Rothenburg - A Town Straight Out of a Fairytale

Looking like every Disney fairy tale village that ever existed, Rothenburg is one of the highlights of Germany's Romantic Road, and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

* I mean just look at that! I was half-expecting Pinocchio to walk-by. This is the Plonlein, the town's most iconic (and photographed) view; shockingly and, luckily for us, empty this day.

* Coming here in the middle of October was both a curse due to the freezing cold which we weren't prepared for at all (think scurrying from store to store to avoid the chill), and a blessing since there were hardly any tourists there that day making picture-taking very pleasurable.

* Rothenburg is widely regarded as Germany's best-preserved walled town and is often referred to as the "quintessential German home town."

* All around, timber-framed buildings reflect the town's charming medieval character.

* Founded in 1170, the former Free Imperial City of Rothenburg lies halfway between Frankfurt and Munich and during the 15th Century had a bigger population than both.

* We had a traditional Bavarian lunch of sausages and bier (beer) at the Baumeisterhaus, a lodge built in 1596 by the town's Master Builder!

* I can imagine that hunting must have played a huge part of the daily lives of citizens back in the day.

* A formidable looking saint / priest / sorcerer wishing us a hearty meal!

* Setting the mood right for this traditional 1596 lunch!

* The town also experienced the devastation of several medieval wars.

* It was here during the Thirty Years War (a war between Catholics and Protestants), that invading Catholic armies laid siege to the town's Lutheran inhabitants leaving the town broke and pillaged.

* However this may have been a blessing in disguise, as the town stopped growing due to this calamity, thus preserving it in its 17th Century state. What we have now is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations, and a very wealthy town!

* Christmas time has traditionally been the town's most celebratory and exciting season, with the whole town enthusiastically joining in on the revelry.

* Thus there are whole streets lined with stores dedicated to selling Christmas decors, lights, trees and ornaments the whole year round. There is even a Museum dedicated to Christmas!

* The wife giving a not-so-subtle hint for her preferred Christmas gift!

* While photos are prohibited inside the Christmas stores and Museum, take my word for it that everything is crazy mad fun!

* Apart from tourists and Christmas shopping, the town is also a favorite shooting location for numerous films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

* The town was also the inspiration for the village of the Disney movie, Pinocchio! (Remember my earlier reference?)

* Another of the town's notable buildings is the historic Lutheran Church of St. James, famous for its Holy Blood altarpiece made by Germany's most famous wood carver, Tilman Riemenschneider. 

* Lifelike statues, as if Medusa had frozen them in time!

* From the looks of things, everyone here was prepared for the cold weather.. everyone but us!

* A few shots of the numerous signages found all over town.. what is this, Hogwarts?! Check out the dude on the lower right looking like the Starbucks logo!

* Brisk walking the whole town will get you from one end to the other in just 15 minutes! 

* The whole town is thus best experienced on foot!

* Awesomely, I wandered off to this street where several of the stores specialize in medieval armors, weapons, and memorabilia!

* They even have a lifelike sculpture of Aragorn, several knights in fighting pose, and friggin Excalibur for sale. (The rock included!)

* Replica swords from all the epic movies! 

* "Ahh yes, I'd like to buy these fine Templar statues as my den could use some pizzazz!"

* An anecdote about the town shares that during World War II, the US Assistant Secretary of War, knowing of Rothenburg's beauty and cultural significance, made sure that the town was spared the massive air bombings and artillery shelling that befell all other German towns and cities.

* Buying some last minute souvenirs for the fine folks at home. Check out the epic cuckoo clock! 

* Exiting via the same way we came in, through the town's impressive walls.

* One more shot before continuing on our journey along the Romantic Road.