The Place
Located on the edge of the traffic-free central area of romantic Rothenburg ob der Tauer, the Markusturm fits snugly against the old tower (once part of the city ramparts) from which it takes its name. The steeply pitched roof, yellow-washed exterior and newly painted tomato red shutters of the hotel are picturesque, and the traditional interior does not disappoint.
The place became an inn as long ago as 1488, but quite properly now prefers to be called a hotel. It has been in the same family for four generations, and is now looked after by Stephan and Lilo Berger; the couple took over in 1990 and renovated extensively in order to bring the decor up-to-date. The bedrooms vary: many are furnished with comfortable antiques, and some have beamed ceilings, but others have a more modern look to them; all are decorated with taste and restraint, and the best are notably spacious.
The hotel’s panelled restaurant is open for dinner most of the year (enquire with hotel for closure periods) and reports tell us that the wine soup is a must, as is the home-brewed beer. The Berger family run a tight ship here – Lissy Berger is the newest addition to the operations team, representing the fifth generation of her proud clan.