A return trip to Rothenburg ab der Tauber

Back in December, we went to a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ab der Tauber and I knew right away that I had to come back with my parents.  It is Germany's best-preserved medieval walled town and only 1.5 hours from our house.

Entering the town, you immediately get the feel of its charm.  And to top it off, the Germans are the BEST at window flower boxes!

Another quaint street with more beautiful flower boxes.

Love this entrance way!

The girls standing in front of the Councilors' Tavern (clock tower from 1466).  Notice all the tourists standing behind the girls and watching the clock.  At certain times of the day, the little doors on either side of the clock swing open and you can see the little wooden figures inside raise their beer mugs and take a drink (back in the day, the rich guys who ran the town government drank in this building).  The show is less-than-breathtaking, so don't be disappointed if you miss it!

Lunch in Market Square.

Another lunch shot.

We are standing in the Plönlein (Little Square) which is one of the most photographed spots in the world (how they know this, I have no idea).  The tower on the left is the Siebers Tower which dates back to 1385 and the tower located just over my right shoulder is the Kobolzeller Gate which was built around 1360.

Another side street filled with great shopping!

Rothenburg is famous for their Rothenburger Schneeballen (pie crust crumpled into a ball and topped with almost anything you can imagine).  Mimi and Leena indulge in the smaller version.

Mom and Dad in front of one of the original gates.

Mimi and the girls hang out on top of the fully intact wall that still circles the town.  You can walk the entire wall all the way around the town (about a mile and a half around).  After a full day of sight-seeing, we opted to skip this tour!

Another shot on top of the wall.