- Rottweil is the namesake of the Rottweiler dog breed, which was historically used by local butchers to protect their money pouches and drive cattle to market.
- The city holds the official status of a 'Free Imperial City' for centuries, granting it significant autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire.
- Every year during the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht, thousands of costumed participants known as 'Narros' perform traditional rituals that date back centuries.
- The city features a state-of-the-art test tower for high-speed elevators, which stands as one of the tallest structures in Germany and serves as a major engineering landmark.
About Rottweil
Rottweil is the oldest city in the state of Baden-Württemberg, established by the Romans as Arae Flaviae. It serves as the gateway to the Black Forest and is famous for its well-preserved medieval town center and the tradition of Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht. Visitors often begin their exploration at the Heilig-Kreuz-Münster before wandering past the historic Marktbrunnen. The town's industrial legacy is showcased at the Salinenmuseum 'Unteres Bohrhaus', while the Kapellenkirche stands as a testament to local Gothic architecture.
Highlights of Rottweil
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the intricate late Gothic architecture and the high altar within this significant religious landmark.
Places of interest
Observe the detailed stone carvings on this central fountain that has served as a focal point for the city square for generations.
Temples
View the preserved religious artifacts and ornate altarpieces housed inside this historical church.
Historical places
Explore the archaeological remains of the Roman bathhouse that anchor the city's origins as Arae Flaviae.
Historical places
Ascend this defensive tower for a view over the city's medieval skyline and surrounding rooftops.
Museums
Learn about the technical history and local importance of salt mining in the region.
Places of interest
Visit the former workshop and studio of sculptor Erich Hauser to see a collection of large-scale contemporary metal works.
Zoos
Observe wild boars in their natural habitat at this designated forest enclosure near the town.
Top things to do in Rottweil
The 41 highest-rated places in Rottweil, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
Welt der Kristalle in Dietingen is a specialized museum and retail space housing an extensive collection of minerals, cr...
2
Historical places
3
Temples
4
Historical places
5
Places of interest
6
Zoos
7
Parks
8
Historical places
9
Temples
10
Places of interest
11
Museums
12
Temples
13
Temples
14
Historical places
15
Museums
16
Historical places
17
Places of interest
18
Temples
19
Temples
20
Historical places
21
Historical places
22
Historical places
23
Temples
24
Historical places
25
Temples
26
Venues
27
Natural attractions
28
Temples
29
Venues
30
Places of interest
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Rottweil on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Rottweil
May to September, as the pleasant weather allows for walking tours of the historic core and outdoor excursions into the neighboring Black Forest.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the medieval center, visit the historical museums, and explore the nearby natural sites.
The historic town center is highly walkable, while regional buses and trains connect Rottweil to the wider Black Forest region.
The Altstadt (Old Town) is the ideal area for proximity to historic sites and traditional architecture, while areas near the train station offer convenient transit access.
Mid-range; standard German pricing for accommodation and dining applies, with lower costs than major hubs like Munich or Stuttgart.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 41 curated attractions in and around Rottweil, ranked by traveller ratings.
Welt der Kristalle Museum & Shop is the highest-rated place to visit in Rottweil right now.
The largest category is temples, with 14 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
Explore more of Germany
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
