Taubertal-Festival Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A Festival with a Sense of Home

For thirty years, the Taubertal-Festival has been a fixed date in the calendar for many music fans from Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and all of Germany. What began as a manageable rock open-air has developed into one of Franconia's most important summer festivals – yet it has remained personal. The organizer is KARO Konzert-Agentur-Rothenburg, which has managed the festival since its inception and deliberately keeps it at a manageable, almost familiar size.

The Eiswiese Below the Medieval Old Town

The festival grounds are located on the Eiswiese directly below the town wall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a location that is unique in Germany. From the campsite, you look out at the towers and gates of the medieval old town; in the evening, the illuminated cityscape appears behind the stage like a backdrop that no festival crew could ever design. Three stages, two of them in the main area (main stage and second stage), host the program, plus a smaller stage in the camping area. The Tauber river flows right past the grounds and invites you to cool off on hot festival days.

An Open Mix of Styles

Unlike pure rock or metal festivals, the Taubertal-Festival thrives on its mix of styles: Rock and punk rock form the backbone, complemented by hip-hop, German rap, indie, alternative, folk-punk, and ska. Headliners and newcomers are deliberately mixed, so the change between big names and smaller acts is noticeable on every stage. This openness has attracted a cross-generational audience: long-time festival-goers come with their children, and new fans discover the charm of the small festival with a big heart through the younger acts.

Middle Franconia and the Ansbach District

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the Ansbach district, in the Middle Franconia region of the state of Bavaria. The town is world-famous for its perfectly preserved medieval old town and is one of southern Germany's most visited destinations. Every summer, the festival brings around 20,000 people to the Tauber Valley, making it an important cultural pillar of the region – far beyond the classic city tours and the 'Schneeball' cliché.

Camping as Part of the Festival

As with many open-airs, camping is not just a makeshift sleeping arrangement but an essential part of the festival. On the large campsite, you'll meet old acquaintances, new crews, and the typical Taubertal atmosphere between campfire mentality and rock festival.