Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Where Christmas is at Home
A Town Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is more than just a pretty medieval town – it is a place where history feels alive and time seems to stand still. Overlooking the Tauber valley, the town captivates millions of visitors every year with its half-timbered houses, narrow lanes and imposing town gates. During Advent in particular, Rothenburg transforms into a true Christmas fairy tale: strings of lights adorn the façades, the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air, and the Reiterlesmarkt – one of Germany's oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets – brings traditions back to life. Here, Christmas isn't just celebrated – it's lived.
A Year-Round Christmas Town
Käthe Wohlfahrt's world-famous Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village) delights over a million visitors from all over the world every year – with fairytale decorations, handcrafted tree ornaments and the largest year-round selection of Christmas items in Germany, and quite possibly worldwide. An experience for the whole family that goes far beyond simple shopping.
What makes Rothenburg so special is its year-round Christmas magic. The Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village), with its integrated museum, has made the town famous well beyond Germany's borders. It is not a shop in the traditional sense, but an immersive world that spreads festive spirit all year round. Visitors from Japan, the USA, France and Scandinavia travel here specifically to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit in the middle of summer. This unique combination of authenticity, atmosphere and craftsmanship makes Rothenburg a dream destination for Christmas lovers around the world.
More Than Just Romance
But Rothenburg is more than just Christmas. The town offers a rich cultural programme, charming museums, well-tended parks such as the Burggarten, culinary variety in historic inns and a lively local community. Concerts, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year make Rothenburg an attractive year-round destination. Anyone who has been here can feel it: this town has soul. It preserves its history while living fully in the present. Amid this special setting, places such as Käthe Wohlfahrt help shape Rothenburg's character – and give the town that special magic that has made it a "Christmas town".
Did You Know?
Käthe Wohlfahrt has been firmly rooted in Rothenburg ob der Tauber since 1977. Alongside the six speciality stores, this is also home to the company's headquarters and its creative design department, the Rothenburger Weihnachtswerkstatt, as well as the in-house shopfitting workshop in the Tauber valley and the modern logistics centre in Neusitz. More than 300 permanent employees work across a wide range of departments to bring Christmas joy to life around the world.