There's An Unexpected Tourist Trap In Europe That Rick Steves Absolutely Loves

Not all touristy destinations are tourist traps — indeed, many of Europe's most popular attractions are well worth facing the crowds for if you truly want to tick them off your European travel bucket list. Surely no visit to Rome would be complete without a trip to the Trevi Fountain, and you can't exactly go on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Paris without exploring the Louvre (whether you can actually see the Mona Lisa past the hordes that visit the painting daily is another matter).

And when it comes to exploring Germany, there is a certain expectation of what you'll experience once there, namely, quaint and baroque villages that you might see on a traditional box of chocolates. Of course, the reality for much of modern Germany is quite different, but Germany certainly makes an effort to maintain what historic parts of the country remain, and some remain utterly magical. Rothenburg, also called Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is perhaps one of the most famous destinations in Germany for travelers looking to experience what the country once looked like in previous centuries. Of course, that means much of the Bavarian town's economy now caters to tourists, and it is often crowded in the high season.

But according to travel expert Rick Steves, it is well worth dealing with Rothenberg's crowds to experience the magic, going against the typical veteran traveler's advice that it is often best to avoid the hot spots in search of authenticity off the beaten track. As Steves wrote in 2014: "Rothenburg is one of Germany's most touristy towns. And I absolutely love it" (via Facebook).

The history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber stretches all the way back to the 10th century, when a church was founded on the site, followed by a castle complex in the 11th century. Over the centuries, more castles and fortifications were added, and Rothenburg became a notable empire city, operating autonomously under the influence of patricians and other officials.

Much of the architecture of the town's early days still exists and is lovingly maintained. According to Rick Steves on his website, the town is often described as "the best-preserved medieval town in Europe." To enter, you pass through the town's original medieval gates, which, according to Steves, makes you "feel like a kid who just got a three-day pass for all the rides at Disneyland." Among the buildings most beloved by tourists are the Town Hall with its 13th-century Gothic belfry, which is found on Rothenburg's utterly charming Market Square, and the Plönlein, the "little square" featuring a famous tall and thin half-timbered house painted a striking yellow. The town is car-free, which gives a further sense of having traveled back in time.

Obviously, a great deal of time can be spent in Rothenburg ob der Tauber simply strolling through the town's winding cobbled streets, tracing the walls encircling the town, and admiring the historic buildings all around you. But there is also plenty to do while you are there that will add to your experience of one of Germany's most beautiful destinations.

In addition to the old town, be sure to check out the Castle Garden. Located on the grounds of what was previously a castle, this spot offers the most beautiful green area in the town and also features a short hiking trail that allows for stunning views of Rothenburg. You can also quench your thirst on warm days by stopping at the Unter den Linden beer garden. Another can't-miss is the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, which employs 50,000 individual exhibits to tell the story of over a thousand years of European criminal history and features special exhibitions on subjects including witches and Martin Luther. As for food, there are, of course, plenty of options to try traditional German fare. But as well as schnitzel and wurst, be sure to try a schneeball an iconic pastry that is native to the town.

For most international travelers coming from the United States, you can get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by flying into Frankfurt Airport, Germany's busiest airport. Frankfurt is around a 90-minute drive away from Rothenburg, although you can also get there via train in just over three and a half hours.

Accommodation options in Rothenburg are as quaint and charming as you might expect, with a wide assortment of guesthouses catering to travelers looking to immerse themselves in the town's rich history. Altes Brauhaus dates back to 1698 and offers traditional rooms on the site of an old brewery. The 16th-century Klosterstüble is centrally located, features beautiful rooms with exposed wooden beams, and offers classic Franconian cuisine in the hotel restaurant. As with many German guesthouses, both are family-run, adding a personal touch in a town which Rick Steves claims should also be famous for the friendliness of its people and its strong sense of community and character.

Looking for other must-see destinations in Germany? Here are the spots in Germany you can't afford to skip, according to locals, while this road trip from Hanau to Bremen is a perfect fairytale accompaniment to the magic of Rothenburg.