. There are two Käthe Wohlfahrt stores in Rothenburg, located right across the street from each other, as well as the Käthe Wohlfahrt toy store. Both Christmas stores have some unique items and some Christmas decor offered in both stores. Both stores are beautifully decorated with stunningly decorated Christmas trees and displays, and the shelves with the articles look like Christmas Market booths. The only thing missing is the Glühwein ;-)
Käthe Wohlfahrt brings German Christmas traditions and traditional decor to people all around the world. They bridge the gap between staying true to traditions and adding a modern twist and current trends.
German Christmas Museum Rothenburg
Address: Herrngasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Phone: 09861 409365
Website
The original Käthe Wohlfahrt store is also home to the German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum). You can buy admission once you enter the store and go upstairs either before or after you browse the store.
The museum shows the history of Christmas in Germany, with a strong focus on German Christmas traditions and German Christmas tree decor. It is a small museum, but it does a great job sharing some interesting stories about the history of Christmas and our beloved traditions throughout the Holiday season.
Rothenburg Chrismas Market
2021 – canceled
The Rothenburg Christmas Market is one of the most popular small-town Christmas markets in Germany. Located on the market square, surrounded by Rothenburg’s city hall (don’t miss the view from the top of the tower) and tall merchant houses, gives it a cozy atmosphere.
The Christmas market in Rothenburg offers booths with Glühwein (try the white Glühwein for a twist), Schneeballen (fried strips of dough shaped into a ball and covered with chocolate, sugar, etc), Bratwurst and other German delicacies. Of course, you will find more traditional Christmas decor and knickknacks, souvenirs, and toys, in case you did not get your fill of them at Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Rothenburg is a popular destination all year, but it gets even more crowded during December. Most visitors are day-trippers though, so if you want to avoid the worst crowds, visit during the week and plan to spend the night. Once the tour busses leave, you can truly enjoy the magic of Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
