Event Details
Welcome to the Imperial City Days 2026
From 4 to 6 September 2026, the entire Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber transforms into a living open-air museum of medieval history. The Imperial City Days (Reichsstadt-Festtage) have taken place every year since 1974 on the first weekend of September and rank among the most impressive historical festivals in Germany. More than 1,000 local residents participate in historical costumes, bringing to life the history of the free imperial city that was part of the Holy Roman Empire from 1274 to 1802. Admission is free.
Highlights
- Grand torch procession on Friday evening from the Double Bridge through the Old Town to the Market Square
- Fire and light show with music at the Town Hall on Friday evening
- Medieval knights' camp at Rödertor with crafts, juggling and combat displays
- Historical play "Der Meistertrunk" performed in the Imperial Hall of the Town Hall
- Spectacular fireworks on Saturday evening with cannon fire and red smoke cloud
- 27 different historical groups representing multiple eras of the city's history
- Medieval traders' market in Galgengasse
- Free admission throughout the entire event
Program
The festival opens on Friday, 4 September from 6:00 PM with the grand torch procession: around 30 historical groups march from the Double Bridge in the Tauber Valley through the Old Town to the Market Square, where a fire and light show with music at the Town Hall brings the evening to a spectacular close.
From Saturday, 5 September from 10:00 AM, the knights' camp at Rödertor and the medieval traders' market in Galgengasse open their gates. The historical play "Der Meistertrunk" is performed twice in the Imperial Hall of the Town Hall. The afternoon features historical folk dances and musical performances at various locations throughout the Old Town. Saturday evening is crowned by a spectacular fireworks display with cannon shots, symbolically recalling the historic siege of the city.
On Sunday, 6 September from 10:00 AM, the programme continues with camp life, craft demonstrations, knights' displays and further historical performances. Troops from the Thirty Years' War march through the streets accompanied by cannon fire and torchlight.
Historical Background
Rothenburg ob der Tauber was a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire from 1274 to 1802, answering to no local ruler. This independence shaped the city's identity and history. Today, its fully preserved city walls, medieval towers, narrow lanes, half-timbered houses and historic churches make Rothenburg one of the best-preserved medieval urban ensembles in Europe.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days; Friday evening offers a more intimate atmosphere.
- Book accommodation well in advance: hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly for the festival weekend.
- By car, Rothenburg is around 80 km south of Nuremberg and 50 km east of Würzburg; parking is limited at weekends.
- By train to Steinach (b. Rothenburg), then continue by rail bus into the town.
- The best viewpoint for the Saturday evening fireworks is near the Double Bridge in the Tauber Valley.
- For families: children's knights' tournament and petting zoo at the knights' camp.
