2025 Middle Franconia Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, located in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany, sits atop a plateau overlooking the Tauber River. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls, charming timber-framed houses, and rich history, it is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval towns. Stepping into Rothenburg feels like traveling back to the Middle Ages. The town boasts numerous half-timbered buildings, and its cobblestone streets, polished smooth over time, are lined with colorful houses along narrow, winding alleys, creating a unique atmosphere. Especially during Christmas, the entire town transforms into a massive Christmas market, where vendors sell handmade crafts and delicious treats, with the air filled with the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread. Beyond its quaint streets, visitors can explore impressive gates, towers, and ancient fortifications. Rothenburg's history is steeped in legend. One of the most famous tales dates back to the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), when Swedish General Johan Banér threatened to destroy the town. In a dramatic drinking contest, Rothenburg's mayor, Georg Nusch, managed to drink over three liters of wine without collapsing, saving the town from destruction. Today, a special ceremony is held annually to commemorate this brave mayor. Situated in the heart of the Franconian Wine Route, Rothenburg is conveniently located between Frankfurt and Stuttgart, approximately 110 kilometers from Nuremberg and 230 kilometers from Munich, making it an ideal destination for exploring southern Germany. The region is known for its mild climate and distinct seasons, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests that offer plenty of hiking opportunities. From Rothenburg, visitors can easily access other historic cities and areas, such as Würzburg and Bamberg. Notable Landmarks: - St. Jakob's Church: This Gothic-style cathedral houses two precious artworks—the "Altar of the Holy Blood" and a wooden sculpture known as "The Handsome Man." - Burg Ratsherrntrinkstube: Built in the late 15th century, this building once belonged to a wealthy citizen and now operates as a restaurant. Its exterior murals depict the story of Mayor Georg Nusch. - Marktplatz: The town's central square, surrounded by significant public buildings like the New Town Hall and the Old Town Hall. The name "Rothenburg" means "Red Castle," inspired by the predominantly red rooftops of the town's houses. However, it's worth noting that Germany has another town with the same name, Rothenburg an der Saale, located in Lower Saxony near Bremen. Be sure not to confuse the two!

If you want to experience rural life in Germany from over seven hundred years ago, I recommend visiting the Frankisches Freilandmuseum (Franconian Open Air Museum). Some people translate Franconia as '费蘭肯' in Chinese. Where is this place located? It actually belongs to the Franconia region and is only about a twenty-minute drive from Rothenburg. We drove from Würzburg, which took about fifty minutes. Why is it called an Open Air Museum in English? Probably because the entire village is very large, with various houses of different sizes, each representing the story of a household. They might be ordinary families doing textile work at home, small farms raising poultry and livestock, or even large places for horse breeding. Additionally, you can visit their schools, churches, planting areas, as well as small bridges, streams, and ponds. Most visitors come as families, much like a picnic outing. They also have a small market selling their crafts such as wool products, ceramics, or honey products. If you take your time to walk around and look, it will take about two to three hours to complete the tour. Of course, we also enjoyed a German-style lunch inside, which had a unique flavor when enjoyed outdoors.