Medieval Crime Museum

A thousand years of legal history are brought to life in the Rothenburg's Museum of Medieval Crime, with the true horrors on show in the vaults. If you are of a bloodthirsty disposition, but still composed enough to take in the chilling details of jurisdiction, correction methods and the death penalty, then this is the perfect place for you. The impressive exhibits and detailed commentary offer an insight into the intricacies of the law that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Notorious criminal cases are recorded in woodcuts and copper etchings, while there is a whole department dedicated to witchcraft and witch-hunting in Bavaria. What were court cases like in the past? What about torture and punishment? What does legal folklore mean? Are the caricatures on show meant to raise a smile or to provoke nightmares?

Find out for yourself!

Opening times

January, February: daily 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.

March: daily 1.00 to 4.00 p.m.

April: daily 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

May to October: daily 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

November: daily 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.

December: daily 1.00 to 4.00 p.m.

Last entry: 45 minutes before closing