Rothenburg — Master Drinker's Secret

Your journey begins in Marktplatz, the central square of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a market site since the Middle Ages, surrounded by 16th-century half-timbered houses. Here, facing the Hospital of the Holy Spirit founded in 1270, you receive your first riddle. The Town Hall Tower (Rathausturm), 33 meters high and built in 1250, watches over you. You must decipher a hidden message on the Meistertrinkstube, named after Mayor Nusch's legend in 1631, a pivotal event of the Thirty Years' War that shaped the heritage of this free imperial city.

The investigation then leads you to the Ratstrinkstube, a historic building in Marktplatz, commemorating the famous Meistertrunk. A bronze relief from 1633, depicting Georg Nusch drinking 3.25 liters of wine, awaits you. This former council meeting room (Ratstube), dating from the 14th century, is at the heart of the legend stemming from Tilly's siege of the city, a fact verified in local chronicles. Nearby, the Rathaus, built in 1373, with its Renaissance facade added after the 1553 fire, houses the council chamber decorated with portraits of mayors since 1523. It's a key monument to understanding the history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Continue your tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber towards Plönlein, an iconic intersection with its 1596 half-timbered house and a bridge spanning the Tauber. This location, filmed in 'Clash of the Titans' (1981), is one of Bavaria's most photographed spots. At the foot of the Sieberturm tower (13th century, 30m high), part of the intact medieval ramparts, you'll discover how the defenses of the free imperial city resisted invasions. Approximately 500m from Marktplatz via Obere Schmiedgasse, this site offers a unique perspective on the UNESCO World Heritage candidate.

Your route then takes you to Gerlachschmiede, a historic forge on Schmiedgasse, active since the 15th century. This restored half-timbered building, near Marktplatz, testifies to medieval craftsmanship and the flourishing economy of the free imperial city between 1172 and 1803, which counted 15 registered forges in 1500. Then, you reach Spitaltor and Spitalbastei, the north gate built in 1525-1530. This double tower, 25m high with a barbican, is the last fortification point, part of the 2.5 km of preserved ramparts, offering breathtaking views of Rothenburg ob der Tauber's defenses.

Finally, your investigation leads you along Herrngasse, a patrician street paved since the 14th century, lined with noble houses from the 15th-16th centuries, such as the Kreßeller house at No. 24 (1596) with its carved oriel. This direct link from Marktplatz to Spitaltor, stretching 800m, is dotted with 20 listed buildings, illustrating the wealth of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. By completing this thematic circuit, you will not only have solved the riddle of the Master Draught but also explored the most significant monuments of this Christmas town in Germany, understanding its history from its founding to the 1631 legend and its status as a free imperial city.