romantic tour of germany

• Romantic Road

The Romantic Road

The German Romantic Road is one of the biggest magnets for tourism in the southern provinces of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Based (very) loosely on the old Roman route between the participating towns and adding in some stunning medieval locations to the north, the concept of the Romantic Road is a little bit like the British "ploughman's lunch" - a marketing idea which appears to be based on history and tradition but which is actually a much more modern invention.

In the case of the Romantic Road, Germany was desperate to rebuild a tourism industry in the post-war times and the idea of the formal "route" was created in 1950 (not long after the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany and the end of the military-administered occupation).

The first visitors were friends and families of the American soldiers stationed in the large bases in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg but the idea of the trail from Würzburg to Füssen soon became wildly popular.

It's not too hard to see the reason for the popularity - despite the modern roots of the idea, the tour combines the historic cities of Würzburg and Augsburg with the three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber , Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen , and then finishes off with the tourist highlights of Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps.

These days coach parties from all over the world can be seen at the most popular stops along the way, the route signs along the way are in German and Japanese, and in 2010 the Romantic Road celebrated its 60th birthday.

www.romanticroadgermany.com

This site is designed for those who would rather explore all or some of the Romantic Road on their own, rather than in a coach party. It is written from an independent viewpoint and is not the official marketing website for the Romantic Road.

All of the larger and more popular sights are here (see the navigation off to the right) but also some of the smaller towns and villages that sometimes get lost in the marketing shuffle and the stressful rush from one "ticked" historic sight to another.

Part of the charm of this region is the discovery of walking trails through the vineyards in the Tauber valley or the traditional villages and churches of the Pfaffenwinkel .

If there is anything extra you would like to see on this site or any comments you might have - and especially if you would like to give your own feedback once you have travelled all or part of the Romantic Road - please feel free to contact us.

If you have travelled the Romantic Road and are looking for another tourist route in Germany, the German Alpine Road pages on our sister site GermanSights.com may be of interest.

And, if you have already explored the Romantic Road, then maybe find out more about another popular destination in southern Germany on our Black Forest Germany site.

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Towns Along The Romantic Road

• Würzburg
• Tauberbischofsheim
• Bad Mergentheim
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• Dinkelsbühl
• Nördlingen
• Donauwörth
• Pfaffenwinkel
• Füssen

General Information

• Distances Between Towns
• Christmas Markets
• Travel Information

© RomanticRoadGermany.com

Guide to Germany's Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a scenic drive through Bavaria that leads you from the Franconia wine country to the foothills of the German Alps.

Follow the Romantic Road and your heart, finding unspoiled nature, picturesque towns with city walls, towers, and half-timbered houses, hidden monasteries, medieval castles, and romantic hotels. This 261-mile long scenic route makes the journey your reward.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road used to be a major trade route during the Middle Ages and has been re-branded today with plenty of old world charm. Dine in romantic courtyard restaurants, stroll through lush parks, take in historical castles, and explore the old town centers that have lost nothing of their original splendor. All the while driving alongside beautiful vineyards, clear waters, and rolling hills until you reach the majestic Bavarian Alps.

Highlights of the Romantic Road in Germany

• Würzburg: Located in the heart of the Franken wine growing region, Würzburg is famous for its excellent wines and gourmet restaurants, colorful wine festivals, and beautiful vineyards. The architectural gem of Würzburg is the Residence Palace, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Welcome to the best preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber – its fortified city center is picture-perfect. Walk atop the medieval wall that encircles the old city center, or go to the top of the historical Town Hall for a spectacular view of the region. Take a tour through the historical town with the night watchman, who is on patrol in the illuminated city center at night.
• Castle Hotel Colmberg: Spend the night in the 1000-year-old Castle Hotel Colmberg.
• Dinkelsbühl: The old town of Dinkelsbühl boasts 16 fortified towers, several authentic city gates, and an original ring wall. This town shares many of the charming traits of Rothenburg but is off the beaten path.
• Augsburg: Encounter the legacy of the Romans and the wealthy traders from the Middle Ages in one of Germany's oldest cities; Augsburg's 2000-year-old past comes to life in the historical city center with its baroque townhouses, splendid boulevards, and traditional restaurants, where you can enjoy a genuine medieval candlelight dinner in old vaulted rooms.
• Pfaffenwinkel: This part of Bavaria (called "Pastor's Corner") is famous for its churches and pristine landscapes. A must-see is the pilgrimage church Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow") in Steingaden. This rococo masterpiece is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sights.
• Neuschwanstein:  The end destination for many travelers is the romantic fairytale castle of  Neuschwanstein, nestled in the Bavarian mountains. This site encompasses the very notion of romanticism.

Romantic Road Travel Tips

• The Romantic Road is the most popular German scenic drive and can get very crowded in summer. A better time to visit may be  fall , winter , or spring .
• Starting Point: While you can start anywhere, Würzburg, 75 miles southeast of Frankfurt, is the traditional starting point.
• End Point: Füssen and its iconic Castle Neuschwanstein , 82 miles southwest of Munich.
• Getting There: Fly to Frankfurt International Airport .
• Getting Around: The best way to enjoy the Romantic Road is by car, and you can get a rental car at the Frankfurt Airport. Take the Autobahn B3 to Würzburg, the starting point of the Romantic Road, and from there just follow the signposts for your route.
• You can also book pre-arranged packages and tour the Romantic Road on a bus. This takes the planning stress away, but also some of the spontaneity.

Most Romantic Locations in Germany

Germany's Best Scenic Drives

Photos of the Romantic Road in Germay

Top 10 Attractions in Germany

The Top Places to Visit in the South of Germany

Neuschwanstein: Germany's Fairytale Castle

Top 10 Things to Do in Bavaria, Germany

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

15 Best Castles and Palaces in Germany

Best Stops on Germany's Romantic Road

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

Germany's Wine Road

Best Medieval Cities to Visit in Bavaria

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Best Festivals in Germany

MY RIGHT SOCK

5-day romantic route germany itinerary + travel tips.

Romantic Route Germany: Itinerary for 5 Days

The word ‘romantic’ doesn’t really go with the stereotypical image that Germans have.

In fact, it almost seems paradoxical. I mean, who are we kidding?! * insert unfunny sausage/beer reference *

But if you’ve been to Germany and outside of Berlin and Munich, you’ll already know that the country is so much more than these cities.

And especially in Bavaria, there’s a brilliant oldwordly charm that’s impossible not to be smitten by.

WHY IT IS CALLED THE ROMANTIC ROAD

The Germany Romantic Road tour, or Romantische Straße as the locals call it, was spun as a tourist must-do shortly after World War II, to promote tourism in war-town Bavaria.

Intial visitors were friends and families of allied personnel stationed in South Germany. Over a short course of time though, word caught on and the road became a hot travel wishlist item in Germany.

Although the term ‘Romantic Road’ was originally a marketing ploy to pique the curiosity of potential travelers, this 413 kilometers long road does a really good job of transporting you into a postcard.

Along the long, winding Romantic Route in Germany, you’ll be driving in and out of tiny German villages and walled towns, you’ll witness colorful flowers in window boxes, half-timbered houses, endless swathes of green fields, medieval castles, and the staggeringly beautiful German countryside.

WHERE DOES THE ROMANTIC ROAD START IN GERMANY

The Romantic Route Germany starts from Würzburg and goes all the way upto Fussen.

While there are a number of airports in cities along the length of the Romantic Route in Germany, the two bigger  airports for international travelers are Frankfurt and Munich.

While Frankfurt is closer to Würzburg and is ideal to start your journey from here, the Munich airport is closer to Fussen. Either way, you can begin your Romantic Route Germany itinerary from Würzburg to Fussen, or work your way backwards beginning at Fussen and ending the trip at Würzburg.

Distance from Frankfurt to Würzburg: 120 km (75 miles) Distance from Munich to Fussen: 119 km (74 miles)

Alternatively, you could also start the journey from any town along the route. As you’ll read in the Romantic Route Germany itinerary below, there are many picturesque towns like Rothenburg and Dinkelsbühl  to stop at.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE THE ROMANTIC ROAD IN GERMANY

The length of the Romantic Route is 413 km (257 miles).

Of course, driving the Romantic Road in Germany is way easier than it sounds. Along the way, you’ll find many tiny villages and towns that you can literally drive into and out of within minutes.

On the route, there are many signboards with directions in German, English and Japanese.

The itinerary below typically takes you through the length of the Romantic Road from Würzburg to Fussen in 5 days. There are pitstops listed, but you can tailor the itinerary according to your available time. And you can also be spontaneous. The real joy in driving along the Romantic Route in Germany is to be able to stop in any town you’d like, for as long as you fancy.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ROMANTIC ROAD GERMANY

The Romantic Road is accessible throughout the year, however, the route gets quite busy during the summer.

Spring and fall months are a great time to drive along the route, as it isn’t as crowded in the towns, and the weather is kinder. In case you are visiting Munich for Oktoberfest, you can extend your trip to include a drive along the Romantic Road.

However, the absolute best time to plan your German Romantic Route visit is in December, as there are SO MANY Christmas markets in every town along the route! You can stop over at many of these markets along the way, grab some lebkuchen (and gluhwein, if you aren’t driving), and celebrate the big Christmas vibe.

Are you ready to drive along the Romantic Road Germany route? Lezz go!

WHERE DO YOU STOP ON THE ROMANTIC ROAD

In all, there are 28 stops on the Romantic Road but most of these are tiny towns and villages. Many of them might even seem like complete ghost towns as the occupancy is already lean.

And God forbid if you end up here on a Sunday/public holiday, don’t be surprised if you don’t see a living soul. Germans take their off-days very seriously. 😉

The itinerary below includes the best places to stop on the Romantic Road.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Dinkelsbühl, hopfen am see.

• Schloss Neuschwanstein

ROMANTIC ROAD GERMANY HIGHLIGHTS

Driving the romantic road germany.

The best way to travel the Romantic Route in Germany is by car. It gives you the independence of mobility. Like I said, the charm of the Romantic Route lies in passing through pretty little towns and villages, and having a car allows you to pull over at any of these, at any time. You won’t have to depend on train schedules or fixed timelines.

Besides, driving on the Autobahn is literally bucket list material. It’s an experience.

You can drive your own car or rent one. Since Frankfurt and Munich are so close to Würzburg and Füssen respectively, and are big city hubs with international airports, you can pick up and drop off your rental car at either of these, itself.

Is it easy to rent a car in Germany?

Renting a car in Germany is relatively inexpensive and extremely easy.

Non-Europeans need a valid driver’s license from their home state or province to legally drive in Germany.

If you’d like to rent a car, you can find amazing deals at rentalcars.com .  They’ll just drop the car at your location and have it picked up after you return. You can also pick up a rental car at the airport you’re flying in to.

You can read more about renting a car in Germany in this article.

By Public Transport

While traveling the Romantic Route in Germany by public transport is technically possible, there is no direct train/bus route that covers the entire length of the road. Most of the smaller villages don’t have central train stations, and you might have to switch between carriages to complete the journey.

If you’d like to know more about traveling the Romantic Road by public transport, here is a detailed article.

Biking 400+ km might seem crazy on the face of it, but a lot of people commit to this adventure every year.

If you consider covering this Romantic Route Germany itinerary on a bike, there is a scenic biking path that covers the whole route. It runs along the highway in parts, and is well connected to all the towns falling on the Romantic Road. The route is also fairly flat and not too tough to ride.

Just like cars, it is also easy and convenient to rent bikes to travel along the Romantic Route in Germany. You can find more info here .

ROMANTIC ROUTE GERMANY ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS

Start your road trip and make the first stop at Würzburg.

We’re beginning in a part of Bavaria that has the most distinct cultural identity – Franconia.

And Würzburg is the wine capital of the Franconian region. Are we excited yet??

Würzburg is also one of the most prominent pitstops on the Romantic Route.

Walk around the city center and appreciate the remnants of gothic architecture juxtaposed with modern infrastructure.

Visit the mammoth, brick-red Gothic chapel, Marienkapelle.

Witness the grandeur of the 18th century Würzburg Residenz palace with its ornate interiors and the massive court garden outside. The Residenz is also a UNESCO world heritage site and the palace offers an excellent and inexpensive guided tour.

Then grab a wine/Aperol at the Alte Mainbrücke or the Old Main Bridge, Würzburg’s signature bridge and meeting point. Even if it’s 10 am, it’s wine-o-clock. Can I get an Amen?

At the bridge, enjoy the musical milieu put together by street artists, with the Marienberg Fortress perched on a hill in the distance.

Next, we drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (60 km; 45 minutes driving time). If time allows, you can stop at Bad Mergentheim on the way.

Have I told you that Germany is full of fairytale towns?

The prettiest and most charming little town you’ll stop at, on this Romantic Route Germany itinerary, is Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This splendid town can instantly transport you into the pages of a fairytale. I’ve been here in the summer, during the Christmas market in December, and during the fall. Rothenburg never disappoints.

I could write a song alright, but in the interest of time, here’s an article with things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (with tons of photos which will give you major travel inspiration)!

I’d suggest you aim to get to Rothenburg by evening and stay overnight.

Why you should stay the night at Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Due to its proximity to some bigger German cities, a lot of visitors arrive during the day and leave by evening, so you’ll have the entire town to yourself minus the crazy hordes of tourists. Besides, Rothenburg looks especially pretty by night!

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We usually stay at the Hotel Gasthof zur Linde , an inexpensive, cozy and comfortable hotel extremely close to the city center. They also have a reasonably good breakfast spread, are pet-friendly, and have free parking (which is a HUGE bonus because nothing’s usually free in Germany!)

Another great recommendation is the Pension Elke Rothenburg . Very close to the city center, the hosts are very welcoming and responsive, and it has everything you need for a good stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

You could also book a guided tour in Rothenburg to learn more about the town’s history.

The next morning, you can wake up early to catch some of the morning quiet and dewy charm of Rothenburg. Walk around the Old Town, get breakfast at Brot & Zeit , and then head south to what is perhaps the most colorful town of Germany – Dinkelsbühl (50 km; 40 minutes driving time).

If you’re in love with Rothenburg by now (I’m sure you’ll be when you visit), you’ll turn into an ode-writing, lyric-weaving, spellbound romanticist when you arrive in Dinkelsbühl.

Every street, every lane, every half-timbered house in this shockingly underrated town is plain gorgeous. And it’s the best way to spend an absolutely flawless day while on the Romantic Road.

The thing about Dinkelsbühl is that it is quite as charming as Rothenburg ob der Tauber but minus the crowds. It’s one of those rare, underrated places that just haven’t gotten in the spotlight yet.

Dinkelsbühl miraculously survived the WW2 bombings unscathed, hence it is one of the few places in Germany with completely intact city walls.

With gabled rooftops, cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses, and a burst of color everywhere, Dinkelsbühl is one of the most authentically German towns on the Romantic Road.

As you walk around gaping at the pretty sights, make a pit stop at Cafe am Munster for a simple but lovely lunch (they usually have one daily special and it’s delish).

Then visit St.Georg’s Minster, the Weinmarkt and the Deutsches Haus for quintessential Dinkelsbühl architecture.

This amazing article covers all you can do in Dinkelsbühl.

The next stop in our Romantic Route Germany itinerary is Nördlingen (32 km; 30 minutes driving time).

With a medieval city wall, a formidable church watch tower, and a glorious townscape, Nördlingen is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

What’s most interesting about the walled town, though, is that it was built in a massive 25 kilometers diameter-wide crater!

A meteorite had struck this area around 15 million years ago and it left a big pit that came to be called Nördlinger Ries. Nördlingen city is built inside this crater, about 6 kilometers southwest of its center.

If you walk along the city walls of Nördlingen, you will have walked the entire length in a circle around the town. Nördlingen is the only town in Germany you can do this in.

Visit St. Georg Dom, a Baroque church that sits in the heart of Nördlingen and is easy to spot as you enter the town. Walk up the steps of the church’s Daniel Tower – the ticket costs EUR 3.50 and is an easy climb. From the top you can get a sense of the circular shape of the town as it lies in the crater.

You’ll mostly get to Nördlingen by late evening, so park yourself here for the night and explore the town the following morning.

Spend half a day in Nördlingen and take some time to visit the sights mentioned above.

After Nördlingen, you can visit Augsburg, one of the bigger cities on the Romantic Road.

We were more interested in the smaller towns and villages as that is where the real draw of the Romantic Road lies.

Which explains the choice of our next destination – Hopfen am See, a rare find we chanced upon and instantly fell in love with.

Nördlingen to Augsburg: 75 km (1 hour driving time) Augsburg to Hopfen am See: 108 km (1.5 hours driving time) Nördlingen to Hopfen am See: 204 km (2.15 hours driving time)

This is a special stop that you won’t see in any Romantic Road itinerary or travel guide.

Why, you ask? Because it’s extremely close to the more touristy locations like Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle, yet is completely unexplored and pristine.

Hopefensee is a beautiful lake at the foot of the Alps, just a 15-minute drive from Schloss Neuschwanstein.

We stayed here for two nights and it really fit well with our plan.

Why you should stay in Hopfen am See: The closest town to Schloss Neuschwanstein is Füssen, which landed on the tourist map as an ideal place to stay at if you’re visiting the castle, as part of your Romantic Route Germany itinerary. Hence, the hotels might be expensive, depending on what time in the year you head there. Hopfen am See is extremely close to Neuschwanstein, yet is not half as touristy. It’s a great place if you want to get a more local experience and save some bucks.

We spent 2 nights at a fantastic property in Hopfen am See called Landhaus Kössel . Cute, cosy, and right in the center of the Alps. The rooms are really comfortable, there’s a decent breakfast spread, and you get gorgeous balcony views of the Alps!

The hotel offers great value for money and I recommend staying here 100%.

Why you should stay at Hopfen am See for two nights:

So you can wake up early and get to Neuschwanstein Castle in time before the crowds throng the spot. We’ll get to this in a bit (below).

You’ll most likely arrive in Hopfen am See by the evening. Get dinner at Vitushoehle , an Irish bar bang opposite the hotel (amazing burgers; veggie options that can easily be veganized).

Neuschwanstein Castle + Hohenschwangau Castle

We’re finally getting to the most coveted part of our Romantic Route Germany itinerary!

Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, and also features in its company logo.

Schloss (Castle) Neuschwanstein is just 8 kilometers from Landhaus Kössel , in a small village called Schwangau. It is the biggest highlight of Germany’s Romantic Road tour, and is one of the biggest landmarks in Europe .

There’s a parking lot with ample space as you enter the premises.

Important: Bear in mind that you must aim at getting here latest by 9 a.m.

After this, throngs of visitors start pouring in, and I mean buses full of tourists (there are a lot of bus connections offering day trips from Munich up to the Neuschwanstein castle). Which is why you should stay overnight at Hopfen am See; it just makes more sense.

Besides, tickets to the castle often get sold out by 12 or 12:30 p.m.

Buy a combined ticket for Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.  Both castles are stunning and important in their own right. The price is around EUR 26 per person for a combined ticket (may vary depending on the time of the year). This also includes a tour guide or an audio one.

From the ticket counter, there’s a hike up to Marienbrücke where you get the castle view you’ve probably seen in most Instagram pictures:

From Marienbrücke, you can hike up further to get even better views.

Both Schloss Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are among the prettiest fairytale castles in Germany .

Schloss Neuschwanstein:  “The Mad King” Ludwig II had this gorgeous castle made to live his dream life inspired by medieval legend, art, and music. The interiors are grand, sometimes eccentric. On the whole, though, the castle has a MUCH greater appeal from the outside.

Schloss Hohenschwangau: This was the abode of King Ludwig II while growing up. The king never really liked the Hohenschwangau castle and built Schloss Neuschwanstein on a hill higher than this one, as a way to make a point. You can tell he was pretty headstrong as a child!

The castles (and the hike) will take you an entire day and you’ll be pretty exhausted by the evening. End your day with dinner, drinks, and a leisurely walk along Lake Hopfensee.

On Day 5, head to the final stop on the Germany Romantic Road tour, Füssen (5 km; 8 minutes driving time) .

A comfortable drive from the hotel Landhaus Kössel in Hopfen am See and 10 minutes from Schloss Neuschwanstein, the next stop on Day 5 of our Romantic Route Germany itinerary is Füssen.

Park in the city center, and walk down to the Lechefall im Füssen, a waterfall with the bluest water you’d have ever seen. It also has a deeply cut Alpine gorge, the biggest in Europe.

This point at the Lechefal is also just a kilometer away from the Austrian border, so if you walk further down the road along the river, you’ll land up in Austria! Life’s all about cheap thrills isn’t it 😀

Make a quick stop at the Holy Ghost Hospital Church with its frescoed front facade that’s hard to miss.

Then head to the Füssen Old Town, grab a coffee and admire the cute aesthetic that’s somewhat reminiscent of Innsbruck .

(BONUS Addition to Your Romantic Route Germany Itinerary)

Garmisch-partenkirchen.

From Füssen you can drive for an hour to another whimsical, colorful German town called Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or Garmisch for short.

Though it is technically not on the Romantic Route in Germany, you should definitely reserve a visit to Garmisch.

Mostly known as a popular ski resort, Garmisch will surprise you with whimsically frescoed buildings, narrow streets and cute little shops, all enveloped in striking Alpine glory. You can also make Garmisch your base and make day trips to lakes like Eibsee and Chiemsee, or even further to Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria.

We planned our Romantic Road travel in December, hence it was 100% sweater (read: bulky jackets and 4 layers of warm clothing) weather. As it happened, we spotted a glühwein stall in the city center and plonked ourselves there. Priorities, you know.

Visit Pfarrkirche St. Martin, a Parish church bang in the middle of the town. While it looks rather ordinary from the outside, the church is replete with beautiful interiors, striking murals, and excellent stonework.

Then head to China Garden for dinner, a nice cozy place with German and English-speaking staff.

From here you can head back, drive to Munich or you can spend one night in Garmisch ( this hotel is in a small village nearby called Etal, and will turn out to be cheaper).

After completing the Romantic Road Germany route, you could head to Zugspitze, the tallest mountain peak in Germany. This is very close to Garmisch and you can catch some of the best views of the Alps from Zugspitze.

So, to summarize the 5 day Romantic Road Germany itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Würzburg and drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. If you have time, stop at Bad Mergentheim enroute. Stay in Rothenburg overnight.
• Day 2: Dinkelsbüuhl and Nördlingen. Stay the night at Nördlingen.
• Day 3:  Spend half a day in Nördlingen. Drive to Hopfen am See to spend the night here.
• Day 4:  Start early at Neuschwanstein Castle, followed by a tour of Hohenschwangau Castle.
• Day 5: Spend the day walking around Füssen Old Town. Then head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING THE ROMANTIC ROAD IN GERMANY

If you’re visiting the country for the first time, there are a few things worth knowing about before embarking on the Germany Romantic Road tour:

• Sundays in Germany are  ruhetage  or ‘quiet days’, which means all supermarkets, shops, offices and sometimes (though rarely) even restaurants are closed. Keeping this in mind might help while planning your itinerary.
• Public restrooms are generally never free; they mostly charge 50c to 1 euro. Make sure you carry some change in coins, in case.
• Cash is king in Germany. You can’t rely solely on card transactions, especially in the smaller towns along the Romantic Road. It is a good idea to have sufficient cash on you.
• Needless to say, it helps to have good and reliable GPS, either on phone or in your vehicle. While there are several signboards planted along the stretch of the Romantic Road, it is easy to get confused and one wrong turn can put you considerably off the route.

Looking for more inspiration? You might like these posts:

A German Fairytale Town: Rothenburg ob der Tauber How to Spend One Day in Frankfurt 11 Cool Things You Didn’t Know about Cologne

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Good post! We will be linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing. Lewis Ellies

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Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips

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Driving Germany’s Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a popular tourist route in southern Germany that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes and charming old towns in Bavaria and is a great way to experience the region’s most famous landmarks. 

The Romantische Straße route takes you across the beautiful landscapes of southern Germany, passing through rolling hills, green pastures, and picturesque lakes. Along the way, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, as well as sampling the local food and wine and visiting Bavaria’s famous fairytale castles. 

Our Romantic Road travel guide includes an interactive map with route, highlights, and plenty of tips to help you plan an amazing road trip along this famous road in Germany.

What is the Romantic Road in Germany?

The Romantic Road, in German Romantische Straße , is a marketed themed route designed in the 1950s to increase visitor numbers and tourist-related jobs in southern Germany – decades before Scotland’s North Coast 500 was even thought of!

The route spans 460km / 285 miles across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, starting in Würzburg and ending in Füssen, and links a number of picturesque towns, churches, and castles. With a medieval history as an important trade route, today’s Romantic Road is blessed with scenery, architecture, and culture that characterizes Germany.

Even though the romantoc element of the road refers to an historic vision of Germany and Bavaria, the route really is a romantic tour of Germany , and really suited to couples who enjoy historic architecture, fine wine, beautiful scenery and the odd castle or two!

With about five million overnight stays, four to five times that number of day visitors, and around 15,000 tourist jobs generated by the route, it is an economically important southern German travel destination.

Is this your first time visiting Germany? Get all the information you need in our Germany Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting There

The Romantic Road officially starts in Würzburg, although you could do the route in reverse and start at Füssen.

To start in Würzburg, fly into Frankfurt Am Main International Airport, a two hour drive from Würzburg.

To start in Füssen, fly into Munich Franz Josef Strauß International Airport. From Munich, it will take you about two hours to drive to Füssen, through the beautiful landscape of Upper Bavaria.

With direct flights from America, Europe, and the UK to Munich, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

How to Travel the Romantic Road

Whether you’re in a car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore the German Romantic Road, meaning you can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Are you planning to rent a car in Germany? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Germany . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

How about driving from the UK to Germany for an incredible road trip? Get all the info you need in our driving from the UK to Germany guide .

Romantic Road Public Transport

Bavaria has a fantastic public transport system which is modern, well-run and reliable. Trains and buses can be combined using day tickets which allow as much travel as you like in the region.

The Romantic Road coach connects Frankfurt’s main station and Karlsplatz in Munich with Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Augsburg, Füssen, and many of the other towns and villages along the route a few times a week during summer.

Germany’s high-speed ICE trains stop at the cities of Würzburg, Donauwörth, and Augsburg, and there are connecting regional train stations at many stops along the route.

Use the Deutsche Bahn website to look for trains between popular towns on the route, and get the Bayern-Ticket , which allows travel on local trains, transport associations, and almost all regular buses in Bavaria.

Romantic Road Tours

There isn’t a single guided tour that covers the whole road from end to end. However, there are lots of day trips from Munich and Frankfurt to the most scenic and interesting parts of the road, which are well worth doing if you’re short of time. These are our pick of the top recommended Romantic Road day trips.

Romantic Road Map & Route

The Romantic Road is a well-signposted route, making it easy to follow and navigate within a rental car. The route runs for 460km / 285 miles, and although it can be driven in either direction, we would recommend driving the Romantic Road north to south, from Würzburg to Füssen.

Our five day Romantic Road itinerary starts in Würzburg, a city known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. From there, the route takes you to 29 official stops including the picturesque small towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, and the once-free imperial city of Augsburg.

Each of these towns offers a glimpse into Germany’s medieval past, with well-preserved architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and charming streets that transport visitors back in time.

The final stop on our Romantic Road route is the town of Füssen. This charming old town is situated on the banks of the Lech River and is home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions. From Füssen you can experience three fairytale castles, before concluding your road trip along the Romantische Straße.  

• Get the Travel Guides
• Hunter Travel Adventure Guide – Germany Romantic Road
• Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest
• The Rough Guide to Germany
• Germany Romantic Road Trip Itinerary

Würzburg – Wertheim – Tauberbischofsheim – Lauda-Königshofen – Bad Mergentheim – Weikersheim – Röttingen – Creglingen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Schillingsfürst – Feuchtwangen – Dinkelsbühl – Wallerstein – Nördlingen – Harburg – Donauwörth – Rain – Augsburg – Friedberg – Landsberg am Lech – Hohenfurch – Schongau – Peiting – Rottenbuch – Wildsteig – Steingaden – Halblech – Schwangau – Füssen

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Romantic Road Highlights

Würzburg is a beautiful city located at the start of the Romantic Road in the state of Bavaria in southern Germany. Known for its rich history, culture, and architecture, Würzburg makes the perfect start to your road trip along the romantische straße.

There are many popular tourist attractions in Würzburg’s city center. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent palace that was built in the 18th century and is widely considered one of the most important Baroque buildings in Europe.

Other tourist destinations include the medieval Marienberg Fortress, which overlooks the city center; the Old Main Bridge, also known as Alte Mainbrücke, which is lined with colorful houses and is a great spot for taking pictures; Würzburg Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century; the Juliuspromenade which runs along the river Main; and the Court Gardens located at the Würzburg Residence. 

We would recommend taking a boat tour along the River Main, as a unique way to experience Würzburg. This allows you to discover the city from a different perspective and to see some of the beautiful old towns located along the waterway.

Surrounding Würzburg is Franconian wine country, a world-renowned wine region famous for its white wines, including Silvaner, Bacchus, and Müller-Thurgau. Head for the Bürgerspital Winery or Staatlicher Hofkeller in town, for a tasting and perhaps a spot of shopping!

• Where to Stay in Würzburg

Upmarket: DAS v EVERT Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Melchior Park – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Moxy Wuerzburg – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Heading south from Würzburg, Rothenburg is a short 45 minute drive. This stretch of your romantic road trip takes you through the beautiful Tauber Valley and includes several popular stops.

The small town of Creglingen, home to the famous Herrgotts Church, and Bad Mergentheim, home to the beautiful Renaissance-style palace of the Teutonic Order and its old town are both must-sees along this part of the route.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval walled town located in the Franconia region of Germany. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history, it is a popular destination on the Romantic Road for tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.

One of the most famous landmarks in Rothenburg is the historic town wall which encircles the old town and provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can walk or cycle along the wall and visit the various towers and gates that are open to the public.

Another must-see attraction in Rothenburg is St. Jakob’s Church. This beautiful Gothic church is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can climb the 57 meters up the church tower for panoramic views of the town.

This recommended night watchman tour in Rothenburg is a popular way to learn about the stories and legends of the town and a uniquely entertaining way to gain insight into southern Germany’s culture. 

• Where to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Upmarket: Romantik Hotel Markusturm – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Villa Mittermeier, Hotellerie & Restaurant – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pension „das Lädle“ – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Germany.

The distance between Rothenburg and Augsburg is approximately 200km taking an estimated drive time of around two hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Along the way, you will pass the popular stop of Dinkelsbühl, a medieval town known for its beautiful architecture and the sweet treat schneeball or snowball, a delicious deep-fried short-crust pastry also known as a storchennest  or stork’s nest.

Augsburg, which was a free imperial city from 1276 to 1803, is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in 15 BCE, and the architecture in Augsburg is not to be missed.

The beautiful, Gothic Augsburg Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most important religious buildings in the region. The cathedral is known for its intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows, which are sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Augsburg’s town hall, known as the Rathaus, is another highlight due to its beautiful Renaissance architecture that dates back to the 16th century. The highlight of the interior is the Golden Hall, a ceremonial hall that features six portals, wall frescos, and splendid coffered ceilings, all of which are literally covered in gold.

One of Augsburg’s most famous landmarks is the Fuggerei. This is the world’s oldest social housing project, founded in 1516 by the wealthy merchant Jakob Fugger. The project consists of a small city within the city, with narrow streets, small houses, and gardens. It is a unique look into the history of housing and gives visitors a glimpse into how the lower class used to live in Germany.

Augsburg also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its water management system which comprises numerous canals and water towers dating back to the 15th century.

The vibrant cultural scene in Augsburg can be experienced within a number of the city’s theaters, concert halls, and music venues. We’d recommend catching a play at the Augsburg Theater or attending a concert at the Augsburg Congress Hall.

To see the best that Augsburg has to offer, take this highly-rated walking tour through the main city sites . The tour explores the multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites found within Augsburg, and comes with skip-the-line tickets allowing you to enjoy the main sites without the wait!

• Where to Stay in Augsburg

Upmarket: Hotel Maximilian’s – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: City Hotel Ost am Kö – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Leonardo Hotel Augsburg – Booking.com | Agoda

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Take a side trip to munich.

The drive from Augsburg to Munich is one of the shortest on this itinerary, making the city a perfect Romantic Road side trip destination. Opting to take a slightly longer route between Augsburg and Munich allows you to pass Ammersee Lake, where you should stop at Seehaus Schreyegg for refined local cuisine and a beer garden with unrivaled views.

Arriving in Munich, you can experience the city’s highlights including the Marienplatz, Hofbräuhaus, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Englischer Garten. 

Marienplatz is the city’s main square and is home to the iconic Glockenspiel, a clock tower that features a mechanical performance of jousting knights and dancing peasants. The square is also surrounded by many historic buildings, including the New Town Hall and the Old Town Hall.

Just under twenty minutes from Marienplatz, is Munich’s Englischer Garten. This is one of the largest public parks in Europe and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The park features many walking paths, gardens, and the famous Chinese Tower beer garden!

Nymphenburg Palace, located on the outskirts of the city, is a breathtaking building built in the 17th century. We recommend booking tickets for a classical concert held within the palace, where the Munich Philharmonic plays music by the famous composer Mozart, who performed here himself when he was just seven years of age! This experience will become a highlight on your road trip along the Romantic Road.

Finally, no visit to Munich is complete without a visit to Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. The hall is over 400 years old and serves traditional Bavarian food and beer. We would recommend opting for a three-hour beer hall and breweries tour to discover why Munich is the beer capital of the world. 

Fancy a day exploring Munich? Get our one day Munich itinerary complete with map, recommendations & Munich travel tips to help plan your trip to this beautiful & vibrant Bavarian city.

Driving to Füssen takes roughly two hours from Munich and 1.5 hours from Augsburg, heading southwest through the small towns and incredible scenery of Upper Bavaria.

Füssen is a small town known for its picturesque landscapes, situated on the banks of the Lech River and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Allgäu region, and its rich history. 

One of the most famous landmarks in Füssen is the Hohes Schloss. This fairytale castle dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most important castles in the region.

The castle is open to the public and visitors can explore the various rooms and halls, including the throne room and the chapel. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains from the castle’s towers. 

Situated just a ten-minute drive from Hohes Schloss, are Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle. These two fairytale castles make the perfect, final destination on your road trip along the Romantic Road.

The incomparable Neuschwanstein Castle was constructed by King Ludwig II, more commonly known as Mad King Ludwig, within the depths of Pöllat Gorge in the Bavarian Alps. 

The King was inspired by the Neo-Gothic architecture of his childhood residence Hohenschwangau Castle, another tourist destination along the Romantic Road. This inspiration, determining the design of Neuschwanstein Castle in 1868, earnt him the title of Märchenkönig , the fairytale king.

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations and attracts millions of visitors each year. We would definitely recommend booking this Neuschwanstein Castle skip-the-line ticket + guide , to learn about the history and architecture of the building, as well as the life of the king who built the castle that inspired Walt Disney.

Located on an opposite crag to Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle is more lived-in and historic, offering an excellent look at Ludwig’s life, but with fewer crowds.

Originally built in the 12th century, Schloss Hohenschwangau was ruined by Napoleon in 1743. The Bavarian Crown Prince, later King Maximilian II, father of King Ludwig II, bought the castle and began rebuilding according to the original plans, and today you see it as it looked in 1836. It was here that Ludwig grew up, in surroundings inspired by romantic legends of chivalry and knighthood.

Another must-see attraction in Füssen is St. Mang’s Basilica. This stunning Gothic church is one of the most important religious buildings in the region. The basilica is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes, and visitors can also climb the church tower for panoramic views of the town.

Just outside town, you’ll find the iconic St. Coloman Church. Although access to the interior is limited, it’s popular with photographers for its dramatic Alps backdrop and beautiful Baroque exterior.

Füssen is known for its incredible landscapes and natural surroundings. Enjoy the surrounding Allgäu region by taking a hike or a bike ride in the mountains. There are many trails from Füssen rated from easy, through moderate to expert level, making this a perfect spot for visitors of any hiking level to experience the Allgäu region. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, why not travel just outside of town to Forggensee lake? It is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and other water activities. 

Did you know that Füssen is where the Romantic Road meets the other famous southern German route, the Deutsche Alpenstrasse? The route crosses Germany from west to east and takes in over 25 alpine lakes, as well as mountain passes and spectacular scenery. You can find the full Deutsche Alpenstrasse route, with a map and itinerary in our guide . 

• Where to Stay in Füssen

Upmarket: Hotel Sonne – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Villa Fantasia Budget Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Restaurant Alatsee – Booking.com | Agoda

Germany is the home of hundreds of magical castles – get info and tips about visiting them in our guide to Germany’s top 18 fairytale castles .

Romantic Road Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the romantic road.

No one knows for sure where Germany’s Romantic Road got its name. The route is not romantic in the modern-day sense and it’s not a European hot spot for proposals or weddings.

But, all along its 285 miles, the breathtaking countryside, colorful villages full of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, wildflower-carpeted meadows, and rolling vineyards provide an idealized view of reality and a romantic attitude to the past.

When is the best time to visit the Romantic Road?

Although the weather is warmest through the summer months, with temperatures hitting the mid-twenties, the Romantic Road is best visited outside of the summer months.

In spring, wildflowers will carpet the fields and meadows along the route, and in fall, the vibrant colors of the vines are aflame, and the autumn bounty is celebrated.

Munich’s Oktoberfest takes place as autumn turns to winter, and is a true celebration of everything Bavarian and beer!

In winter, Germany’s famous Christmas markets are held, often under a light dusting of snow. The best Christmas markets on the Romantic Road take place in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Nordlingen, and Augsburg, where you’ll find traditional crafts, food treats, and delicious gluhwein , the mulled wine of Germany.

If you don’t mind cooler weather, completing your road trip during the low and shoulder seasons will add more experiences to your southern Germany itinerary, and the roads, hotels, and towns will also be quieter.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

How long does it take to do the Romantic Road?

