Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany Jul. 17, 2024

The word you"re looking for is "fairy tale." Welcome to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or "Red Fortress above the Tauber River," where medieval charm is around every cobbled corner. With origins as a self-ruling city, in the Middle Ages, this walled Bavarian town once flourished with 6,000 inhabitants, making it the Holy Roman Empire"s second-largest city at the time. The growth of Rothenburg ob der Tauber slowed in the 17th century, preserving its original character. Pictured here is Burgtor or the castle gate, which was built after the original Rothenburg Castle was destroyed by an earthquake in 1356.

© kanuman/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A time-worn medieval marvel
Ride the wave
Jul. 17, 2025Lavender fields in Plateau de Valensole, France

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug. 4, 2025Great grey owls in their nest, Finland
May 16, 2024International Day of Light
Jul. 15, 2025Perseid meteor shower over Nevada
A glowing square of squares
Oct. 30, 2023Common raven
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
The buffet is open
Family on parade
Apr. 22, 2025Earth Day
May 21, 2024International Tea Day
A delightful day for donkeys
Sep. 29, 2023Mid-Autumn Festival
Oct. 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Oct. 12, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
Aug. 24, 2023Shark Fin Cove, California
Feb. 7, 2024St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
Jul. 16, 2025Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Blood moon
Feb. 20, 2026Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California, United States
A flashy, frigid waterfowl
Isn’t this view mesmerizing?
Nov. 23, 2023Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Hide-and-go-seek world champion
Mar. 5, 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
World Hippo Day, a giant celebration
Sep. 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Oct. 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Mar. 20, 2024Cave Dale and Peveril Castle, England
Good cold fun
Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter