Councelmen Inn, Rothenburg
The Councelmen Inn is a renowned and captivating building that holds significant historical and cultural value. Originally serving as an inn exclusively for councilmen, it provided a secluded space where they could indulge in their favorite beverages, be it wine or beer, away from the common folk who were forbidden from entering.
The Ratstrinkstube stands as a remarkable architectural gem that catches the eye of visitors. Every hour, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., eager crowds gather in anticipation, eagerly awaiting the moment when the shutters of the building open. It is an eagerly anticipated spectacle for tourists and locals alike. The gable of the facade, which is a popular subject for photographs, features three different clocks and the coat of arms of the imperial city. The largest and primary clock, installed in 1683, continues to accurately display the time to this day. Above it is a date display, and further above, an impressive sundial adorned with the signs of the zodiac, which dates back to 1768.
However, the main highlight of the Ratstrinkstube is the art clock that depicts a crucial event from the history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In 1631, during the Thirty Years' War, a significant incident known as the "master drink" took place at this very location. The Catholic troops, led by their commander Count Tilly, threatened to ransack the Protestant town of Rothenburg.
On a whim, Tilly proposed a challenge to the city's mayor: if he could consume a massive 3.25 liter tankard of Franconian wine in a single gulp, he would spare Rothenburg. Accepting the high-stakes challenge, the mayor successfully completed the feat, thus saving his beloved city. In 1910, statues of the two key figures involved in this event were integrated into the front of the Ratstrinkstube, and since then, they come to life every hour, reenacting this memorable episode.
The Ratstrinkstube stands as a remarkable architectural gem that catches the eye of visitors. Every hour, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., eager crowds gather in anticipation, eagerly awaiting the moment when the shutters of the building open. It is an eagerly anticipated spectacle for tourists and locals alike. The gable of the facade, which is a popular subject for photographs, features three different clocks and the coat of arms of the imperial city. The largest and primary clock, installed in 1683, continues to accurately display the time to this day. Above it is a date display, and further above, an impressive sundial adorned with the signs of the zodiac, which dates back to 1768.
However, the main highlight of the Ratstrinkstube is the art clock that depicts a crucial event from the history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In 1631, during the Thirty Years' War, a significant incident known as the "master drink" took place at this very location. The Catholic troops, led by their commander Count Tilly, threatened to ransack the Protestant town of Rothenburg.
On a whim, Tilly proposed a challenge to the city's mayor: if he could consume a massive 3.25 liter tankard of Franconian wine in a single gulp, he would spare Rothenburg. Accepting the high-stakes challenge, the mayor successfully completed the feat, thus saving his beloved city. In 1910, statues of the two key figures involved in this event were integrated into the front of the Ratstrinkstube, and since then, they come to life every hour, reenacting this memorable episode.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rothenburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Councelmen Inn on Map
Sight Name: Councelmen Inn
Sight Location: Rothenburg, Germany (See walking tours in Rothenburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rothenburg, Germany (See walking tours in Rothenburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rothenburg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Rothenburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rothenburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Gates and Towers Walking Tour
The impressive walls surrounding the charming medieval town of Rothenburg showcase a series of distinct gates and towers, each with its unique story and significance.
These fortifications were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and today serve as one of its most iconic landmarks. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the stone walls have been carefully... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
These fortifications were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and today serve as one of its most iconic landmarks. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the stone walls have been carefully... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Rothenburg Introduction Walking Tour
Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber, the Bavarian town of Rothenburg offers a glimpse into Germany's medieval past.
The town's full name – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – translates to “Red castle above the Tauber”. This moniker stems from the German words “rot” (which means red) and “burg” (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The town's full name – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – translates to “Red castle above the Tauber”. This moniker stems from the German words “rot” (which means red) and “burg” (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles