Dinkelsbühl, 15 km south, is the obvious half-day trip: an exceptionally well-preserved walled medieval town that escaped serious damage in the Second World War. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Germany, on a par with Rothenburg but less overrun with tour buses.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 35 km northwest, is the better-known walled town further up the Romantic Road. It deserves the visit despite the crowds.
The Frankenhöhe Nature Park stretches west from town, with quiet rolling country, beech woods, and a network of marked walking trails. Several routes start within walking distance of the marketplace.