Discover Rottenburg am Neckar
Accommodation in Rottenburg Am Neckar
Rottenburg am Neckar combines Roman traces and church art with trails through the city and into the surrounding countryside. A stroll through the historic old town takes you past chapters of Roman, medieval and Austrian history. On your trip, you can combine these urban experiences with hikes, cycling routes or a look at the history of winegrowing.
Roman traces and church art
St. Martin’s Cathedral is a three-aisled, vaulted basilica. Construction began in 1424, and the tower was completed in 1491. These two dates bring the building’s history to life: several decades passed between the start of construction and completion of the tower.
The Sumelocenna Museum’s permanent exhibition is devoted to everyday life in Roman Rottenburg. It also displays original excavated finds from part of the ancient city. A covered, well-preserved Roman bath can be visited near the museum. It measures 18 by 11 metres; check access conditions before your arrival.
SĂĽlchen Church also brings together several historical perspectives: it is a cemetery church, an episcopal burial site and an archaeological site. Beneath it lie the remains of significant predecessor buildings dating back to the 7th century. An exhibition area displays uncovered architectural foundations and archaeological finds. The museum section is accessible only as part of a guided tour; find out about visiting options in advance.
Museums and city tours
At the SĂĽlchgau Museum, the permanent exhibition on Further Austria covers the period from 1381 to 1806; changing exhibitions focus on local history. The Diocesan Museum houses religious art and objects from the 13th to the 18th century. The Zehntscheuer Cultural Centre presents contemporary art, photography and ethnology. This lets you explore urban history, sacred collections and current exhibitions as different focal points of your trip.
Sunday guided tours, historic city walks and culinary tours are options for discovering Rottenburg together. Check dates and booking conditions before your visit. A guided tour adds a defined thematic framework to your own walk; you can also explore the old town independently through its medieval, Roman and Austrian historical traces.
Hiking, cycling and the Neckar
Hiking options include the forests of the Rammert and the Weilerburg viewpoint. In Rottenburg’s locality of Ergenzingen, the accessible Adolph Kolping Stations of the Cross Trail, about eight kilometres long, leads to the forest chapel on the Liebfrauenhöhe. Before setting out, check the trail signs and access conditions for the Stations of the Cross Trail.
Two routes connected to the Neckar can also be distinguished by their itineraries. The signposted Neckar Trail follows the Neckar from its source near Villingen-Schwenningen to TĂĽbingen and passes through Rottenburg. The 366-kilometre Neckar Valley Cycle Route runs from Villingen-Schwenningen to Mannheim and also passes through Rottenburg. The city is also a hub for three major long-distance cycle routes. Fishing and canoeing are also possible activities on the Neckar.
Winegrowing and the wider destination’s landscape
Vineyards lie in Rottenburg’s localities; until the 17th century, the city was an internationally significant wine centre. This historical background places winegrowing within the area’s history.
For a broader view of the landscape across the wider destination of Tübingen: Tübingen district stretches between the Schönbuch Nature Park, with its abundant forests and valleys, in the north and the Alb escarpment in the south. The Neckar, Ammer and Steinlach rivers have cut through the cuesta landscape, creating a diverse and varied region. The district’s landscape also includes the wooded areas of the Rammert and Schönbuch Nature Park, elevated plateaus with sweeping views, traditional orchards and vineyards.
Discover more places to stay and destinations
Rottenburg has two motorhome pitches and a campsite in orchards where you can stay overnight in a tipi or a barrel. Check availability before your trip.
Discover the other nearby destinations of Bad Niedernau and Weiler.
Discover more destinations: Kusterdingen, Nehren, Weingarten, Stetten Am Kalten Markt, TĂĽbingen, BĂĽhl.
Return to the overview of the wider destination: TĂĽbingen.
