What to do · Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Town Hall Tower, 220 Steps above the Marktplatz
Information
- From
- €4 adult, cash only
- Duration
- 30 min
- Season
- Daily from April to October; weekends in winter; daily during the Reiterlesmarkt
- Who it's for
- Anyone who can climb stairs; not for those with vertigo
What it is
Rothenburg's Town Hall tower is the highest viewpoint in the old town. You climb 220 steps from the Marktplatz to the platform at the top, and from there you see the whole town: the red roofs, the wall, the towers and, further off, the Tauber valley and the hills of the Frankenhöhe.
The Town Hall has two parts. The rear one, Gothic, is the original and survived the fire of 1501, which destroyed the eastern part; the facade onto the square was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the sixteenth century, and the baroque portico was added in 1681.
What you see from the top
- To the west: Herrngasse, which runs down towards the Burgtor and the Tauber valley.
- To the east: the Marktplatz, at your feet.
- To the north: St James's Church, the Jakobskirche.
- To the south: the Hospital quarter and the crime museum.
Opening times
- January to March and November: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00 to 15:00.
- April to October: every day, from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 13:00 to 17:00.
- During the Reiterlesmarkt, the Christmas market: every day, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00; from Friday to Sunday, until 19:00.
In 2026 the market runs from 20 November to 23 December; before the 20th, in November, it is only open at weekends from 12:00 to 15:00.
Prices
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adult | €4 |
| Under 14 | €2 |
| Family (two adults and two or more children) | €10 |
| Group of 10 or more, per person | €3 |
| Person with a severe disability | €2 |
You pay at the top, in the tower, and in cash only: bring coins.
How to climb
You enter through the main portal of the Town Hall, on the Marktplatz. On the third floor, next to the winch, there is a sign with the day's information. From there everything is on foot: it is not accessible by wheelchair or pushchair, and it is not a good idea if you suffer from vertigo.
How long
Half an hour for the climb, the views and the descent.
With children
Older children enjoy the climb and counting the steps. With small children, think twice: you have to hold their hand on the stairs and on the platform. Under-14s pay €2.
How to get there
The tower is on the Marktplatz itself, the centre of the old town. If you arrive by car, park in the car parks outside the wall (P1 to P5) and walk in: from any gate you reach the square in a few minutes. The tourist office is on the same square, at Marktplatz 2.
Before or after
From the top you can clearly understand the layout of the town wall: climb the tower first and walk the wall walk afterwards. If you want another view, the Röderturm, on the east of the wall, has 103 steps and opens in season.
Tips
- Bring cash You pay at the top and in cash only: €4 for adults.
- Climb in good weather On a clear day you see as far as the Frankenhöhe; in fog, little more than the neighbouring roofs.
- Check the calendar In winter it is only open at weekends, except during the Christmas market.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does Rothenburg's Town Hall tower have?
220 up to the platform at the top.
How much does it cost to climb?
€4 for adults, €2 for under-14s and €10 for a family. Cash only.
Is it open in winter?
At weekends from 12:00 to 15:00 in November and from January to March, and daily during the Reiterlesmarkt.
As a familyWith teenagers
