Translating as the 'red fortress above the Tauber river', the ancient, red-roofed village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber leaves a lasting impression. Set along southern Germany’s Romantic Road, it's one of many medieval storybook settlements with defensive towers, narrow timber-clad houses and cobbled streets. If wandering around the picturesque place isn't enough, there's plenty to entertain visitors, including museums, gardens, enticing shops and buzzy cafes.

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