Feet that Span the Globe (Rothenburg)

Few small towns are as rich in history and romanticism as the German town of Rothenburg. The timeless stories and charming persona of the town can still be felt as you walk down the coble stone streets of Old Town. This is one of the few cities in Germany where you can still walk on the medieval wall surrounding Old Town. Whether you're looking for touristy shopping, traditional German cuisine and hospitality, or historical landmarks, Rothenburg has something for every traveler.

This Northern Bavarian town is now booming with tourism from Germans and world travelers alike. It's frightening to think that if historical events unfolded even a slight bit differently, we might not have this gem in the pristine shape it's in today. During the middle ages, Rothenburg was an imperial free city of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived and it is believed that there were around 5 and a half thousand people within the city and about 14 thousand people in the surrounding territory. After hundreds of years of the city flourishing the city came under hard times during the 30 years war. In 1631 Count Tilly wanted to house his 40 thousand Catholic troops in the Lutheran Rothenburg. Rather than peacefully give in to the counts demands, the towns people prepared for a siege and decided to fight. After facing a momentous loss, Tilly's troops occupied the town and gradually drained Rothenburg of its supplies and wealth. A mere 4 years later, the town was decimated by the Bubonic plague.

Rothenburg remained a shadow of its former self until the late 1800s when it was revived by Romantic artists, drawing tourism. However this prosperity would once again be threatened about 60 years later during World War 2.

Nazi soldiers occupied Rothenburg in 1945 and were charged with its defense. After sustaining significant damage from U.S. air raids, news of the bombings made it to the U.S Assistant Secretary of War, John J. McCloy. Understanding the towns history, McCloy sent word for US Army General Jacob L. Devers to not use artilliry while taking the city. If you listen to the Night Watchman's tour, in Rothenburg, he says that McCloy had a relative originaly from Rothenburg. This is how he knew about the town's significance. In 1948 McCloy was named Honorable Protectorate of Rothenburg.

Hearing about a place and actually walking the streets are quite different experiences. The southern German architecture and coble stone streets were really an amazing sight for me, being from the west coast. As wonderful as the streets sound, they do make for nasty spills after a few stiens of beer or glasses of wine. A painful picture that I've wittnessed firsthand. Speaking of beverages, if you plan to visit during the winter months, you will find street venders with a very delicious, traditional Cider wine know as Gluhwein. It's a spiced red wine that is traditionaly served warm, in mugs.

The Food is also everything you would expect from in a German town during a festival. There are Schnitzels, bratwurst, spaetzle and pork steak sandwiches galore. If you like German food you won't be disappointed. If you don't know if you like German food, try it. You just might find yourself eating a second helping of sauerkraut.

Because Rothenburg is now a tourist attraction it isn't the cheapest place for village shopping. However, it's not outrageous and the many venders do have a remarkable amount of nice merchandise. There is a shop that sells beer steins and will ship them to just about anywhere in the world. I actually managed to get one to my friend in South Korea. They also guarantee it so you don't have to worry about packing it yourself and it getting broken.

If Christmas is your thing, there is a large Kathe Wohlfahrt's Christmas shop in Old Town. It really is a ridiculous store. By ridiculous I mean more Christmas stuff and Nutcrackers than I thought was possible to put in a building. They also have a lot of other traditional German trinkets also. I found this old style wooden hunter doll for my grandfather there.

Rothenburg has a number of museums on topics from toys to the historic imperial city. But out of all of them the one you can't miss is the Medieval Crime Museum. This museum has numerous instruments of torture, humiliation and execution. A twisted delight really and fun for the whole family.

If you have time to stay until the evening you are in for a real treat. There are 2 Night Watchman tours performed nightly. I was a bit skeptical at first and thought it was just some guy trying to make money. Well he is a guy trying to make money but he does know his stuff and was even a bit funny. Either naturally or he had help from some liquid courage. Can't say for sure but I can say that it was a very informative tour about the history of Rothenburg and a highly enjoyable time. He'll talk more in detail on what I've been rambling about and you'll get to see where the historic buildings are.

Lastly, if you miss this sight you really weren't paying attention during your visit. Every hour in the Rathausplatz (city hall square) you can see the life size Koo Koo clock play and dance. Many German towns have one but Rothenburg's is outstanding in its own right.

Rothenburg is one of the many German towns worth seeing during your travels. I've been a few times and am always looking forward to visiting again someday.