Shopping

The medieval alleyways of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a fantastic place for a stroll. You can find numerous exclusive vendors in addition to souvenir and gift shops: The stores in the old city offer fashion, chocolate, artisanal products, art as well as wine, Snowballs and Franconian sausages. Many people actually look for original German Christmas decor in Rothenburg… and there is ample opportunity on the 40 Sundays and holidays on which shops with unique reference to tourist need are open from mid of May till Advent, 4th – a proud number.

You can find exclusive items made in Rothenburg at the Handmade in Rothenburg Initiative: From the fashion line along the Plönlein and chocolate from Georgengasse to the Lichthaus in the Lotus Garden outside the old quarter, you can find a whole range of handmade products that are only available in Rothenburg. What also makes the participants of the initiative so special is that you can watch over their shoulders as they produce their crafts. At Leyk’s Lichthäuser, you can get a glimpse of how the handpainted originals are produced and at Allegra chocolatiers, you can even lend a hand and pour your own chocolate figure on selected dates. Outside of the initiative, you can jump into the action at the Waffenkammer, which lets you dress up in medieval costumes in the vaulted shop space. This store sells high-quality knight and fantasy items – perhaps you’d like a new suit of armor?

The makers behind “Arts, Craft and History” in Rothenburg ob der Tauber specialize in unique pieces and outstanding stories: Here customers can find truly exceptional artworks in Mr. Takeyama’s gallery or get whisked away into Rothenburg’s alleyways with a special medieval tour. One-of-a-kind patchwork pieces and high-quality photos from Rothenburg round off the offer of this second initiative.

“Where is the Christmas shop?” – there are hardly any international guests in Rothenburg ob der Tauber who don’t ask this question. German visitors also like to get enchanted by the festive charm of the Christmas Village by “Käthe Wohlfahrt”. This store on Herrngasse offers over 12,000 items. From a candle arch and glass globe to nutcrackers, you can have a wonderful Christmas shopping experience here even in the summer. An unique eye-catcher: the huge Christmas tree in the center of the store – simply awesome. And if you’d like to learn more about this holiday, you’re welcome to visit the German Christmas Museum above the store.

Culinary treats are a wonderful way to take home a piece of Rothenburg ob der Tauber: You can buy regional wines from a Rothenburg vintner, smoked goods from a regional butcher and of course the legendary Rothenburg Snowballs – watch out for private owned bakeries.