2014 Germany Trip - Marktplatz @ Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Itinerary and full experience of my visit to Germany can be accessed through the link below:

List of all 2014 Germany Trip | Rothenburg itinerary | Rothenburg places I went to

Whether the visitor choose to visit the Marktplatz or not, most probably he will still walk through it at least once in his visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The vacant square affords a sense of direction, whether one is searching for the famed Plönlein or navigating his way from one end of the wall to the other, it serves as a compass for one to return to while aligning his way to the next destination.

Marktplatz under the sun

The Marktplatz was alive with people during my visit, travelers and locals alike populating the square's stalls or shops lining the perimeter. The town hall, or Rathaus, formed the most obvious landmark next to the square, with commonly sighted timber framed house reminding me that I was in German soil. Once in a while a vehicle or cart would lumber through the place, their speed limited by the pedestrians.

St George's Fountain (~1608)

Water flow

The tower over the town hall

A day for gathering

Rathaus (townhall)

Food stall

Most of the business around the square catered for tourists, from guesthouses to toy stores, the latter of which I visited to check out the teddy bears for my wife. It was truly a store for teddy lovers, its range of displayed products hypnotizing visitors to stay longer and love the teddies further.

Ted

Shadows

A bear on the windowsill

However my true purpose of visiting Marktplatz was to check out the town hall's tower, the highest spot accessible to visitors. After loitering around for a few photos, I made my way to the entrance to the tower and experienced one of the most marvelous view from above.

Environment:         A central market square which serves as a local landmark

Suitable for:            For orienting oneself to another spot

Visit worthiness:   6.5/10 (you most probably just pass by here)

Historical value:        0.0/5.0 

Architectural value:  4.0/5.0

Photographic value:  4.0/5.0
Landmark value:       5.0/5.0

Entrance Fee:                 none

Opening Hours:             publicly available anytime

Best Moment to Visit: Anytime

Length of Visit:              <1 hour

Website:                   Tourism center provided webcam

Contact:                    -

E-mail:                      -

Address:                   Marktplatz, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.