18 | Europe's Christmas Markets Destination Guide
Rothenburg ob der tauber
WHERE CHRISTMAS
HAPPENS ALL YEAR ROUND
Follow the "Romantic Road" to one of Germany's last remaining
walled medieval towns — Rothenburg ob der Tauber, lovingly
preserved, and where Christmas is celebrated all year round.
Centuries ago, Rothenburg was ruled by the
Holy Roman Empire. It was a busy merchant
city until the Thirty Years' War and the plague
threw it into poverty. This 17th-century
stagnation froze Rothenburg in time, to be
rediscovered by German Romantics in 1802.
An optional excursion to this charming town,
you will see the picturesque Plönlein square
and the Kriminalmuseum, stroll the castle
garden and observe its system of weirs across
the river. Walk along the Herrengasse, an
inviting lane of old patrician houses. And see
the 1466 High Altar of St. Jakob's Church and
the Gothic–Renaissance Town Hall.
Perhaps one of Rothenburg's most famous
attractions is the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas
shop. Founded by Wilhelm and Kathe
Wohlfahrt in 1964, from a desire to gift
friends traditional music boxes that they
were unable to find outside of the Christmas
period. The Rothenburg store – now their
global headquarters – has been converted
to a year-round Christmas village covering
more than 1,400 square metres. It is home to
a remarkable collection of traditional German
decorations, perfectly fashioned handmade
gifts, pyramids, nutcrackers, and ornaments of
glass, wood and pewter, all made by creative
