Rothenberg

Rothenberg is located about 40 minutes away from us.  It is a huge tourist attraction but one that is special enough that we had to make the trip.  The city dates back to 900.  It was significant during World War II when Hitler made it a "model" city.  First he cleared out the Jewish people.  Then he gave tours to important diplomats as a showcase city.  When bombing started an American commander leveled a significant portion of the wall, however, realized what an ancient piece of architecture it was and ordered the bombing to cease.  He sent several American soldiers by foot to the city wall, holding a white flag and asking for the Germans to surrender the city peacefully and thereby save it.  Although the commander there had been ordered by Hitler to defend the city at all costs, he too wanted to save the unique city scape.  Consequently, he surrendered and these two officers were instrumental in the preservation of what is Rothenberg today.

Rothenberg was the second largest city in Germany in the middle ages. The city is surrounded by a high wall.  A post and beam rail, as well as roof was built and it is possible to walk the perimeter of the entire city on this wall. 

We walked about half.  Sam had really wanted to see the canons which the kids are still calling canyons.  We stumbled on them at the end of city, hidden away in a steep winding tower that begged to be used in a motorcycle chase movie starring Tom Cruise. 

The interior boasts cute shops and quaint old buildings. Oh, and this...

We enjoyed an ice cream and a traditional "snowball" pastry.  The kids enjoyed the horse drawn carriages and antique cars as well as a bubble blowing teddy bear. 

They were great and enjoyed our mini half day tour... any longer requires finding a permanent solution such as this: