Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Last week we took a quick overnight trip to Germany's best-preserved walled medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber for its Christmas market (Reiterlesmarkt). It easily could of been a day trip but I didn't want to push my little baby boy's limits. The drive was about 3 hours from the KMC area. We left around 9 am and were able to get an early check-in at our hotel before lunch. We bundled up Rand, packed up our Jeep stroller and headed towards the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The cobblestones quickly sent Rand into a deep sleep so Rob and I were able to hit the Christmas Market to get a cup of glühwein (a hot mulled wine) and explore the city.

While in Rothenburg we heard a very interesting story that took place during WWII. The German Garrison commander of the town had been instructed to defend the city to the last man and not to surrender under any circumstance.  The U.S. Commanding Officer had an affinity for the city since boyhood. His mother had travelled there in her youth and had a painting of the city hung up in their house. She had talked fondly of the enchanting city and he became determined to visit the city.  He asked for parlay with his German foe and insistantly urged the German to surrender his force and preserve a piece of German history and heritage.  The German Garrison Commander surrendered unconditionally and the town was preserved. That soldier's mother is not the only one in love with this charming city. Walt Disney was also a big fan. Rothenburg influenced him for the scenes for Pinocchio and some of Chiddy Chiddy Bang Bang was filmed there. 

 Rothenburg is home of the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Company Headquarters. This place is huge and is a maze of Christmas decor. I was in heaven.

Rob and I had date night in "Hell." Rothenburg OBT is also home to a famous restaurant called Zur Holl (To Hell). The restaurant is over 1,000 years old. That part of the village didn't have any lamps on the streets so it was nicknamed hell, hence the name of the restaurant. I read a lot of reviews to make sure you get a reservation because it fills up pretty fast, plus they get a bit snotty if you didn't, so we made sure to get one. Rob had a delicious winter asparagus soup and I had an amazing goose dinner with red cabbage and dumplings.

Another fun thing to do while in Rothenburg is the Night Watchmen's tour. The guide has all the historical information but he is a natural storyteller and imparts his knowledge with a humor that is so natural it just slips in under your skin and next thing you're laughing away and can't wait to hear what he has to say next. The cost is 7euros and you meet at 8 pm on the town hall steps. Be sure to dress warm and wear some good walking shoes.

We stayed at the Hotel-Gasthof Post. It was a quaint little hotel and was walking distance to the front gate of the city.