Rothenburg's Iconic Night Watchman Retires After 35 Years
Hans Georg Baumgartner, who has portrayed Rothenburg ob der Tauber's night watchman since April 1991, will lead his final tour on October 31, 2026, at 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM. The city is now seeking a successor to continue the role, which has become an international symbol of the medieval town. Baumgartner's character, complete with black cloak, tricorn hat, halberd, horn, and lantern, attracted up to 200 participants per tour and was featured on NBC and Brazil's Globo. Rothenburg, a former Free Imperial City with 11,000 residents, draws global tourism for its preserved medieval architecture. The new night watchman, to be hired by spring 2027, must be male and portray a pre-modern (medieval/early modern) figure. Applications are open until August 31.
Key facts
- Hans Georg Baumgartner has been Rothenburg's night watchman since April 1991.
- His final tour is on October 31, 2026, at 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
- The city is seeking a new night watchman to start by spring 2027.
- Baumgartner's tours attracted up to 200 participants.
- The night watchman has been featured on NBC and Brazil's Globo.
- Rothenburg has 11,000 residents and is a major tourist destination.
- The role requires a male actor portraying a pre-modern figure.
- Applications for the position are due by August 31.
Entities
Artists
- Hans Georg Baumgartner
- Carl Spitzweg
- Georg Dehio
- Hans Dieter Schmidt
- Herbert Schindler
Institutions
- Rothenburg Tourismus Service
- NBC
- Globo
Locations
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Germany
- Bavaria
- Middle Franconia
- Tauber Valley
- America
- Australia
- Canada