The best way to experience this fairytale town is with a stay in one of these equally storybook hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town with an impressive history that dates back nearly 800 years! And it’s known for being one of only three places in Germany with intact city fortress walls that encircle the old city center.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also brimming with beautiful timber frame homes, cobblestone streets, and exciting attractions. It may be small, but its historic streets and medieval history have put it on the map as one of Germany’s most beautiful places to visit.
Here’s a list of the best hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and some need to know information before you hit the road.
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Where is Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a hidden gem in Germany that’s located in northern Bavaria, about two hours from Frankfurt and an hour from Nuremberg. It’s situated along the Tauber River Valley, hence its name which translates to “Rothenburg on the Tauber”.
How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Due to its location and small size, the most convenient way to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is by car. However, there are connecting train and bus routes, as well as organized day trips from Frankfurt and Munich that are an option too.
Parking is pretty limited within the city walls, but there are many parking lots right outside the historic downtown area.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
As mentioned, one of the best things to do in Rothenburg is simply wandering around and marveling at the beauty of this marvelously preserved town.
But here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best things to do:
- Take the Night Watchman Tour to learn more about the city’s unique history. The English tour runs on Fridays and Saturdays, at 8pm in front of the town hall. It’s €9/adult.
- Snap a photo in the picturesque Plonlein, Rothenburg’s most iconic little square that inspired some illustrations in Pinocchio.
- Climb up and walk inside the city walls and towers. They’re free!
- Experience year-round Christmas cheer at the German Christmas Museum and Flagship Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store!
↠ Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Best Hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany
1. Hotel-Gasthof Goldener Greifen
Why stay here: A cozy guesthouse in an old traditional building right on the Main Street of the old town.
With its green pastel walls and candy cane shutters, the Hotel-Gasthof Goldener Greifen has become one of the most recognizable buildings in Rothenburg. This is where we spent our weekend visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
This fantastic old guesthouse has a German restaurant onsite and includes a pretty delicious and hearty breakfast for guests. They offer standards as well as doubles for groups or families of four.
Rates start around $75/night.
2. Romantik Hotel Markusturm
Why stay here: A romantic getaway in one of the best photo spots of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The Romantik Hotel Markusturm is a beautiful hotel nestled right up next to the photogenic Markusturm, one of the main medieval towers in this historic destination.
There are classic, standard, and deluxe room options, which include a daily breakfast. As is customary with traditional German hotels, there’s a restaurant onsite.
Rates start around $175/night.
3. Gästehaus am Plönlein
Why stay here: A simple but private guest house feet from Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s most beautiful spot.
Enjoy having your own private space at the Gästhaus am Plönlein, a one-bedroom that sleeps two. You cannot get much closer to the heart of the city, this is it! And even better, this little guesthouse features units with a kitchen, work desk, seating area, and access to laundry machines.
The interior features exposed wooden beams as a testament to the classic architecture of the time coupled with clean white linens. This place to stay in Rothenburg also welcomes travelers with dogs!
Rates start around $110/night.
4. Burg Hotel
Why stay here: An upscale and luxurious hotel housed in a timber frame home from the 1300s with an incredible view of the surrounding valley.
The Burg Hotel offers the best of the old city streets and views overlooking the lush Tauber Valley. This ancient hotel is housed inside a building that dates back to the 1300s, but it doesn’t sleep on the modern conveniences.
During your stay, indulge in the hotel’s spa treatments and sauna to soothe your tired body after wandering the city all day. And start your mornings right with a hearty complimentary breakfast buffet. The hotel has standards as well as spacious suites for groups of four.
Rates start around $220/night.
5. Altfraenkische Weinstube
Why stay here: An insanely cozy guesthouse covered in ivy and brimming with eclectic charm.
We didn’t stay at the Altfraenkische Weinstube, but we popped in and had a lovely dinner in their onsite Franconian restaurant. The space is so charming, from the moment you catch sight of the hanging ivy to the unique antiques that fill the interior.
The charm doesn’t stop there but continues to the bright guestrooms that feature exposed wooden beams and homey decor. This local guest house only has a handful of units, which means a quiet and relaxed stay in Rothenburg o.d. Tauber.
Rates start around $115/night.
6. Gasthaus Alter Keller
Why stay here: An unassuming little guesthouse with one of the best restaurants in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The Gasthaus Alter Keller is relaxed and simple accommodation a short walking distance away from the main streets of Rothenburg. It’s most famous for the restaurant of the same known on the ground level, a delicious spot known for serving local Franconian dishes.
We didn’t stay here, but we did pop in for lunch and the food was truly amazing. If the owners take half as much care of the guest rooms as they do the restaurant, you’re guaranteed a fantastic stay. And it boasts great reviews on Booking.com and rooms at an affordable rate.
Rates start around $80/night.
7. Gästehaus Edelzimmer
Why stay here: A beautiful hotel with parking that’s owned and operated by a local family that provides a warm welcome to guests.
The Gästehaus Edelzimmer is a homey and well-appointed guest house within the city’s old walls. The apartment-style suites maintain their original historic charm with exposed frames and stone walls but have been updated with all the modern touches we expect from a hotel.
Families and groups of four can book suites with double beds, and there’s even a private apartment available to book, complete with a kitchen. Reviews speak highly of the hotel’s abundant German breakfast that includes bread, fresh fruit, coffee, and more.
Rates start around $185/night.
8. Jugendherberge Youth Hostel
Why stay here: Cheap accommodation in the heart of Rothenburg that’s a great option for solo travelers, backpackers, and budget seekers.
If traveling alone or seeking budget-friendly accommodation in Rothenburg, check out the Jugendherberge Youth Hostel. Tucked away from the main streets, the hostel’s building is spacious but gives off hobbit vibes with its dome-style windows.
There are cheap dorm beds available, as well as privates that can accommodate between 4-6 guests. Your booking includes a highly-rated breakfast, which seems to be the norm in this welcoming town.
Rates start around $85/night.
