At the end of September, we spent two days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (hereby out known as Rothenburg).

For our first trip out of the Czech Republic, I wanted to get out of a big city, explore a nearby country, and celebrate our anniversary all in one quick weekend.

We were just getting our jobs started, and didn’t know until the last minute if we could actually take this trip, and, of course, up until about two days before we were supposed to be leaving on this trip, we couldn’t decide where to go.

Choice is a prison, people–especially when you’re surrounded by incredible destinations. (I promise not to whine about that too much…).

Rothenburg was E’s idea, and when I saw pictures, I immediately remembered that this was the German town I’d been hoping to see. Since it was last minute it wasn’t our easiest trip–a few trains and buses–but it was a relatively short distance for a three-day weekend, so we went ahead and booked it.

Rothenburg is everything you think of when Germany comes to mind: half-timbered houses, flower boxes in the windows, an old medieval wall, cobblestoned streets, buckets of charm, and a signature sweet.

While Rothenburg is definitely well-known, and had the tourists to show for it, it met all of our expectations. It was a great weekend away, and really relaxing, which we really needed at that point (or, always). I think Rothenburg is the perfect weekend destination: we filled our time easily, but it didn’t feel crammed, and I didn’t leave wishing I’d seen the many sites I’d missed. While we could have had a more jam-packed weekend, there really isn’t that much else to do in Rothenburg but relax, eat, wander, and maybe check out a medieval store or museum.

For our weekend, we did nothing but try out restaurants and eat Schneeballen (!!), a delicious donut/pastry/candy thing I can’t accurately describe,

wander the streets,

try to catch bubbles,

visit the Christmas store (which was incredible), 

walk along the wall,

try out cider in the square,

peek into churches,

happen upon ancient medieval storerooms,

and stroll the old castle grounds.

We had a fabulous weekend practicing our German–which seems way easier to Czech, perhaps because I was exposed to it so often as a kid–and celebrating another anniversary.

I was completely charmed by Rothenburg and Germany in general. We are planning to head back to the area in just a few weeks to experience the epic Christmas markets!

Now, since I can’t tell you enough how adorable this town is, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

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Have you been to Germany for the Christmas markets? Which one is your favorite?

Linking up with Bonnie, Cynthia, Courtney & Yalanda!

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