Rothenburg ob der Tauber

While many Germans probably couldn't locate Rothenburg on the map, for tourists it's one of the must-see stops on any tour of the country. The community of 12,000 is overrun annually by some 2.5 million daytrippers - about half a million of whom spend the night. The preserved medieval charm of half-timbered houses and narrow alleys makes pictures Rothenburg a favorite in travel literature praising the sights in Germany. Outside the country, it's seen as the perfect example of a small German town. But keeping up the old half-timbered houses requires a lot of work. Which is what motivates Michael Wigge to seek out a local restoration expert. Waiting for renovation work are a historic clock as well as the bells of a landmark local church.