The Romantic Road is roughly 460km / 285 miles long and takes, according to Google Maps, takes just 4 to 5 hours to drive. But this is a simple equation of miles divided by speed and doesn’t take into account the towns, villages, and attractions along the route that you’ll want to stop and see.

To truly enjoy the incredible landscape, medieval towns, and fairytale castles along the way, we recommend that you take four to five days to explore and enjoy the drive.

If you can manage seven days, then you’ll be able to stop and enjoy activities and tours, and fully discover one of Europe’s best road trips .

Is the Romantic Road a dangerous road?

Although the route features on the dangerousroads.org website, the roads that make up the route are all fully sealed and very well maintained, as you would expect in Germany.

The route is not one road but a series of Bavarian roads which link to create the route, and there are stretches of cobbled streets and narrow village roads. There may also be areas where traffic volume is high, around popular attractions and towns like Rothenberg.

However, for the most part, the route crosses rolling countryside and flat plains, making it one of the least dangerous roads we’ve ever driven!

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Germany . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Where does the Romantic Road start?

As we already mentioned, the route can start in Würzburg to the north, or Füssen to the south.

If you start in Würzburg, the first stop is the Würzburg Residenz Residence Palace. From there take routes 3, 19, and 18 south to Tauberbischofsheim, the next stop en route.

From Füssen, take route 17 east to Schwangau to explore Ludwig’s castles, before heading towards Steingaden and then east to Wildsteig.

German Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Germany.

• Search for affordable flights to Germany with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Germany with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Germany with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Germany with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Tips for Driving in Germany

The roads in Germany are well maintained, the autobahns are toll-free and there are excellent regional and minor roads with great services for drivers, making Germany a fantastic place to road trip.

Contrary to popular belief though, there are speed limits on the autobahn, and many sections have limits between 120km/h (75mph) and 110km/h (68mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive and travel in Germany;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Germany.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
• It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle, reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers), spare wheel, and the tools to change a wheel or a tire repair kit.
• If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair.
• You should carry a first aid kit, but this is only compulsory for four-wheeled vehicles registered in Germany).
• Germany introduced regulations in 2010 requiring all passenger cars and motorbikes to be fitted with winter or all-season tires in wintry conditions.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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The Romantic Road Germany Travel Guide // Tips, Maps & Itinerary

The Romantic Road in Germany is a popular tourist route that spans 220 miles (350km) between Wurzburg and Fussen. Along the way, discover dozens of picturesque villages, medieval walled towns and fairytale castles. All it took was one quick Google search and I was sold.. the Romantic Road sounded like magic.

Keep reading for photos, a suggested itinerary, and 3 things we wish we knew before embarking on our Romantic Road Germany road trip.

3 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE TRAVELING THE ROMANTIC ROAD

TRAVEL FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

Our first mistake was starting the journey at Neuschwanstein Castle because I fell head over heels for the Bavarian Alps. It is hands down one of the most beautiful regions in Europe (that I’ve been to), and anytime you set the bar that high, you leave yourself vulnerable for disappointment.

As we drove further and further away from the Southern half of the Romantic Road, all I wanted to do was turn around and go back the other direction.

I highly recommend starting in Wurzburg and traveling South to Fussen so that you get a proper grand finale.

RELATED POST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING NEUSCHWANSTAIN CASTLE 

THE ROAD IS NOT ROMANTIC 

The term “Romantic Road” is quite possibly the best travel marketing ploy ever. When I picture a romantic road, a slow, windy route through perfect scenery comes to mind.

This particular journey looks very similar to driving through the middle of the United States. A lot of farm land.. not much to look at .. quite possibly the least romantic road I’ve ever driven? 

THE JOURNEY IS EASIER THAN IT APPEARS

While there are 28 stops on the official Romantic Road Germany map, some of these towns are so small, you can drive through them in 10 seconds. Before our road trip, I was worried that 4 days wouldn’t be enough time because I wanted to see everything .

What I didn’t realize is that there’s not actually anything to see in some of the towns. A few times, we got off the highway expecting to explore some of the smaller villages and we didn’t see a single person.

ROMANTIC ROAD GERMANY MAP

DISTANCES BETWEEN THE MAIN TOWNS

From North to South 

HOW TO TRAVEL THE ROMANTIC ROAD

The easiest way to travel the Romantic Road is by car.

Having a vehicle allows you to set your own schedule and it gives you the most freedom to see and do what you want. Frankfurt and Munich are the closest big city hubs on opposite ends of the Romantic Road, so it makes it super easy to pick up and drop off a rental car at either of these cities.

Wurzburg is 73 miles (119km) from Frankfurt and Fussen is 82 miles (132km) from Munich.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

It’s possible to use public transportation, but you will be restricted to limited routes/times/etc. For info on how to see the Romantic Road via public transportation click here.

There is a 460km (286 mile) long network of designated cycleways on the Romantic Road, and cycling is one of the most popular ways of traveling it.

THE ROMANTIC ROAD GERMANY // 4 DAY ITINERARY

This was our itinerary when traveling the Romantic Road (except we did it backwards).

While we did move quickly through some of the towns, we never felt super rushed with only 4 days. Ideally, 5 days would be the perfect amount of time to see everything. 7 days if you really want to take your time and stop in some of the less popular towns.

Pick up your rental car in Frankfurt and drive to Wurzburg.

Wurzburg is one of the larger towns on the Romantic Road and as an eventful first stop,  I would suggest spending half a day here if you want to properly experience what it has to offer.

As you pull into town, you can’t miss Marienberg Fortress on the hill. This is one of the most popular things to do in Wurzburg, with some of the best views of the city.

Also be sure to check out Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Baroque palaces in Europe.

Since we did this itinerary backwards, Wurzburg was our last stop and we arrived after many of the main attractions were closed. So instead of touring palaces, we ordered a glass of local wine and took a walk across the famous Alt Mainbruecke bridge.

Wurzburg is actually the capital of the Franconian Wine Region and the bridge is a popular hangout to sip wine, listen to music and take in the views.

From Wurzburg, drive towards Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (45 minutes). If you have time, stop in Bad Mergentheim along the way. Stay the night in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.

WHY YOU SHOULD STAY OVERNIGHT IN ROTHENBURG

Over 2.5 million people visit Rothenburg each year but only 500,000 book a room.

Walking around in the evening after the tour busses have gone home is a completely different experience, and we felt like we had the entire village to ourselves.

And as an added bonus, it looks even more magical after dark.

Because of its popularity, Rothenburg is one of the more expensive towns on the Romantic Road to stay in. If you’re looking to save money, pick a hotel or B&B outside the city walls. We booked an AirBnb for $35/night (in August!) and it was only a 5 minute walk to the center of town. 

If you’re a first time Airbnb user, get $40 off your first stay by signing up here! 

Wake up early and spend half the day exploring Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER 

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is one of the most famous and picturesque destinations on the Romantic Road.

Despite its inevitably large crowds, I still fell in love with Rothenburg’s charm and highly recommend spending some time here. For a list of things to do, what eat and where to stay, check out my related post below.

RELATED POST: ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER // GERMANY’S MOST PICTURESQUE MEDIEVAL WALLED CITY

After spending the morning in Rothenburg, head South to Dinkelsbuhl (35 minutes).

DINKELSBUHL

When you conjure up an image of a quintessential German town, chances are you embodied everything Dinkelsbuhl has to offer.

It’s almost as charming as Rothenburg but without the large crowds and it ended up being one of my favorite stops.

Dinkelsbuhl was untouched during WWII and it remains one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany, as well as a former Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. 

We happened to be here during a festival, so the atmosphere was extra lively and fun. Its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and lively promenade filled with restaurants, shops and cafes makes Dinkelsbuhl a must visit stop on the Romantic Road.

Spend 1-3 hours enjoying Dinklesbuhl and then drive to Nordlingen (30 minutes) where you’ll stay the night.

Nordlingen is super interesting because it’s located in the center of a large meteor crater. If you look at a bird’s eye photo of the town, you can even see the distinct circle outline.

Nordlingen is the only town in Germany where you can walk the entire length of the walls and battlements, so this is one of the most popular things to do here. They also have a gothic cathedral, St. Georg Dom, that you can climb for amazing views of the town.

Personally, I didn’t love Nordlingen so we only spent about an hour and a half here before moving on.

After spending some time in Nordlingen, drive to Augsburg (1 hour). On the way to Augsburg you have the option to stop at Donauworth or Harburg.

AUGSBURG 

Augsburg is the third oldest city in Germany and one of the largest cities in Bavaria. Founded in 15 BC by the Romans, Augsburg is home to many historical sights.

We didn’t spend much time here as we wanted to focus on the smaller, more quaint towns and villages.

If you decide to stay longer, the most popular things to do are visit the Old Town Hall,  The Schaezlerpalais palace and Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex, where rent has not been raised in 500 years … and it’s residents still pay .88 euro each year.

In the afternoon, if you have the time, I highly recommend driving to Fussen (1hr 30min) so you can wake up early and beat the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle. If not, spend the night in Augsburg.

Use the early morning to explore the famous, fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle. Or, if you stayed the night in Augsburg, wake up early and drive to Schwangau (home of Neuschwanstein).

RELATED POST:  EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE 

FUSSEN & SCHWANGAU

To beat the crowds, we arrived at Neuschwanstein when it opened. Our entire visit lasted about 3-4 hours and it gave us the rest of the afternoon to explore the nearby towns.

After touring Neuschwanstein, spend a little time walking around the small village of Schwangau and then make the quick drive to Fussen (5 minutes) and spend the rest of the day here.

For a list of things to do, what to eat and where to stay in Fussen, click my related post below.

RELATED POST :  5 THINGS TO DO IN FUSSEN GERMANY

In the afternoon, it’s time to head to Munich to drop off your rental car.

