Rothenburg ob der tauber

There is a city in Germany that I had been really looking forward to visiting ever since we got here. There is a street that was the inspiration for Disney's version of Pinocchio, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had some scenes shot there. Plus, it's just an adorable little town. The old city walls are still standing and they go all the way around the city center. 

So, on December 1st, we decided to visit Rothenburg ob der tauber. We had heard their Christmas market was fabulous so it made it perfect timing to go! 

And seriously, I fell in love with this little town. It's so quaint. The streets are all the typical European cobblestone but, the buildings almost don't look real. They remind me of Disneyland. Everyone was so friendly and having the Christmas market made it even more magical.

This is the famous street in the town ... are you seeing Pinocchio? 

We walked a good distance on the city wall but, eventually we ran into a dead end because it was blocked off and we couldn't find the rest of the wall ... 

This house was so neat! I want to live in it. It was actually the 'Haus de Spitalbereiters' which means 'House of the Hospital Heater'. Back in the day, the hospital heater was the guy who was in charge of all the little odd jobs around the hospital. Greeting guests, paying bills, keeping it organized, etc. There hasn't been a Hospital Heater since the early 1800's. This house was right next to the stables, which unfortunately, were locked! 

Entering the city ... 

They have a criminal punishment museum in Rothenburg, we didn't pay to go inside but ... they did have some fun things outside for us to see!

These are props from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang! Recognize them? 

And how can you pass up getting pictures taken in the stocks!? 

And now .... my favorite part, the Christmas magic! 

The markets are so neat. They are usually in the main square of the town and there are tons of booths that have scarves, and ornaments, nutcrackers, food, drinks, candy, candles, wreaths ... you name it, they have it.  I loved getting to walk around and experience a "German Christmas". The food was amazing and we had a little too much fun shopping. (too much cute stuff!) 

Rothenburg is famous for their Schneballen (snow ball). It's basically dough pieces, fried together to form a ball, covered in different toppings. We just got the original kind with powdered sugar but, they have all sorts of different kinds. Chocolate, caramel, peanuts, sugar, plain ... the list goes on. I didn't really care for it but, Kason didn't complain about finishing it up! 

There was a choir performing while we were there, in English even, so we stopped to listen to some American Christmas music for a minute....

On the way out of town, I realized I hadn't even taken a picture of the wall! It is tall, and it's long ... and I am bugged that this is the only picture I have of the wall, because it's a horrible shot! But, it will have to do, until next time. 

If you're ever in Germany ... (or when you come to visit) ... Rothenburg is a must see!