Why is Rothenburg ob der Tauber considered the Christmas capital of Germany? Rothenburg ob der Tauber, situated where the Romantic Road meets the Castle Road, has one of the oldest Christmas markets during Advent time in Germany right in the centre of the old town. But this Christmas spirit in Rothenburg ob der Tauber lasts here all year round due to Käthe Wohlfahrt. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Museum, the Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas shop and the “Christkindlmarkt” invite locals and visitors from all over the world to experience the German Christmas atmosphere all year round.
1: Rothenburg ob der Tauber – the Christmas capital of Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a living testimony to medieval history. With its well-preserved old town, which sits picturesquely above the Tauber valley, and its characteristic half-timbered houses, the town embodies the charm of times gone by. In addition to the historical treasures, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is home to the magical Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village.
2: Käthe Wohlfahrt – The German Christmas Shop
Käthe Wohlfahrt is the specialist for Christmas decoration in Germany. Right next to the historic market square, the impressive “Weihnachtsdorf” (Christmas Village in Herrngasse 1) welcomes visitors from all over the world. Stroll through a labyrinth of alleys and get enchanted by nutcrackers, a stunning array of tree ornaments, Christmas pyramids, candle arches and much much more. More than 20,000 items made of wood, glass, pewter and other materials can be found. More than 80 percent of the products come from Germany, mainly from long-established manufacturers in Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria. Keeping it in with tradition, most items are handmade and hand painted. Make sure to take a picture with the nostalgic gift-express in front of the Christmas village of Käthe Wohlfahrt. This colourful bus is a sought-after photo motif that you can take home creating memories, that last for a lifetime.
3: The German Christmas Museum “Käthe Wohlfahrt”
The German Christmas Museum is located right in the heart of the romantic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Well-known Christmas decorations originate from Germany, and some of the oldest can be found at the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the German Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and learn about the history and traditions of German Christmas. In 2025 the German Christmas Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking 25 years since its doors first opened to visitors. During the anniversary year, a host of new exhibits will be unveiled to be part of the permanent collection.
4: The “Christkindlmarkt”
The “Christkindlmarkt” is located directly opposite Käthe Wohlfahrt’s famous “Christmas Village” in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This special Christmas store presents Nutcrackers, Incense Smokers, Schwibbogen (Candle Arches), Music Boxes, Christmas Pyramids, Tree Ornaments of Glass, Wood, Pewter or Straw, exclusive tabletop decorations and table linen. Get impressed by the endless variety of traditional and high-quality German products.
5: German Christmas Shops by Käthe Wohlfahrt
Smaller Käthe Wohlfahrt stores can be found in Berlin, Heidelberg, Oberammergau, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Rüdesheim. To serve international visitors best, all Käthe Wohlfahrt stores have English-speaking staff.
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Dreaming of exploring Germany and discovering the magic of Christmas all year round? Let us help you turn your ideas into a private, tailor-made journey designed around you.
We warmly invite you to discover Germany through its charming Christmas traditions, historic towns, fairytale castles, local craftsmanship and authentic German experiences. From visiting Käthe Wohlfahrt and exploring its famous Christmas villages to discovering traditional wooden decorations, festive craftsmanship and picturesque old towns, there is plenty of Christmas magic to enjoy throughout the year. With our personal, locally rooted approach, we design your private German journey with care and first-hand knowledge. Every route, every stop and every experience is chosen around you, so your journey feels natural, unhurried and genuinely personal, rather than simply following a map.
Take the first step today: schedule a personal call with us, request your tailored Germany itinerary, or simply reach out with your questions. Let us shape your very own journey through Germany, from Käthe Wohlfahrt and traditional Christmas craftsmanship to charming historic towns, local flavours and unforgettable German experiences.
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