AN ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION TO THE ROMANTIC ROAD

If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve re-arranged my entire itinerary to spend much more time in Bavaria.

If you find yourself getting deja vu along the Romantic Road (a lot of the towns are very similar) and need a change of scenery, consider skipping a few stops and spending the rest of your days in the Southern half.

It’s 10x more romantic than the official Romantic Road. Seriously.

RELATED POST: BAVARIA OFF THE BEATEN PATH

PIN IT // THE ROMANTIC ROAD GERMANY ROAD TRIP

Have you been on the Romantic Road Germany road trip? What was your favorite stop? 

19 thoughts on “the romantic road germany travel guide // tips, maps & itinerary”.

Hello, we are thinking of spending one night in Rothenburg/Colmburg (coming from Munich) and one night in Fussen (then going to Salzburg). With only 2 nights, is it better to stay in these 2 places or stay 2 nights at one? The trip is in July. Is Romantic Road south or north better (i realize it’s not the road itself). Thank you.

Hi Zhanna, I think you could easily spend 1 night in each place and it would allow you to have a more relaxed journey and it would break up your driving time. I preferred the southern half of the Romantic Road WAY more. If I were to do it again, I would spend almost all of my time in the south. I did love Rothenburg though, so I do recommend it. Hope this helps!

Lindsey, Thank you for your help! Zhanna

Wanting to add this on to Salzburg and Oktoberfest this September….Any thoughts on an itinerary?

Hi Jennifer! I just helped a friend who is doing this exact trip during Oktoberfest. This is her (rough) itinerary:

Fly into Munich and spend a few days at Oktoberfest. Rent a car and drive to Rothenburg (2.5 hours) in the morning. Spend the night in Rothenburg and take the next day to drive down the Romantic Road, stopping in Nordlingen, Dinkelsbuhl and maybe Augsburg. Rothenburg to Fussen is only 2 hours so you can plan to spend as much or as little time stopping in the towns as you want. She’s staying in Fussen that night, waking up and doing Neuschwanstein in the morning and the rest of Fussen in the afternoon. From there, she’s spending another night in Fussen, waking up early and driving to Berchtesgaden. Then from Berchtesgaden, driving to Salzburg.

You could cut Berchtesgaden and drive straight to Salzburg from Fussen (2 hr 45 min and the drive is BEAUTIFUL). Or, if you don’t want to hold onto your rental car for that long.. go from Fussen back to Munich (1 hr 40 min) and take the train to Salzburg (1 hr 45 min).

You could also, obviously, do this in reverse as well.

Hope this helps! Lindsey

A friend of mine, years ago, told me of his itinerary that started in Frankfurt, rented a car to drive south and see all the main stops. But then, to return to Frankfurt, went through Austria and Switzerland to then turn north back to the airport. I am trying to find a scenic, romantic trip with my wife that would do that. Many of the itineraries I have seen so far are one way, 7-day tours, so I am still searching. Any thoughts?

Hey Ken! I haven’t traveled in this direction before but I just did a little bit of research. I’m not sure how much time you’re allotting but this would be the rough route I’d be interested in taking.

If you enter Austria after Fussen, you can stop at Reutte (20 min from Fussen) and then take the 198 highway West. I’ve always wanted to go to Lech (1 hr 15min from Ruette). From Lech you could make your way to Feldkirch (1 Hour). From Feldkirch, head to Zurich (1 hr 30 min). From Zurich to Basel (1 hr 15 min). Basel to Colmar, France (52 min). Colmar to Baden Baden Germany (1 hr 30 min). Baden Baden to Frankfurt (2 hr). Stopping in the little towns along the way (if time permits).

Google image search some of these towns and see if it gives you a bit of inspiration for your trip! Hope this helps,

Hello We are planning to rent a car and drive from Munich to Frankfurt starting on the 28th December, 10 days all up. I have been doing some research and have read that some towns/ attractions are closed at this time of the year. Also wondering what the road conditions are like at this time of the year as we are from Australia and not used to driving in freezing conditions. Really pleased I found this site as we will now spend more time in the south. Just wondering where we should spend New Year’s Eve if you have any suggestions I would really appreciate your advice.

Hi Shirley! I have not driven the Romantic Road during December so I can’t give you any first hand experience notes. I imagine there will be lots of Christmas Markets to see during that time of year, especially in Rothenburg. Here are a few Trip Advisor links talking about road conditions during that time:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187337-i301-k9916213-Driving_on_the_Romantic_Road_in_December-Frankfurt_Hesse.html https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187293-i117-k10099499-Driving_along_romantic_road_in_December-Bavaria.html

Here is some info about the Christmas Markets in each town: https://www.romanticroadgermany.com/general/christmas.php

As far as New Years Eve goes.. personally, I’d aim to be in a bigger city like Munich as there will be more going on. One of the biggest events in Munich is called the Tollwood Festival where they have tons of live music, vendors, food/drinks etc. Marienplatz in Munich is also popular on NYE.

A small group of us are planning a trip to Germany. We will flying into Munich to spend 2-3 days at Oktoberfest. From there, we wanted to do a 5 day drive through the romantic road before catching a plane from Frankfurt to Norway.

Do you have any suggested itinerary for this.

Thanks so much,

Hi Jade, I have a 4 day itinerary in this post and then I’d suggest any extra time be spent in the southern half as it was much prettier. I would even consider going a little into Austria since it borders Fussen, is a quick and easy stopover and incredibly beautiful!!

Just want to let you know that we basically followed your itinerary above, rented our car from Frankfurt and driving through the Romantic route and ended with Fussen/Neuschwanstein Castle. It was fantastic. Just want to let you know that we found this post very helpful as a first timer on Romantic Road. Our fav old town was actually Dinkelsbuhl 🙂 Thanks for this post!

Cheers & have a good day! Vivien

Hi Vivien! Thank you SO much for coming back to let me know! It makes me so happy that everything worked out and Dikelsbuhl was one of my favorites too! 🙂

Coming to Munich for Oktoberfest. I will have 2 days before leaving for Paris. I want to do romantic road and see neuschwanstein castle. I need to start and end my trip in Munich. Can you give me a 2 day schedule for this trip? Thanks

Hi Michael, I would recommend just doing a day/night trip to Fussen/Neuschwanstein because I don’t think you’ll have enough time for other stops on the Romantic Road. The area is beautiful and you should have more than enough to do. For a customized itinerary or schedule I would recommend maybe talking to a travel agent who can best come up with something to best suit your travel style. Have fun on your trip!

I’m very interested in how you would spend an extra day in Bavaria. After looking at your itinerary above, we are planning on maximizing time in Bavaria. What would you cut out entirely from your itinerary and what small towns would you add to the end of your trip after Fussen. Thanks!

Hi Marcella! If I were to do it again, I would probably cut Augsburg or Wurzburg because they had more of a bigger city vibe and I liked the smaller towns more. If I were to add an extra day in Bavaria, I would pack a picnic and from Fussen, I would just drive around and explore. Maybe pop into Austria because the border is basically in Fussen. I wrote a post about some stops/areas in Bavaria that we briefly visited. It’s an older post so it might not be super helpful in terms of information but you can get an idea of what it looks like. It’s stunning! https://hellojetlag.com/bavarian-alps-ohlstadt/

I just want to say thank you very much for your posts – we (my husband and I and our two adult children) are planning a trip to southern Germany in April/May (assuming travel is still allowed and the coronavirus slows down) and your site, by far, is the most helpful one we have found! We are more interested in cultural and natural beauty than big cities (but we will spend some time in Munich and Berlin). For example, your explanation about ticketing at Neuschwanstein is so helpful to us! Also the out of the way places to visit and things to do to avoid crowds are very useful to us. Your information will help make our trip so memorable. We will be staying in Starnberg as our base and doing day trips from there. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I would suggest staying the night INSIDE the walls of Rothenburg. Staying anywhere else is a big mistake you will regret. It is really not that expensive to stay in most of the charming old places in town, and the experience of walking leisurely through town late at night, and waking up in town, not having to drive, walking to the bakery at sunrise, hearing the tower and church bells ringing, is, well……PRICELESS.

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Romantic Road, Germany: Itinerary and Touring Guide by Car, Coach and Train

Once a Middle Ages trading route, Germany’s Romantic Road now winds through 460 kilometres (286 miles) of picturesque landscapes and quaint medieval towns bursting with culture, cuisine and castles. 

This road in Southern Germany takes you from Wurzburg to Fussen, and was rebranded as a tourist route in the 1950s. It has attracted starry-eyed foreigners ever since. 

While no one says you must pull off at every stop along this German romantic road , the official guide has 29 destinations starting at the elegant Würzburg Residence (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and ending at the dreamy Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Disney castle). 

Below you’ll find details of six towns that I included in my Germany Romantic Road itinerary. Of course there are 23 others you could visit but, in my opinion, these are some of the best. 

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What's in this Article

Touring the Romantic Road – best stops to include

You’ll begin in Wurzburg , a wine-lover’s haven, overflowing with historic stops. Despite the fact that around 85% of the buildings were destroyed by bombs during the Second World War, you can still visit one of Germany’s oldest churches, the Marienkapelle, which was built atop a pagan shrine around 1000 A.D. 

The church is part of the Marienberg Fortress, an impressive castle that used to act as the ruling seat of Würzburg prince-bishops. The gorgeous Furstengarten Marienberg, or the Prince’s Garden, was first built in the 1600s and then restored in the 20th century.

Not only is the garden stunning, but so are the views of the city from the balcony. 

Inside the fortress you can visit the Museum for Franconia – State Museum of Art and Cultural History in Würzburg. 

