As far as storybook villages go, few can compare to the medieval German gem of Rothenburg.

With its colorful half-timber frame houses, village squares and impressive city walls, it is everything you want from a fairytale destination and more.

Stroll along the cobbled lanes, savor some delectable Bavarian cuisine and dive into the nearly 800 years of history that shaped this town on a day trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt.

Here's all you need to know about Rothenburg, one of the most exciting day trips from Frankfurt.

How to get to Rothenburg from Frankfurt?

Rothenburg is roughly 180 kilometers southeast of Frankfurt.

From Frankfurt to Rothenburg by car

It takes around 2 hours to drive to Rothenburg from Frankfurt. You will follow the A3 towards Wurzburg and take the A7 exit towards Rothenburg after about 150 km.

Guided tour to Rothenburg from Frankfurt

Take a guided tour to Rothenburg for a worry-free excursion from Frankfurt. Enjoy the benefits of comfortable and efficient transportation and a meticulously planned itinerary, designed to showcase the best of the town.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Rothenburg starts with a 9 AM departure from Frankfurt in a luxury coach for the scenic drive on the famed Romantic Road.

You will start with a walking tour to explore the time capsule town and all of its charming corners. Enter the city through the impressive city gates, walk along the sturdy city walls and admire the many small details that lend this town all its charm.

You will see the Renaissance town hall and pay a visit to the 500-year-old St. Jacob's Church. Alternatively, you can visit the city’s famous Medieval Crime Museum, delving into the intriguing world of historical transgressions and punishments.

You will enjoy some free time for lunch or exploration before returning to Frankfurt at the end of the day.

Some tours double up on the adventure and add iconic locations like Neuschwanstein and Heidelberg to the itinerary for a full day of historic exploration in southern Germany.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Rothenburg?

There are several tour options for excursions to Rothenburg. You can book private or group tours or add another destination to your itinerary to complement your day out in Bavaria.

Guided tours to Rothenburg from Frankfurt

Guided day tours to Rothenburg are the most convenient way to explore this magnificent town. A knowledgeable guide will show you all the treasures before allowing you some free time to discover the town for yourself. You even get entry to either St. Jacob's Church or the Medieval Crime Museum, adding more value to an already unforgettable experience. There are coach tours as well as smaller minibus tours that include pick-up in Frankfurt.

Day trip to Rothenburg plus Heidelberg from Frankfurt

See two of Germany’s most prized historic and romantic towns on a single-day tour from Frankfurt. Visit both Heidelberg and Rothenburg to see impressive castle ruins, wander through enchanting streets and learn about the region's captivating history.

Day trip to Rothenburg plus Neuschwanstein from Frankfurt

A visit to Neuschwanstein is top of many people’s lists when visiting Germany. So why not make the most of your day by visiting the grand Neuschwanstein Castle along with the adorable old town of Rothenburg? You will visit the famed castle in the morning and spend the afternoon wandering about the Altstadt of Rothenburg, the perfect 14-hour day trip from Frankfurt.

Private tour to Rothenburg from Frankfurt

A private tour to Rothenburg is the ideal option if you like to set your own pace and enjoy a more intimate experience on tour. There are private tours that include a luxury vehicle while others take you to Rothenburg by train, helping you to book your tickets and navigate the rail system. You can customize the itinerary as you go and you will have a private guide at your disposal all day.

How much does a day trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt cost?

The cost for a Rothenburg day tour from Frankfurt is between €100 and €250. The price is dependent on the size of your group and the type of transportation included.

Visit both Heidelberg and Rothenburg on a combo day trip for only €280 per person. This includes entry to the Heidelberg Castle as well as entry to either the church or the museum in Rothenburg.

A Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg day trip costs €400 per person. This tour includes all entry fees, a dedicated guide for the day and comfortable transportation.

Private tours to Rothenburg cost from €680 for a group of up to 15 people but you must purchase your train tickets separately. For around €2,600 you can have a private tour with luxury transportation for up to 6 people.

What will you see and do?

The charming town of Rothenburg has no shortage of captivating corners to discover. These are only a few of the highlights you can look forward to on your day tour from Frankfurt:

Medieval Crime Museum

Step back in time at Rothenburg's Medieval Crime Museum, where visitors can delve into the dark history of medieval punishment. This unique museum showcases a chilling collection of torture devices used during that era, offering a grim yet fascinating glimpse into the methods of justice and control employed in the past.

St. Jacob's Church

A visit to Rothenburg wouldn't be complete without marveling at the grandeur of St. Jacob's Church. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture features awe-inspiring stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings, drawing visitors into a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

City walls

Rothenburg boasts remarkably well-preserved town walls, which offer an excellent opportunity to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the town's enchanting ambiance. As you walk along the ancient fortifications, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque landscape, providing a unique perspective of Rothenburg's medieval charm.

Plönlein

This picturesque square in Rothenburg is an enchanting gem that perfectly encapsulates the town's fairy-tale charm. Framed by a pair of beautifully preserved medieval towers – the Siebers Tower and the Kobolzeller Tower – Plönlein creates a captivating scene straight out of a storybook. The half-timbered houses lining the square add to its quaint allure, and the cobbled streets add a touch of nostalgia to the experience.

When is the best time to visit Rothenburg?

The best time to visit Rothenburg is in the spring or autumn. While summer brings long days and warm weather, it's also the peak tourist season. In spring (April to June), you can see the town come alive as flowers bloom, and in autumn (September to October), the fall colors complement the town beautifully.

Are there any tours to Rothenburg from other cities in Germany?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Germany:

Day trip to Rothenburg from Munich

Travel tips

If you're visiting during the peak tourist season, try to visit popular spots early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Rothenburg is best explored on foot, and the streets can be cobblestoned and uneven, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Don't forget to try local cuisine. A popular specialty is the Schneeballen (snowball), a sweet pastry.

Rothenburg: Day Trips and Tours from Frankfurt