Think of a place where Roman ruins lie beneath cobbled streets, pastel-hued medieval houses line vibrant shopping lanes, and a futuristic tower rises boldly into the sky. Welcome to Rottweil — Baden-Württemberg's oldest town, but one of its most progressive, too.
Tucked between the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura, Rottweil is the kind of place that doesn’t shout for your attention — it reveals itself slowly, beautifully. I spent three days here uncovering layers of history, creativity, culture, and warmth — and I’m still not over it. This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit: from how to get there to the most memorable places to eat, stay, and explore.
How to Get to Rottweil
Rottweil is located in the southwest of Germany, between Stuttgart and Lake Constance. It’s easily accessible — though still feels like a hidden treasure.
- By Train: From Stuttgart, regional trains take around 1.5 hours. There are also connections from Zurich (via Singen) and other towns in the region. The Rottweil train station is a 15-minute walk from the historic center.
- By Car: It’s just off the A81 highway, making it ideal for a weekend stop on a southern Germany road trip.
- By Air: Fly into Stuttgart Airport (STR). From there, either rent a car or continue by train.
Bonus tip: If you’re traveling slow, consider pairing Rottweil with a visit to Tübingen, Freiburg, Stuttgart or a hike in the Black Forest.
How to Get Around
Rottweil’s charm lies in its compact walkability. From historic landmarks to cozy cafés, everything in the old town is within easy walking distance. The city invites slow travel — to pause, wander, peek into tiny courtyards, and chat with shop owners.
To get to the TK Elevator Testturm, which is just outside the core center, you can take a taxi, bike, or enjoy a 30-minute stroll along the Neckar valley path.
Best Time to Visit Rottweil
The best time to visit Rottweil is late spring through early autumn (May to October), when the weather is mild and perfect for walking tours, terrace lunches, and rooftop views. Autumn brings colorful foliage and golden light — ideal for photographers.
If you're after something truly unique, time your visit for February’s "Narrensprung", one of Germany’s most traditional and elaborate Fasnet (Carnival) celebrations. Expect centuries-old costumes, brass bands echoing through alleyways, and locals passionately celebrating their Swabian roots. Have a look at their event calendar as there is always something going on in the charming town! On our visit for example there was a night market with food stalls, fashion show and more scheduled.
Things to Do in Rottweil
1. Soar Above the City at TK Elevator Testturm
You can’t miss it — quite literally. At 246 meters, the TK Elevator Testturm is one of Germany’s tallest buildings and is the highest public observation platform at 232m in the country.
But this isn’t just about height — it’s about perspective. As the elevator glides silently upward, you’ll rise above not just rooftops, but centuries of history. On a clear day, the view stretches from the green folds of the Black Forest to the white peaks of the Alps. It’s humbling, futuristic, and meditative all at once.
testturm.tkelevator.com €9.-- | Open Friday to Sunday
2. Explore Rottweil’s Old Town: Towers, Churches & Timbered Charm
Wandering through Rottweil’s Old Town is like stepping into a storybook. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses, centuries-old fountains, and ornate bay windows. Make sure to visit the Black Tower (Schwarzer Turm)—a medieval prison tower with sweeping views—and step inside the Minster of the Holy Cross (Heilig-Kreuz-Münster), one of the town’s most iconic churches. The Capuchin Church and Lorenzkapelle also offer beautiful examples of sacred architecture and quiet corners to reflect. Every alley seems to tell its own tale in Germany’s oldest town, and taking it slow here is the best way to discover Rottweil’s layered past.
feel free to book a guided tour or simply connect to the digital audioguide of Rottweil to learn more while you are exploring the town.
3. Visit the Dominikanermuseum
Understated from the outside, the Dominikanermuseum is home to one of the most impressive Roman mosaics in Germany: the Orpheus Mosaic, beautifully preserved and on display under natural light. It’s a tangible reminder that Rottweil was once a bustling Roman frontier town.
The museum also hosts contemporary art exhibitions and thoughtful historical displays — great for both archaeology nerds and curious travelers.
dominikanermuseum.de €5 | Closed Mondays
4. Walk the Industrial Heritage Trail
We often associate Rottweil with medieval history, but it was also a 19th-century industrial hub. The Lebendige Industriekultur trail weaves through forgotten mills, early hydro-powered factories, and industrial buildings reborn into cultural spaces.
It’s a striking contrast to the old town — and shows how Rottweil isn’t just preserving its past, but constantly reinventing itself.
Self-guided or guided tours available:
Tour info
5. Shop Local and Slow
Forget big chains — Rottweil’s city center is full of independent boutiques, studios, and design shops. From ceramics and handcrafted jewelry to fashion, books, and regional delicacies, every store feels personal.
Pro tip: Ask the owners for local tips — some of our best café and sunset spots came from spontaneous shop chats.
Full directory: tourismus-rottweil.de/einkaufen
6. Join Local Events or Take a Culinary Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Rottweil is through its vibrant event calendar and culinary traditions. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the famous Narrensprung during Fasnet (Carnival), attend open-air concerts in the city center, or explore exhibitions at the Forum Kunst. For food lovers, consider joining a culinary city tour, where local guides introduce you to regional specialties and hidden gastronomic gems—ranging from historic bakeries to innovative kitchens serving Swabian fusion. It’s a delicious and authentic way to dive deeper into Rottweil’s rich culture.
Where to Eat in Rottweil
Rottweil’s food scene is quietly excellent. Think traditional Swabian cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and creative cafés that breathe new life into old spaces.
- Weinstube Rössle
Wood-paneled walls, candlelight, and classic dishes like Maultaschen and Zwiebelrostbraten. Perfect for your first night.
weinstube-russ.de - Hotel Johanniterbad Restaurant
Elegant dining with panoramic views over the Neckar valley. Great for sunset dinners with a modern twist on local classics. - Potpourri Rottweil
lovely little food spot with weekly changing menu and delicious creations.
Where to Stay in Rottweil
MY HOME Hotel Rottweil
Clean lines, bold colors, and smart design. The rooms are well-equipped and the location makes it a great base for walking everywhere. Think urban style with Swabian warmth.
myhome-rottweil.de
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Rottweil
Afternoon at TK Elevator Testturm
Dinner at Weinstube Rössle
Day 2
Morning guided old town tour
Visit Dominikanermuseum
Lunch at Potpourri
Industrial Heritage Trail walk
Dinner at Hotel Johanniterbad
Day 3
Slow shopping morning in the old town
Coffee & cake at Konditorei Café Schädle
Depart
Rottweil is a city that surprises. It doesn't try to impress with grandeur — it invites you into quiet alleyways, bold viewpoints, and local connections. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a small group of curious minds, this town offers you that rare feeling: you've just discovered somewhere special.
This may be Baden-Württembergs oldest city, but it’s anything but stuck in time.
