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Wall · Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Baviera
Stadtmauer Rothenburg
The medieval wall that still surrounds the entire town, with a covered walkway along the ramparts, towers and gates such as the Rödertor, the Klingentor and the Spitaltor.
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 Stadtmauer Rothenburg
Rothenburg is still enclosed by its medieval wall. The first ring, from the late 12th century, protected the oldest core; surviving from it are the Weißer Turm and the Markusturm with the Röderbogen arch. The outer ring was built in stages during the 13th and 14th centuries as the town grew.
Along much of the perimeter there is a covered walkway (Wehrgang) on top of the wall, open to the public, from which you can look over backyards and roofs. The eastern stretch, between the Rödertor and the Galgentor, is among the most walked. Part of the wall was destroyed in the 1945 bombings and rebuilt after the war.
The gates mark the exits from the town: Klingentor to the north, with the fortified church of São Wolfgang; Rödertor to the east; Spitaltor to the south, with the Spitalbastei of 1556; and the Burgtor to the west, beside the Burggarten. Each has towers, bridges and barbicans that show how the defenses worked.
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
One to two hours to walk the sections of the walkway; the complete circuit, above and below, takes longer.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with side light on the roofs. In rain the covered walkway provides shelter, but the wooden steps become slippery.
How to get there
There are stair accesses to the walkway near the gates. From the train station the Rödertor is about a ten‑minute walk and makes a good entrance.
Tip
The walkway is narrow and low in places: mind your head. Walk from the Rödertor toward the Spitaltor and descend at the Plönlein.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Stadtmauer Rothenburg
Can you walk on Rothenburg's wall?
Yes. Along much of the perimeter there is a covered walkway open to the public, with access stairs near the gates.
Is the wall original?
Largely yes, with sections from the 13th and 14th centuries. Parts damaged by the 1945 bombings were rebuilt after the war.
Which section to walk if time is short?
The east section, from the Rödertor southward to near the Spitaltor, runs above the backyards and ends near the Plönlein.