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Rothenburg
Known for its scenic beauty and historical architecture, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which means "red fortress above the Tauber," is one of the only walled medieval towns remaining in Germany. Located halfway between Frankfurt and Munich, the Bavarian town was founded in 1274. It stands today exactly as it did in the 11th century, with much of the town pedestrian-only. The medieval buildings and cobbled streets resemble something out of a fairy tale.
Every year, tourists from around the world travel to Rothenburg and step back in time as they explore the “Alstadt”—the old world city center, which is encircled by a 14th century wall. The Rothenburg Town Hall Tower, Rauthausturm, rests on top of the gable of a Gothic building. Visitors who climb the tower are rewarded with a stunning view of Rothenburg and the surrounding countryside. The Plönlein, a narrow half-timbered building with a small fountain in front, is another popular tourist destination. It is often referred to as one of the most photographed spots in the world.
Rothenburg has appeared in several movies. It was the inspiration for the village in Walt Disney’s Pinnocchio and the location for the Vulgarian village scenes in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts I and II were also filmed there.