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Rothenburg ob der Tauber runs events all year, from the December Christmas market that draws the biggest crowds to the May Meistertrunk re-enactment. Most take place in the Market Square, the Green Market or the Tauber valley meadows. The Rothenburg ob der Tauber city guide has the overview, and this guide lists the main dates; for weather at each time of year, see the Rothenburg weather by month article.
Rothenburg Events and Festivals: Winter
Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market
The Reiterlesmarkt runs from the Friday before the first Advent Sunday until 23 December, spread across the Market Square and the Green Market. About 40 stalls sell glühwein, Nuremberg-style bratwurst, roasted almonds and handmade ornaments, and it is open daily from roughly 11:00 to 19:00, until 20:00 on weekends. Entry is free. The name comes from the Reiterle, a Franconian winter rider figure who appears in the opening procession. Weekday mornings and evenings after 17:00 are the quietest times to visit, and for the quietest months overall see the best time to visit Rothenburg.
Rothenburg Events and Festivals: Spring and Early Summer
Meistertrunk Festival
The Meistertrunk (Master Draught) is held over the Whitsun weekend, in late May or early June depending on the year, and re-enacts the 1631 story in which Mayor Georg Nusch drank 3.25 litres of wine to save the town from destruction by Catholic troops. A procession of about 1,200 costumed locals crosses the town, with historical encampments, music and theatre in the streets. It is free to watch, and the dates move with Pentecost, so confirm the year before booking. The procession crosses the Rothenburg neighborhoods of the old town, and it is the biggest annual event after the Christmas market.
Rothenburg Events and Festivals: Summer
Taubertal Festival
The Taubertal Festival is a multi-day rock, pop and electronic music festival held on the Eiswiese meadow beside the Tauber river, usually in the first half of August. Past line-ups have included international and German headline acts across several stages, and daily tickets plus camping passes are sold in tiers. It draws a younger crowd than the rest of Rothenburg’s events and books out the town’s budget accommodation, so reserve a room months ahead through the where to stay in Rothenburg guide if you plan to attend. Check the official festival site for the exact dates and line-up each year.
Franconian Wine Village (Weindorf)
In mid-August, a wine village takes over part of the old town for about ten days, with local Franconian wineries pouring Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Bacchus by the glass from open-air stands. It pairs with the summer crowds but is a good way to taste regional wine without leaving the walls. Dates shift slightly each year, usually the second or third week of August, and the Rothenburg travel tips article covers getting to the old town.
Rothenburg Events and Festivals: Autumn
Reichsstadt-Festtage (Imperial City Festival)
The Reichsstadt-Festtage, or Imperial City Festival, takes place on the first weekend of September and revives Rothenburg’s period as a free imperial city. The old town fills with historical encampments, costumed guilds, falconry displays and market stalls, closing with a fireworks display over the Tauber valley on Saturday night. Entry to the town is free, though some performances charge. It overlaps with pleasant September weather, making it one of the best weekends to visit.
Rothenburg Events and Festivals: Year-Round
Night Watchman Tour
The Night Watchman tour runs every evening from March to December at 20:00 from Market Square, and is effectively a daily event rather than a seasonal festival. Hans Georg Baumgartner’s one-hour English tour costs about €9 in cash and needs no booking. It is one of the best ways to understand Rothenburg’s history, and it runs in all weather. Combine it with the things to do in Rothenburg guide for a full day plan.
