Description
The Plönlein is the landmark of the small town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and one of its most popular photo motifs. But what exactly is the Plönlein?
Many people think that the name "Plönlein" refers to the leaning, yellow timber-frame house at the entrance to the Spital quarter. However, the house is only a part of the Plönlein. The term means nothing else than "small place at a fountain". Accordingly, the fountain in front of the house and the two towers of the old city wall also belong to the Plönlein. On the left is the Siebersturm, which leads into the Spital quarter. The tower on the right belongs to the Kobolzeller Tor, which dates back to 1360 and points the way to the Tauber valley.
The Plönlein is also the ideal starting point for a tour through the picturesque, medieval old town of the Franconian city with its numerous half-timbered houses. Via Untere Schmiedgasse you walk from the Plönlein past the old town moat directly to the market square and the town hall. From there, it's not far to the Markus tower and the Röderbogen, another popular photo motif of the city.
How to get there
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in Middle Franconia about 50 kilometers south of Würzburg and is easy to reach via the A7. From the Rothenburg motorway exit, it is just under 3 kilometres to the town. Parking is best outside the town centre. There are several large parking lots along the old city wall, from which the old town can be reached in a few minutes on foot.
The closest car parks to Plönlein are P1 (Friedrich-Hörner-Weg) and P2 (Nördlinger Straße) at the Spital gate in the south of the city. Other parking options are at P4 at Galgentor or P5 at Bezoldweg. P3 is a little bit outside. All car parks are chargeable from 9 am to 6 pm.
If you prefer to take the train, you can also get to Rothenburg by regional train. From the station to Plönlein it is a 15 minute walk (1.1 km).