War-ravaged Bavarian cities rebuilt, medieval charm retained

The distinctive entrance to the medieval town in Rothenburg.

Germany is known the world over for its luxury marques, bratwurst, sauerkraut and the Black Forest. But the country is more varied than its lederhosen choices and more layered than its dirndl (traditional Bavarian women’s costume).

With such a laden history, Germany’s many old (read: going back to medieval times) cities are shadowed by a sad story, as I learned during my six-day whirlwind tour of this western European nation.