Rothenburg Germany May 30, 2015

The Reynolds invited us to go on a day trip with them to Rotenburg.  It took us 2 1/2 hours to get to Rothenburg from our house. Rothenburg is an old Medievel city Founded in 1274.  The name Rothenburg means "Red fortress above Taber"
The city overlooks the Tauber River. In 1631 count of Tilly, wanted to house his troops in Rothenburg. Rothenburg survived the war structurally however, it left the city poor and nearly empty.  Without any money or power Rothenburg stopped growing because of this instance Rothenburg was well preserved.  In 1880 Carl Spitzweg rediscovered Rothenburg, bringing tourism to the town.  I'm going to quote our Nightwatchman "Because of the Tourism Rothenburg became a Rich and powerful city again.  We thank you for spending your money here."  

One thing that was super unique to Rothenburg were their street signs.  Each one was designed for the store it
was associated with.  Each one is unique and just awesome. The detail in each and every sign is inspiring.

This one had Lions and Gold.  Look how different this street sign is from the first one. 

I think this maybe the Rothenburg City Crest, Maybe?

Rothenburg Town hall it is in the heart of the City 

Close up of the Town Hall. 

This is the Rothenburg clock Tower.  
Notice the doors are closed.  I have a picture at 8pm and the doors are open.

Mikayla and Brooklyn waiting for the parents to stop SHOPPING. 

Chandler & Aubrey creating a new game.

Brooklyn and Chandler just hanging out at the Town Hall

The kids in Front of Town hall.

This is the coolest car.  He doesn't have a steering wheel.
The driver uses rods to steer the car.

Another very unique street sign. 

There is a special treat here in Rothenburg it's called a Schneeballen (Snowball Cake)
It's a shortcrust pastry rolled into a ball I don't know if it's baked or fried?
These little treats have been around for over 300 years.
They have huge ones the size of a base balls or even a little bit bigger.  or they have little ones the size of a small orange.

We decided to get a variety pack of the small ones.
We got powder sugar, chocolate, Caramel nut, and cinnamon and sugar.
The outside was very tasty but there was no flavor on the inside.
Our favorite one was the Caramel Nut.   

Aubrey & Chandler having fun.  These two didn't stop playing all day.

One of the streets here in Rothenburg. 

One of the Water Fountains in the city. 

Jeremy was showing the kids something cool.  I love him.   

Mikayla and Brooklyn, waiting.... AGAIN.

How beautiful is this City?  I totally fell in love.  

Look you can drive right though that gate.

The Reynolds
Tom, Breeanne, Mikayla, Zachary, Aubrey, Libby, Sabrina, Kaitlynn,and Lance

Here is another view of that cool car. You can see the rides a little better in this picture. 

Bastianclan in this Medieval city that has just taken our breath away.
Kayden, is at a Boy Scout Camp that is why he is not here.   

They had some beautiful Nativities.
 I'm hoping to pick a couple up over the next couple years. 

Aubry & Chandler playing.  Look at those happy faces. 

Dinner time.  We ate at a yummy restaurant.  The kids ordered kid packs with meat and fries they also wanted this slushy
Brooklyn said this Chicken is so yummy.  I told her she wasn't eating chicken she was eating Lamb.  She froze and didn't eat anymore.  Ha! I guess I should have waited to tell her until she was finished.
I agree with Brooklyn the Lamb was very delicious.  

We even found a Stork. I wonder if she just had a baby?!? 

The Western Town Gate.

So another really cool thing about this city is you can walk along the City Wall.
It's a 1.5 mile walkway. Brooklyn and I are standing in one of the towers.
So Very COOL! 

You can see the walkway.  The terrain is cobble rock I believe?  I could be wrong?? 

I love this picture so much.  You can see the city wall and the tower gate and to the right is the City.

Jer and I thought these were super cool.  We don't know the meaning.
Next time hopefully we can find out.

Tom,Lance, Breeanne, Mikayla, Zachary, Aubrey,Libby, Sabrina, and Kaitlynn

This is the other side of the tower. 

A cute close up of the family.  Love, Love Germany...
  So many wonderful Memories here already and it's only been 5 months. 

St. Jacob's Church it has two towers.  

This is the gate to the Dungeons.  It was already closed for the day.  Boo.  We will be going back
We want to see The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, The Imperial City Museum and the German Christmas Museum 

This truck was outside the German Christmas Museum. 

Another really awesome street sign.

Another highlight of Rothenburg was the Nightwatchman Tour.
The tour starts at 8:00pm
The cost was 7 euro for adults and 4 Euro for students. Children 12 and younger were free
You do not need a reservation.  Just meet at the town hall at 7:50pm.
The tour was approx 60 minutes. A little history about the Nightwatchmen. some of their duties were to keep the streets of Rothenburg safe. The Nightwatchemen were not paid very much.  It was kind of a dishonorable job. Only the grave digger and executioner were lower.  His job was dangerous because he guarded the city at night.  His job started at 9:00pm and ended around 3:00am Most citizens went to bed early so the people that were out late were drunks and thieves. The nightwatchmen carried a weapon called a "Halberd." He used this for his protection but also to intimidate those who may want to create a ruckus. 

Here is the town clock again this time the doors are open and you can see a mechanical drinking scene.
I'm not sure if this happens at the top of each hour or just at 8:00pm?
The Watchmen pointed it out to us at 8:00pm

The Nightwatchman carried a horn around his neck to warn citizens of a fire.  In that time because they didn't have hydrants like we have today a fire could be the worst disasters that would hit within the city walls.

Another Beautiful Fountain in the square. 

It's a little hobbit door.
This was the only way to get into the city when the Gates were closed.
 You would have to be little and pay a fine to have it opened. 

Jer and I loved the roof of this building.
We loved loved Rothenburg.
I keep saying that with each new place we visit I keep finding a favorite. I can't wait to go back this time with Kayden. :-)