Rothenburg ob den Tauber is a fascinating small city which was an important center during the middle ages. It is also located on the so called Romantischestrasse ( Romantic street, which runs through many cities such as Rothenburg). The Altstadt (old city) is still surrounded by its wall complete with gates, towers and slits in the wall from which to fire arrows and most of it is possible to browse through at leisure. Near the town square there is a teddy bear museum and a torture chamber. Be in the square before midday and watch the clock turn 12 as the mayor saves the city (by slowly lifting a cup to his lips) from the King Leopold of Sweden again. This incident really happened and is the reason why the town walls have survived. During the thirty years war Leopold promised to raise the siege at Rothenburg if the mayor would drink a 3 L cup of wine in one breathe. The mayor saved the city and died a few hours later of alcohol poisoning.
The town hall is also open for tourists to climb to the top of the tower but be warned that a fee is charged and the ticket counter is located at the foot of the last staircase to the the tower.
