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Square · Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Baviera
Marktplatz und Rathaus
Rothenburg's central square, with the Gothic and Renaissance town hall, the tower with a 60-meter viewpoint, and the Ratstrinkstube clock that enacts the legend of the Meistertrunk.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Marktplatz und Rathaus
The Marktplatz is the center of Rothenburg, at the crossroads of the streets that lead to the gates in the town wall. The west side is occupied by the Rathaus, the town hall, made up of two parallel buildings: the Gothic wing, with the tower, was completed around 1377 over a 12th‑century watchtower, and the square‑facing wing, in German Renaissance style, has an octagonal stair tower and an arcade gallery added in 1681.
The town‑hall tower (Rathausturm) has a viewing platform about 60 meters high, reached by roughly 220 steps. The final section is narrow with a steep stair. From the top you can see the whole layout of the walled town, the red roofs and the Tauber valley.
On the north side of the square is the Ratstrinkstube, the former councillors' tavern, dating from 1466, with a figurine clock that at certain hours enacts the Meistertrunk: according to legend, during the Thirty Years' War the former mayor Nusch saved the town by drinking a large tankard of wine in one gulp. The story is staged every year in a historical play, usually at Pentecost (May or June).
In the basement of the town hall, the Historiengewölbe is an exhibition about the Thirty Years' War, with access to old dungeons. Also on the square are the São Jorge fountain (Georgsbrunnen), from 1608, and the tourist information office.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour in the square; an additional 30–45 minutes to climb the tower.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when tour groups have not yet arrived or have already left. Stay in the square on the hour to see the clock figures. Check whether the tower is open, as opening hours change with the season.
How to get there
The square is in the center of the walled town, about a 15‑minute walk from the train station, entering through the Rödertor and following the Rödergasse and the Hafengasse.
Tip
The tower climb is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or mobility difficulties: the last steps are almost a ladder. Bring little luggage.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Marktplatz und Rathaus
What is the Meistertrunk?
The legend of the former mayor who, according to tradition, saved Rothenburg in the Thirty Years' War by drinking in one gulp a mug of more than three liters of wine. The figures on the clock of the Ratstrinkstube and an annual reenactment commemorate the story.
Can you climb the town hall tower?
Yes — about 220 steps up to the viewpoint at 60 meters. The final stretch is narrow and steep. Check that it's open before you go.
Where is the tourist information office?
On the Marktplatz itself, next to the Ratstrinkstube. There you can find maps and information about guided tours.