Art and culture in Rothenburg – a very special experience, whatever the time of year. Where else can art and culture fans from all over the world enjoy the combination of living culture and one thousand years of history against such a splendid historical background so rich in cultural treasures?
"The Master Draught" is reenacted in memory of the prodigious ability of the legendary Mayor Nusch to hold his drink: This historical folk-drama involves over one hundred local actors and extras, wearing historically accurate costumes from the period of the Thirty Years’ War.
Since 1921 every year between May and September, the town hosted the Hans Sachs-Theatre involving performances by “Rothenburg’s Hans Sachs Musicians” and the comical tricks of the Hans Sachs Guild.
In July and August also see the Toppler-Theatre opening its doors, an open-air arena that is regarded as one of the loveliest in the whole of Bavaria.
Every year, the Taubertal-Openair-Festival attracts thousands of rock music fans from far and wide to the fields just below the town.
Another special highlight is the Imperial City Festival in September. Traditional dresses and costumes are worn, representing the specific characteristics of every century of the town’s history.
Every year at Easter, Whitsun and during the City Festival, Rothenburg’s Market Square plays host to the colorful performances of the Shepherds’ Dance Guild.
All-year-round, there are sacred music concerts in the Church of St. James, involving organ and choral performances from selected top-class musicians.
November sees the town turn into a real fairytale location, and not just for the youngsters: the Rothenburg fairytale magic week has children’s workshops, storytelling and a fairytale tour that will take you on a fantastical trip, full of magic, secret places and fabulous beats...
And, of course, at Advent time the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the loveliest Christmas markets in Germany, has a tradition stretching back over 500 years.