Reichsstadt-Festtage Rothenburg – 750 Years of Imperial City

750 Years of Imperial City – A Historical Anniversary

Rothenburg ob der Tauber received its Imperial City privilege in 1274 and remained a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire until 1802. This imperial city tradition shapes the city's self-understanding to this day. On the occasion of the 750th anniversary 1274–2024, the Reichsstadt-Festtage 2026 celebrate the grand festive weekend with a particularly elaborate program.

27 Historical Groups, Many Eras

During the festival days, the old town transforms into a camp with around 27 historical groups representing different eras of Rothenburg's history – from the medieval patriciate and the Renaissance to troops of the Thirty Years' War marching through the alleys. Citizens in contemporary clothing populate the Herrngasse area. The camp on the festival meadow and outside the city walls makes the festive weekend a three-dimensional historical experience for guests.

Torch Procession and Fire and Light Show

The atmospheric highlight is the evening torch procession on Friday: it starts in the valley at the Doppelbrücke and winds through the old town to the market square, where a fire and light show with music at the town hall crowns the festive evening. This specific staging has been one of the most striking images of the Reichsstadt-Festtage for years.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the Ansbach District

Rothenburg is located in the Ansbach district (AGS 09571) in Middle Franconia and is the flagship of the Romantic Road. The walled old town with Plönlein, St. James' Church, the town hall, and the castle garden is among the most famous cityscapes in Germany. The Reichsstadt-Festtage bring this backdrop to life in a special way.