Is Rothenburg worth a stop? Too crowded in the summer time? Will be in the area last 2 weeks of July. Thank you!

I loved Rothenburg. Touristy, yes, but the crowds go home at night and then you have the gorgeous old town all to yourself. I'd recommend the Hotel Garni Hornburg, if you decide to make the stop and stay the night. Amazing mansion, great owners, fab rooms, two good dogs.

I totally agree with Rosenatti. The Garni Hornburg is all that plus beautiful grounds. It is located right outside the wall. I loved the Night Watchman's tour!

The town will be packed with day-trippers. Try to spend the night. Evening and early morning are wonderful. Take the nightwatchman's tour for an interesting perspective of life in the Middle Ages.

To quote Yogi Berra" <BR> <BR>"Nobody ever goes there anymore...its too crowded" <BR> <BR>If you never been there, ya have to go! I have been to Rothenburg about 6 times now, granted all were in the off-season! I second the "nightwatchmans tour" Have fun! <BR>JOHN

We spent two nights in Rothenburg, arriving the first day around 4pm. That gave us a good full day in Rothenburg to see the sights. We also went to a wine seminar and tasted some wonderful local wine. See my travel page at http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/home.html for the hotel information where we stayed, where we dined, etc. We loved it there, especially after the tourists left. We did the night watchman’s tour, which we enjoyed very much!

"Ditto" all above. We were there in July and it was fine. Cleared out late afternoon. Besides, word is that flights are being canceled in droves this year. Tourism will be down. But, stay within the city walls at the Hotel Gerberhaus. 500 year old building, friendly owners, small but neatly decorated rooms, good breakfast, a nice patio AND, a washer and dryer available to guests. We had tea on the patio while we refreshed our wardrobe. Reasonably priced too. <BR> <BR>If you haven't been "ya gotta go".

My wife and I first visited Rothenburg in 1970 when I was in the Army in Germany. We have since returned many times. Touristy, yes, but you gotta go and enjoy it in the evening. <BR> <BR>We have stayed many times at the Reichs Kuchenmeister Hotel. It is in a perfect location next door to the famous St Jacob's church and about a 3 minute walk to the town square where the Night Watchman's tour begins. Reasonably priced rooms and within the walls. Ask for a room in the old building. They also provide parking abour two blocks away. <BR> <BR>Even if you do not stay there try the restaurant for its weiner schnitzel or go to the small wine stube. In the summer they will also have the outdoor patio open for lunch. <BR> <BR>Have fun. This is a great town to explore and shop. We always do the mandatory stop at Kathe Wohlfart's shop and have always found her prices to be fair compared to anywhere else in Germany. If you like it there, buy it as the deal will not get much, if any, better and they do a great job on shipping.

Definitely go to Rothenburg. I second the motion on the Night Watchman's Tour (right up there with the Night Ghost Tour in York) and Kathy Wolfhart's Christmas ornament shop. Now that place was loaded with tourists. If you're blood thirsty like my sister, go to the Criminal Museum to check out the instruments of torture. Quite inspirational.

I loved Rothenberg, too!! I agree with Linda: the Christmas store was a dream - I was sucked into the vortex for much longer than my husband would have liked, but it was practically the only shop I went in that day. And besides, we had taken the kids to the "oooooh...Torture Musuem" as they called it. They had the creepy giggles the whole time we were there. All in all, very worthwhile.

Hi O! <BR> <BR> Rothenburg is one town you gotta see. Take the night watchman's tour, its one fun experience. Kathe Wolfharts is a must for Christmas. You can buy all kinds of Christmas decorations and they will ship them back to the states for you. Not one item we sent back was broken. If it is, they will replace it. Aslo, get on top of the wall and walk it. You will see some pretty sights. Do see the criminal museum for some really unusual ways of torture. They really knew how to make someones life miserable. <BR> Have fun and do see this town. <BR> <BR>Roger

Are reservations required for nightwatchman's tour, or do you just show up?

Are reservations required for nightwatchman's tour, or do you just show up?

Just show up for the tour. Was just there in May and they had two tours. The early one was in English and the later one in German. Ask at your accomdation; they will be able to tell you the times and where. We enjoyed the tour, the Criminal Museum and the shopping too. <BR>If you go, you really need to spend the night as it quiets down quite a bit after the hoards leave for the day. <BR>Linda R.

I lived there in winter 15 years ago and have never forgotten the magic of Rothenburg.Snow on the streets and warm inns to enjoy a bite to eat.Do not miss it.I am going back in August and I do not care how busy it will be.

We've been there twics & always stay in the Old City. Museum interesting, Christmas shop great, Night Watchman interesting, and hope to go back. Extended our stay both times. One time we were there & a travelling group of US Kids were there & they played a concert in the Plaza and recd. standing applause. Then, when the played Waring's arrnagement of "The Battle Hymm" it brought tears to all the American's eyes.

WOW! This is first time I've seen such agreement on responses! (Although I usually hang out on the U.S. board which is filled with disgruntled hooligans!) I, too, agree it's a must-see!

You must see Rothenburg! I have been there four times in the last ten years and it never ceases to amaze me. For a very inexpensive hotel stay at the Breiterle. It has been operated by the same family for more than 100 years. Say hello to Hans (Herr Leyerer).Most hotel restaurants close early for dinner, but the Holle is open til atleast nine..and the food and drinks are delicious.The hotel Breiterle is only about a hundred yards from the square.