Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We left Oberammergau and drove what's referred to as the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  This route follows the old Roman trading routes and connects several old historic cities and medieval towns along the way.  The best preserved medieval town is Rothenburg.  Although we ultimately got off and drove the autobahn part of the way to maximize our time, it was great to drive through the countryside and see the different towns and villages along the way.

If there is such a thing as a classic, medieval European city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is it.  It still has its well preserved wall and ramparts surrounding the center of town that you can walk along.  The narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways open up into large squares with no warning.  Colorful gabled houses and buildings line every street.

Our hotel for the night, Hotel Spitzweg, was just a few steps from the main Market Square -- down the hill and walk under the clock tower and you were there.  The hotel is owned by an older German couple -- the Hochers -- in a great rustic building built in 1536 with wonderful exposed wooden beams and only 10 rooms.  There was no elevator, but it was easy to tote our bags up the curving staircase to the third floor.  Pop enjoyed talking with Herr Hocher over coffee about the hotel and the building.

Just down the street from our hotel.  The eggs in the
Easter decorations behind us are real painted eggs.

Unfortunately, our itinerary didn't allow us to stay here but the one night.  It definitely warrants a longer stay.  If we make it back to Germany, we will be here at least 2-3 days to really soak in its charm and medieval history.