Rothenburg Walking Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour

Summary

Explore Rothenburg on foot with a playful scavenger hunt twist

Set off on a playful self-guided scavenger hunt through Rothenburg’s medieval streets. You’ll solve clues at your own pace, discover city highlights like Plönlein and St. James Church, and snap creative photos along the way—all with just your phone and a sense of adventure you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was a local kid—maybe eight?—pointing out my phone and grinning when I tried to pronounce “Plönlein.” I guess it’s obvious when you’re not from here. Anyway, that’s how we started the Rothenburg scavenger hunt, just outside the old city wall, with the app loaded and the air smelling faintly of pretzels (or maybe that was wishful thinking).

I didn’t expect to get so into the clues. The app nudged us toward St. James Church, but it was the little details—like the rough stone under my hand as I leaned in to read a plaque—that made me slow down. My partner kept joking about our “detective skills,” but honestly, some of those riddles had us stumped for a minute. There’s this one about a statue near Klingen Gate Bastion—I still think about how we argued over what it meant until an older couple walked by and gave us a hint in German (I probably butchered my thank you).

We wandered through narrow lanes, sometimes doubling back because we’d missed a sign or got distracted by window boxes overflowing with red geraniums. No rush though—the best part is you set your own pace. At one point we just sat on a bench near Plönlein, watching people pass and trying to guess who else was playing the game. The sun came out for five minutes and then ducked behind clouds again, which felt pretty typical for Franconia in spring.

By the end, we’d racked up points for silly photo tasks (I will not share those pictures) and learned more than I expected about Rothenburg’s history—stuff you don’t always notice if you’re just following a crowd or snapping photos. It felt like being let in on little secrets scattered around town. We finished whenever we felt like it; no guide hurrying us along, just our own curiosity leading the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rothenburg Scavenger Hunt

• Explore Rothenburg on foot
• Solve puzzles and find sights
• Answer questions about landmarks
• Complete creative photo tasks

Top questions

How long does the Rothenburg scavenger hunt take?

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours but isn’t timed—you can go at your own pace.

Do I need to book in advance for the self-guided tour?

You’ll need to buy a ticket online to receive your app access code before starting.

Is there an in-person guide during this walking tour?

No, this is 100% self-guided using an app on your smartphone.

What sights are included in the scavenger hunt?

You’ll visit places like Plönlein, Klingen Gate Bastion, St. James Church, and more city highlights.

Can I play the scavenger hunt in English?

Yes, the experience is available in both English and German.

Is this activity suitable for families or kids?

The scavenger hunt is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Are there any physical restrictions for this tour?

The activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Do I need internet access during the tour?

You’ll need to download the app before starting; some features may require data while playing.

What’s included

Your day includes full access to the Explorial App for a self-guided walking tour of Rothenburg—no guide needed—and all puzzles, photo tasks, and city highlights are built right into your phone experience from start to finish.