Mishutka Design Studio

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Antique Dolls Museum

I am fascinated by antique dolls. It all started when I saw them on eBay and on Antiques Road Show. Antique bisque dolls were works of art, even though they were created to be toys. The painstaking work that went into every one of them is evident today in many doll museums.

I didn't know that Rothenburg ob der Tauber had a doll museum. I noticed the sign when we were walking around, and, well, I simply had to come back in the morning to see its treasures.

This private museum was founded by Katharina Engels in 1984, and features not only dolls but doll houses and miniature doll rooms and scenes.

I love this paper doll with her elaborate paper dresses!

And this little girl looks like she is ready to start her sewing

This amazing "tunnel" merry-go-round was made in 1895

You can find plenty of handmade toys in Rothenburg's shops

One of the shops featured a whole window of Steiff bears!

If you happen to be in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, The Doll & Toy Museum is located on 11-13 Hofbronnengasse, just off the Old Market Square. Visit their website at: www.spielzeugmuseum.rothenburg.de for more information.

I will be creating a photo album with more photos from the museum next week. Look for it under Photo Albums in the left column of this blog.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Old Town

Rothenburg is a medieval walled town. It survived the wars unscathed, and today it's just as lovely and quaint as it was in the Middle Ages.

Old Market Square is bustling with life

And when the clock on the tower strikes the hour, the windows open and beer-drinking and other festivities begin!

Around the Market Square: Hotel "Golden Lamb"

Around the Market Square: City Hall

Around the Market Square: Old Tavern and Marien Apothecary

Rothenburg is famous for its Schneeballen (Snow balls)—strips of egg noodle pastry, formed into a ball, deep-fried for a couple of minutes in hot butter, and then dusted with powdered sugar or covered with chocolate. The town claims that Schneeballen were first served in 1719. They come in dozens of flavors; I just had to try the amaretto and cinnamon one! Well, it looked prettier than it tasted; it was a little too dry for my taste.

Two interesting looking houses. Do you see an "eye" window on the roof of the second one?

In Bavaria, meat is a vegetable. Just look at this amazing display! I bet the sausage in the shape of pine cones is really good...

It's not easy to get the view of the wall which surrounds the town, but this was a good spot

In the evening, when the day tourists are gone, the town is magical—one can have its medieval streets all to oneself...

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Beauty In Details

Rothenburg is full of interesting details, some small, some quite striking and unexpected. I love the signs and beautiful ironwork!

Lovely sign for the bakery-cafe founded in 1736

This one is my favorite; do you see the owl?

Not surprisingly, this rooster was found at the entrance to the "Red Rooster" Hotel ;-)

This is an interesting fountain next to a church

Summer in Bavaria: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you have never been to Germany, Bavaria, in the south of the country, is the place to start. This year our summer vacation took us to Germany, Belgium, Holland and Ireland... it was a three-week long trip! Traveling along the Romantic Road from Munich, we came to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a charming small town which takes you back in time.

Enter through the main gate, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the horse carts, tourists, flowers, and wonderful cafés and shops.

Lots of lavender everywhee; I'm so jealous...

And, of course, pretty lavender-filled sachets on display in stores.

And some interesting crafts!