Days: 8 - 9
August 30th (Fri) - 31st (Sat)
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Rothenburg
                       
       
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Hi - 90°F Low - 66°F

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Hi - 75°F Low - 57°F
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Page Index
What We Saw
•  Our 2006 Rothenburg Visit
•  Orientation to the town
•  The Little Christmas Shop
•  The Little Christmas Shop (Just the Museum)
Where We Stayed
•  Hotel Altes Brauhaus

  What We Saw Our 2006 Rothenburg Visit
Friday, August 30, 2024
There are a number of things Rick Steves suggests we see while in Rothenburg.  Most are places or things we saw when we visited Rothenburg in 2006.    for Rothenburg 2006.
 
  Overview Tour Itinerary
Before getting to the R/S itinerary, and our activities while on our own, it's important to first review Rothenburg's history for the last 400 years.

Rothenburg exists today because of a foolish mistake by the caretakers of the main storehouse of gunpowder in 1631 (middle of the 30 years war). The gunpowder was accidentally ignited, destroying the town's ability to defend itself and leaving a gaping hole in the city's wall. This allowed the forces of General Tilly (of the Imperial Catholic Army) to capture and sack the town. The Black Plague followed in 1634 and, along with repeated ransacking of the town, the city was left as a shell and the citizens exhausted. The trade route changed leaving Rothenburg without a future and source of income. So the town "fell asleep" for the next 250 years and since it could not afford to modernize, it remained much as it was in the 17th century.

Eventually Rothenburg was rediscovered by German painters and their followers. Tourism quickly became a major factor is the life of the town. Laws were quickly passed prohibiting Rothenburg's citizens from making changes to their home and shops. It guaranteed that Rothenburg would remain the romantic and unique reminder of the past.

All was almost lost during World War II. In March of 1945 a German general and his troops occupied Rothenburg (running from Nuremberg) and vowed to defend it to the last man. This caused the allies to bomb the town causing significant damage, but not driving the German forces out. Shortly thereafter US Deputy Secretary of State General John McCloy (familiar with the town from a painting given him by his mother) sent word to the local commander to spare the town any further bombing if the town surrendered. This was agreed to by the citizens of Rothenburg while the German General was away, sparing it any further damage. 


Day 6 (Friday - Aug 30) Medieval Rothenburg 
This morning we'll continue our journey to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany's best-preserved medieval town. After an orientation to town, the afternoon is yours to see the best woodcarving in Germany (Riemenschneider's altarpiece), walk the medieval wall, tour the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum, or hunt down the best apple strudel in town. This evening we'll tag along on the Night Watchman's tour.  Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Rothenburg.

Day 6 (Friday - Aug 30)   On Our Own 
Since we've already been to Rothenberg we've decided to spend our day at The Little Christmas Shop and Christmas Museum and dinner.
  What We Saw Orientation to the town
Friday, August 30, 2024
There is really nothiing to be said so...here are pictures taken during our Rothenberg orientation.

 
  What We Saw The Little Christmas Shop
Friday, August 30, 2024
There are actually three (Yup! three) Christmas Shops in Rotherberg.  We visited two of the three.  This is the first one we went into, but early on we realized it was not the one which has a museum so out we went and across the street.  But prior to switching store we had taken a bunch of pictures.   


The Little Christmas Shop
Herrngasse 2
91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tel: +49 0800 4090150
      
 
  What We Saw The Little Christmas Shop (Just the Museum)
Friday, August 30, 2024
No this is not a repet of the section above.  There are actually three of these Christmas stores in Rothenberg.  This is the second one we visited and is the one that has (in addition to store) a Chrismas Museum.  The picture from the store are in the nexrt section.

The Little Christmas Shop (Just the Museum)
u. Schmiedgasse 19
91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Tel: 0800 4090150
      
 
 
  Where We Stayed Hotel Altes Brauhaus

Hotel Altes Brauhaus
Wenggasse 24
Rothenburg
Tel: 011 49 9861 9780
FAX: 011 49 9861 2039
         
 
 
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