So, where is this burg (castle) as in Burggarten (Castle Garden)? Unfortunately, the Stauferburg,…read moreImperial castle/fortress for the Holy Roman Emperor has been long lost. A legend goes it was lost by an earthquake. Stones were valuable materials and the city was eager to expand. It's probable that the Rothenburg residents dismantled the castle themselves. On your left as you walk into the Castle Garden, you'll see the only preserved building of the former Stauferburg, which is now a memorial site. An info panel in front of the Blasius Chapel explains the structure and function of the former castle grounds. Past the castle, you'll get to a private residence that was once the office of the city nursery in Rothenburg. In the middle of the English garden grounds, you'll see a small baroque styled garden with allegories of the four seasons. The Castle Garden features a historic collection of trees and extensive lawns, which invite visitors to linger to bask in a medieval atmosphere. A column and pogrom stone in the Castle Garden recall the past. The Staufer column on the north side of the Castle Garden reminds of the era when the emperor's castle was used for control over the imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the Holy Roman Empire. Next to the chapel is a copy of the medieval pogrom stone. This memorializes the murder of the Jewish residents in Rothenburg, who died in the Middle Ages during the Rindtfleisch pogrom in 1298. Approaching Castle Garden via the Burgtor, you will have beautiful views of the Tauber Valley at the observation platforms to the left and right. It's a must visit when you are in Rothenburg.

The east of Rothenburg's old city, you can walk through the town wall into the medieval alleyways…read morevia the Galgentor (also called Würzburger Tor) or Rödertor. At the Rödertor is the Röderturm, which is open to visitors regularly. From here you get a wonderful view of the old quarter, from Markusturm with its stork's nest to - the also accessible - City Hall tower. The Röderturm is also a central starting point for Rothenburg's Tower Trail, which leads around the old quarter.

I seldom write an updated review, but I have been coming here for almost a year and feeling it…read moredeserves another one. BLUF (bottom line up front): the Hofgarten Ansbach continues to be my favorite public park. Let me name some ways... Flower gardens: basically there are two planting seasons a year. Spring garden with bulb flowers like tulips and other flowers adorn this park from mid- to late April. As soon as tulips finish blooming (or even before they are completely done), they are replaced with summer-fall flower plants. It seems to last until about the end of October, and bulbs are placed in flower beds for the spring. Until I started spending some time with flowers here, I didn't know artichokes bloomed (photo). When you think the artichoke heads started to get browned, tiny purple petals start to come out. It's so delicate and pretty. Even for the winter months, some hearty plants like pansies are planted and survives our harsh winter. Walking trails: this is the main reason I come here...to walk around this great garden to put my daily steps in. On a good day, I walk a little more than 4 miles depending on how much time I can spend walking. On average, I walk about 2.5 to 3 miles. It's peaceful here especially if you come earlier in the morning before regulars come out. You hear birds sing. You hear squirrels jump through leaves and bushes. Surprisingly, I have not encountered any mosquitos here. In general, Germans are very good at pest control. I don't know what they do, but it's working. In short, I love this place. It's been a great year walking through observing changes in flowers, trees, etc. It's been a great place just contemplating. The city of Ansbach takes pride in this Court Garden and provides wonderful park for her citizens. Thank you!

Spent a Saturday afternoon walking around this old cobblestone street village. Very cool…read morearchitecture and some great restaurants. Best to park outside the wall and walk around inside. It wasn't too crowded while I was there but heard it can get busy so plan your trip accordingly. Easy access, walking up two flights of stairs, to walk the wall.

My absolute favorite place in Germany during our recent visit. Rothenburg had a quieter slower pace…read morethan the larger cities we visited. It is a medieval village but during advent it seemed like a place out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. The entire village was friendly, beautiful. It is a place I'd spend more time at if we were to go back to Germany.