Later you’ll want to walk over the pedestrian-only Old Main Bridge and visit the Hofkirche, a chapel within the Würzburg Residence. It leaves visitors agape daily with its ornate marble and gold statues and detailed frescoes.

Of course, the rest of the opulent Residence, one of the most important Baroque buildings in Europe, is worth a visit as well.

To access the most impressive rooms you’ll need to join a 60-minute guided tour but you’ll be glad you did.  The Frescoes, stucco works and the mirror hall are mind-blowingly opulent.

TIP: Entry to Wurzburg Residenz costs €7.50 per adult including the guided tour.  Tours run 3 times per day during high season.

If you haven’t had enough of churches yet, head over to the impressive Würzburger Dom, where you’ll find the final resting place of bishops in a stained glass crypt. 

For art enthusiasts, you can wander through the galleries at the Kulturspeicher, and if you’re interested in a little shopping, the outdoor vendors at the Market Square are sure to have something worth perusing. 

Be sure to visit the small museum beside the Town Hall where you can see a diorama depicting the city after the Allied bombing in World War II.  It’s sobering but a must-see.

When you stop for dinner, you’ll want to order some of Franconia’s signature wine, the Franconia Silvaner. I recommend you head to Stachel, the oldest inn in Wurzburg, dating back to 1413!  The food and wine are delicious and on a fine day there’s nothing better than dining al fresco in the courtyard.

Where to stay in Wurzburg

A great choice in the heart of Wurzburg’s Old Town is Hotel Wurzburger Hof – click here to check prices

Weikersheim

Distance from Wurzburg to Weikersheim: 63 kilometres

Probably the least well-known of my recommended Romantic Road stops, most people go to Weirkersheim for the castle – at least I did. 

Weikersheim Castle, once a moated medieval fortress built in the 12th century, was transformed into a palace residence in the 1700s. The grounds and castle are breathtaking, and include notable sites like the Knight’s Hall and adjacent 100-acre orangery. 

Much of the furniture in the castle is original, having been preserved for nearly 300 years because the owner outlived his son and heir, and therefore the castle went into state custody.

Most visitors, however, can’t stop talking about the peaceful and ornate Versailles-inspired gardens. 

Keep in mind that the guided tours are in German, but you’ll get a printed guide in English that will fill you in on most of the details. 

To find a castle as impressive as this in such a small town is incredible and I think that’s what adds to its charm.

And as Weikersheim isn’t one of the ‘top stops’ on the Romantic Road, it’s also a lovely place to eat lunch without the crowds and get an authentic German meal. 

You can then walk off your lunch with a wander around the pretty streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and admire the town’s other highlights which include the pretty Market Square, St. George’s Church and the ‘Blue Cap’, built in 1390 as a fortified prison tower.

TIP: Weikersheim Palace is open daily year round, except December 24 and 31. Entry costs €6.50 for adults which includes a guided tour (hourly from 1 April to 31 October, in German only). 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance from Weikersheim to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 35 kilometres

This quaint town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is like a portal through time, transporting you back to Medieval Germany. Those wise enough to stay the night get to see Rothenburg sans (most) tourists, and feel a special kind of magic in the evening and early morning hours. 

During one of those late-evening/early-morning strolls, head over to the Plönlein, a fairytale square with cobblestone-streets and Disney-worthy buildings. This is where most Rothenburg pictures on Instagram come from, and you can enjoy it without the crowds. 

Or you might want to take a 2.5 kilometre walk around the town’s medieval walls and soak in the fairytale views from above. 

Then, once the crowds start coming, go shopping! Rothenburg has plenty of lovely boutiques selling far more than just cheesy souvenirs. 

If you choose to visit in the off-season, you can visit Rothenburg’s Christmas Market at Marktplatz, but if it’s not the holiday season, pay a visit to the German Christmas Museum instead.

Other things to do include a visit to the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum – disturbing, but interesting nonetheless – and St. Jacob’s Church which houses the 500-year-old wood-carved altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider. 

Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhaus is a museum inside a well-preserved 13th-century home filled with artifacts to give you a glimpse into daily life in medieval Germany. 

Finally, your stay wouldn’t be complete without trying the signature food of Rothenburg, a schneeball. It’s more or less fried pastry dough, sometimes topped with chocolate, that has recently come under fire as being “too hyped up.” But can you visit Rothenburg and not at least try it? 

Rothenburg is also located on another scenic German driving route, the Castle Road.  Read my tips for driving the Castle Road here .

Where to stay in Rothenburg

I love the stylish Hotel Herrnschlösschen just around the corner from Market Place – click here to check prices

For more options, read our guide to the ten top-rated hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber > here .

Dinkelsbuhl

Distance from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Dinkelsbuhl: 45 kilometres

Rothenburg isn’t the only town on the Romantic Road map with nearly-unspoiled Medieval German architecture. Dinkelsbul has its share of colorful Instagram-worthy gatehouses in its Old Town, as well as its own wall with prominent towers that have survived some 800 years and all its wars. 

If you happen to visit in mid-July, you may see Kinderzeche, a celebration honoring the children who, legend has it, prevented the destruction of Dinkelsbuhl during the 30 Years War by pleading with the Swedish King. 

To learn more about the city’s history, visit the Haus der Geschichte which houses a museum filled with artifacts and information of interest. 

Want to walk through an old moat? The Stadtpark gardens peacefully weave around what once protected the city from intruders. 

The city’s walls also include two Tors (towers) – the Rothenberger Tor and Segringer Tor – both are worth a look. While the Rothenberger has stood for 600 years, the Segringer was rebuilt after damage in the 16th century, so it features a unique Baroque onion dome that sticks out in the Medieval village. 

The Weinmarkt, a quaint town square surrounded by beautiful Medieval German buildings and cafes, houses a farmer’s market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings where you can purchase local goods and treats. 

One of the most impressive buildings in the city is St. George’s Minister. You can pay a nominal fee to climb to the top of the late Gothic hall church built in 1448 for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

Other notable buildings to look at include The Hezelhof Hotel, a 16th-century patrician house, and the Deutsches Haus with its ornate exterior woodwork. Elsewhere in the city the kid-friendly 3D Museum features plenty of interactive exhibits, and sits inside Nördlinger Tor, a 1400s watermill. 

There’s a real rivalry between Dinkelsbuhl and Rothenburg and, I must say, whilst Dinkelsbuhl is incredibly pretty, Rothenburg wins for me. Dinkelsbuhl isn’t a car-free town like Rothenburg (mostly) is and the constant flow of cars driving (often, quite fast) up and down the streets whilst we were there certainly took the shine off our visit.

It’s definitely worth a visit but if you plan on visiting both towns and have a choice, visit Dinkelsbuhl first and you’ll then appreciate the car-free Rothenburg even more.   And let me know if you agree with me!

Where to stay in Dinkelsbuhl

Perfectly located on Weinmarket Square is Hotel Deutsches Haus – click here to check prices

Distance from Dinkelsbuhl to Augsburg: 142 kilometres

It might be the largest town on the Romantic Road but Augsburg is worth a visit for its many architectural delights including grand palaces and patrician houses adorned with Baroque and Renaissance facades.

Start in the Old Town where, taking centre stage in one of Germany’s oldest cities, is the Augsburger Town Hall which dates back to 1615. This imposing Renaissance structure features a Golden Hall, so named because of its golden guilded wooden ceiling. It’s also home to some impressive murals.

Next, head to the twin-towered St. Mary’s Cathedral where you’ll find five Romanesque stained glass windows dating back to 1065.  These ‘prophet windows’ are believed to be the oldest glass painted series in the world.   The cathedral also features Roman walls, delicate frescoes and a Romanesque crypt.

You can’t visit Augsburg without hearing the name Fugger mentioned so to learn more about the city’s most famous family head to The Fuggerei.

Founded in 1521, wealthy banker Jacob Fugger built 140 flats to house local impoverished Catholic families.  It remains the oldest existing social housing settlement in the world. Even today, residents pay an annual rent of just 88 cents – but they must pray three times a day for the founder and his family!

The adjoining Fuggerei Museum details the history of the social housing project.

Another of the city’s wealthy residents, Liebert von Liebenhofen, had the Schaezler Palace built as his residence in 1770.  Its crowning glory is the stunning Rococo ballroom – the ceiling is breathtaking – which is now Germany’s most significant baroque gallery. 

It houses exquisite paintings and art, including works by Rubens and Tiepolo. 

There are a number of other significant sights in Augsburg, too.  These include the onion-domed St.Ulrich’s Church, the many fountains dotted along Maximilian Strasse (known as ‘the imperial mile’), the pretty gabled houses around Moritz Square and the Augsburg Puppet Museum.

Don’t be put off by its size – Augsburg has plenty of ‘romantic’ qualities that make it a worthy inclusion in your Germany itinerary.

Download a map of Augsburg on this link . 

Where to stay in Augsburg

Just a 5-minute walk from the Town Hall is the superbly appointed Steigenberger Drei Mohren – click here to check prices

Distance from Augsburg to Fussen: 135 kilometres

At last – you’re here! Perhaps the most-hoped-for part of the entire Romantic Road, Fussen sits at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and is best known for the nearby dreamy Neuschwanstein Castle. 

But believe it or not, that castle isn’t the only one near Fussen – for an entirely different architectural wonder, you’ll want to pay a visit to Hohenschwangau. This less-imposing structure features cliche battlements and is the birthplace of King Ludwig II, who later began building the much-more-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. 

Sadly, Ludwig was found dead – presumably from suicide – before his castle was completed. 

Still to this day, Neuschwanstein is not entirely complete, but it attracts more than a million visitors annually (so keep this in mind when planning!). 

But castle-hopping is far from the only thing to do in Fussen. 

