Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria has been named Europe's most enchanting medieval town in a ranking by The Telegraph, with its traditional Christmas market set to open on November 20.
Top Ranking and Festive Appeal
The German town came first on a list of 10 destinations, known for its cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and historic buildings. It is a popular choice for a weekend getaway, particularly during the Christmas season.
The town's Christmas market, called the Reiterlesmarkt, will open on November 20 and run until December 23, 2026. It will be closed on November 22 for Remembrance Sunday.
Market Details and Events
The market takes place in the heart of the Old Town, with stalls set up around Market Square, Green Market Square, Church Square and the Town Hall courtyard. Visitors can browse stalls selling Christmas decorations, handmade gifts and traditional crafts, with food and drink including roasted almonds and mulled wine.
Entry is free, and the market is generally open between 11am and 7pm from Sunday to Thursday, with stalls staying open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
One of the main events this year will take place on November 27, when the traditional Reiterle figure arrives on a horse in Market Square. The town's Christmas tree will also be lit up, with music and other festive activities during the celebrations. Visitors can also see a different Advent window illuminated at the Town Hall each evening between December 1 and 23, with designs created by local schoolchildren and youth groups.
Beyond the Christmas Market
Rothenburg offers more than its Christmas market. The town is surrounded by medieval walls, and visitors can walk along parts of them while enjoying views over the rooftops and surrounding area. One of its best-known spots is the Plönlein, a small square featuring a yellow half-timbered house and two medieval towers.
There is also the Medieval Crime Museum, where visitors can learn about how people were punished hundreds of years ago, and the German Christmas Museum, which explores the history of festive traditions and decorations. Another popular activity is the Night Watchman tour, where visitors are taken around the Old Town in the evening and told stories about its past. Visitors can also climb the Town Hall Tower for views across the town and the surrounding countryside.
Rounding off the top three in The Telegraph's ranking were Toruń in Poland, which came second, and Mdina in Malta, which took third place.
