November 29th – December 23rd, 2013
Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg transforms itself into a winter wonderland. Since the 15th century, a wonderful Christmas market has always been a feature of the festive Christmas season.
This market can look back on a 500-year tradition, and since this time it has wisely changed very little from its historical origins.
Numerous cultural events are held in conjunction with this market. The highlight of the market, however, is the appearance of the ‘Rothenburger Reiterle’, who also gave this market its name. The historical origin of the ‘Reiterle’ (rider) comes to us from the dim and distant past.
Our ancestors believed that there were messengers from another world, who floated in wintertime through the skies with the souls of the dead. But the image of this mythical character has changed over the centuries.
Whereas one used to tremble in fear before this eerie figure, today, young and old look forward to his return. The wild horseman has become a friendly messenger.
Today too, the narrow and winding streets and the squares around the Town Hall, its archways and the Market-Square are still lined with stalls where one can find everything the heart and taste buds desire: old German Christmas pastries, ‘white’ mulled wine, large or small handcrafted treasures as souvenirs or gifts. On Fridays and Saturdays until 8 pm one can enjoy the marvelous view over the ‘Reiterlesmarkt’ from the Town Hall tower.
And so the Rothenburg ‘Reiterlesmarkt’ is today the symbol of a peaceful Christmas market as it has grown over centuries and the city´s decorations for the Christmas holidays lends it a truly romantic character.
Opening hours Christmas Market:
Sunday to Thursday: 11.00 am – 07.00 pm
Friday/ Saturday: 11.00 am – 08.00 pm
Daily events:
02.00 pm Market-Square: English Guided Tour (until Dec 23rd)
04.30 pm Christmas Market: Santa Clause visits the Christmas Market (until Dec 23rd)
05.00 pm Christmas Market: Illumination of the new advent window (Dec 1st – Dec 23rd)
05.30 pm Christmas Market: Brass band concert (until Dec 23rd)
07.15 pm Market Square: Executioner-Tour anno 1399 (except Dec 24th, 25th)
08.00 pm Market-Square: Guided Tour with the Night Watchman (except Dec 24th, 31st)
For further information, please contact:
Rothenburg Tourismus Service
Marktplatz 2 . 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber . Germany.
Phone +49 (0) 9861 404-800
Fax +49 (0) 9861 404-529
www.tourismus.rothenburg.de; info@rothenburg.de
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