Down at the town centre you’ll find those charming buildings you saw in Dinkelsbuhl and Rothenburg (which is why you’re on the Romantic Road, right?), but for a truly magnificent adventure, you can take a cable car up to Tegelberg and admire the views of the valleys and mountains all around. 

In fact, after an entire drive dedicated to historical structures, Fussen is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty that’s been around since the dawn of time. There’s hiking, biking, skiing (in winter), or if you’re in the mood to relax, take a peaceful cruise on Lake Forggensee. 

Where to stay in Fussen

For a comfortable stay in a great location, you can’t go past Hotel Schlosskrone – click here to check prices

For more accommodation options, read our guide to the top-rated hotels in Fussen > here .

How long should you allow to drive the complete route?

While you could drive the entire 460 kilometres of the Romantic Road in one day, that wouldn’t give you any time to stop and visit any towns or enjoy all the sites on your Romantic Road Germany itinerary. 

Instead, start in Wurzburg and then stay the night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and your next night in Augsburg, and you can spend three full days enjoying your trip to Fussen. 

I think three days is just about enough time to hit all the major attractions, although you could easily spend more time depending on how long you want to explore the larger towns on the road. 

Can you travel the Romantic Road by train or bus?

While renting a car is definitely the best way to travel the romantic road , there are trains and buses that can take you along the route, too. 

Romantic Road Germany by train 

There is not one train that travels the entire route, and you won’t be able to stop in every town since some do not have a station, or don’t have a connection to the next stop. 

For example, you can get from Wurzburg to Weikersheim via rail, and from Wurzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, but not from Weikersheim to Rothenburg. So in order to take the train you’d either have to go to Weikersheim, back to Wurzburg, and then to Rothenburg, or skip Weikersheim altogether. 

Romantic Road Germany by bus

From April to October (on Wednesdays and Saturdays*), the Romantic Road Coach runs between Frankfurt and Munich, covering the majority of the route excluding Fussen, which is connected by train.

The southbound bus departs from Frankfurt at 9am and Wurzburg at 10.35am, and takes about 12 hours to reach Munich (if you follow it all in one day) , whilst the northbound bus departs Munich at 8.30am and arrives in Frankfurt at 7.30pm.

*An additional service runs on Sundays from mid-May to early-September.

Download the timetable here . 

You can get off anywhere you’d like, stay the night, and then catch the bus the next day (at the same time it dropped you off). 

You can also piece together regular regional buses, or stop in larger towns and take public transit out to the small villages and back in again, but of course that gets more complicated.  

Day tours to the Romantic Road

If you are staying in Munich or Frankfurt and would like to visit the area on a day trip, there are a number of Romantic Road Germany tours to choose from.  Some of the most popular Romantic Road tours include:

• Romantic Road from Munich: Rothenburg and Harburg Castle – click here to check prices
• Romantic Road and Rothenburg from Munich – click here to check prices
• Day trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt – click here to check prices

Wondering what to pack for your trip? This Germany packing list might be helpful.

Tips for driving the Romantic Road in Germany

• Book your rental car in advance to ensure you get the best rates.  Click here to get a free quote from Rentalcars.com
• Pick up a Romantic Road map from the Tourist Office in Wurzburg before you start. The route is signposted but it’s easy to ‘lose’ signs in traffic, etc. so having a map to follow is handy.
• You can follow the route in either direction.  I’ve chosen a north to south route above but you can reverse the order if it suits you better.
• Lots of towns have car-free centres so look for parking signs as you approach town.  Minimal parking fees usually apply but many ticket machines accept both cash and card payments.
• Allow more time than you think you’ll need at each stop.  It’s easy to become bewitched by the beauty of a town and linger longer than expected over a coffee or browsing the shops. Likewise, road works can cause delays and extend the journey time, so factor this in when you are planning your Romantic Road itinerary.
• Whilst it’s not a requirement of most car rental companies, all foreigners driving in Germany should hold an International Driving Permit.  In the case of an accident or being stopped by police, failure to present an IDP can result in heavy fines.   Read more about IDPs on this link .
• Even in tourist towns, many shops and services are closed on Sundays.  Fuel stations usually have pumps that accept credit cards but if you are uncomfortable using these, I recommend you fill up your tank on Saturday.

No matter whether you visit all or just some of these towns when you tour Germany’s Romantic Road, I’m sure they will leave a lasting impression.  Enjoy your drive!

Discover more incredible places to visit in Bavaria in our Bavaria Travel Guide > click here for more info.

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Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

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What To See On The Romantic Road In Germany, The Essential Guide

Looking for the best spots and top attractions on the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Germany? Look no further! 

This comprehensive guide covers all the storybook attractions that you won’t want to miss. From medieval towns and historic landmarks to opulent palaces and towering cathedrals, the Romantic Road has it all. It’s no wonder that this picturesque route is considered the perfect road trip destination in Germany.

Despite its romantic name, the road itself is just a two-lane country road that stretches 220 miles from Wurzburg in Franconia to Fussen in southern Bavaria.

While it may not be, *gasp, the most romantic road in the world, the destinations along the way more than make up for it. However, it’s worth noting that in the summer, you might encounter some rather unromantic traffic that could slow you down.

What makes the Romantic Road romantic is the dreamy and dramatic sites you’ll find on it.

This is where you come to escape the big cities and ferret out Germany’s utterly quaint spots and hidden gems. It’s a pastoral world far from the bustle of the city and the Autobahn, with flowers spilling from balconies.

The Romantic Road is a quiet, a tranquil blend of history and nature. From fabulous palaces to idyllic villages to craggy castles, the Romantic Road sports some of Germany ‘s most beguiling and off the beaten path attractions.

What Is The Romantic Road?

In the middle ages, the Romantic Road was an old Roman trade route. After WWII, when Germany was suffering economically, a group of promotionally-minded folk re-branded it as a thematic route with 29 stops in Bavaria.

The term “Romantic Road” was actually coined by American travel agents using the road in the 1950s.

Brown signs along the way shout “Romantische Strasse” in German to remind you you’re supposed to swoon. But the Romantic Road definitely lives up to its sobriquet.

Along the way, you’ll drive through blockbuster attractions until you reach the foothills of the majestic Bavarian Alps.

What To Do And See On The Romantic Road

Here’s my guide to the 15 top attractions on the Romantic Road.

You can take a blissful r oad trip in Bavaria , ferreting out all of its must see sites. I’ve tried to make the route as wildly romantic as possible.

You start in medieval Wurzburg, the northernmost part of the road and the traditional starting point.

Then you’ll end with a bang at Mad King Ludwig II’s fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein. You could also reverse the order and start in Fussen, which is only 2 hours from Munich , the cosmopolitan capital of Bavaria .

>>> Click here to book a Romantic Road tour from Munich

Put your car in gear, and we’re off to explore beautiful destinations on the Romantic Road. (And a couple unmissable teeny tiny detours).

Top Attractions On The Romantic Road

Here are my picks for the top attractions and must visit destinations on the Romantic Road in Bavaria.

1. Wurzburg & the Wurzburg Residence

Your first stop on the Romantic Road is the town Wurzburg. Wurzburg is a delightful UNESCO town in northern Bavaria.

Aside from its adorable medieval streets, it’s main claim to fame is the famous 350 room Wurzburg Residence . This ornate palace was home to the Wurzburg bishop-kings, who aimed to build an eye popping spectacle akin to Versailles.

The palace is so glamorous that it’s been dubbed the “German Versailles.” It’s the former home of the Wurzburg bishop-princes, the elected rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. These princes had both secular and religious authority.

In 1720, prince-bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn commissioned the residence. The palace took 60 years to build.

The highlights are the intricate stucco work, the magnificent frescos by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (a famed Italian Rococo artist), and the magnificent White Hall.

But there’s more to do in Wurzburg than the palace. Hike up to Marienburg Fortress, the former home of the Wurzburg bishop-princes, for stunning views over the city.

Visit Marienkapelle in the buzzing main square, a church with striking white and red colors dating from the 14th century. And stroll down the the “Alte Mainbrucke,” the old bridge with wine to go from a cute bar.

To see it all, you can book a guided walking tour of Wurzburg. You can also book a Romantic Road trip from Wurzburg .

2. Tauberbischofsheim, Wine Town

Tauberbischofsheim is a lovely medieval village located in the valley of the Tauber River. It’s renowned for its wine.

You can check out the 13th-century castle, Schloss Tauberbischofsheim. The castle houses a museum and hosts the town’s annual Christmas market.

You’ll also find a pretty main square, colorful half-timbered. buildings, and a Gothic town hall.

3. Bad Mergentheim, Spa Town

Them, head a bit further down the toad to Bad Mergentheim, which is one of Germany’s loveliest spa towns. In 1826, sodium sulfate mineral water was discovered and the first spa opened in 1829.

The town is also famous for its castle, the town hall dominating the Marktplatz, and the famous Stuppacher Madonna painting by Matthias Grünewald hidden in the rather plain Parish Church.

In fact, art lovers and historians may stop in Bad Mergentheim for the sole purpose of seeing the Madonna. The painting is a classic example of the German Renaissance style, painted in 1514-19.

It’s in brilliant colors, which make it seem alive, and has a double rainbow, which is a halo around Mary’s head.

The Castle of the Teutonic Order is Bad Mergentheim’s main site.

From 1527 to 1809, the castle was the residence of the the German Master of the Teutonic Order. You can tour the state rooms and the chapter hall.

But the best bit is the castle church, where important artists Balthasar Neumann (from Wurzburg Residence fame) and Francois de Cuvillies (from Munich Residence fame) slaved away.

4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Most Romantic Stop On The Romantic Road

Picture perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the prettiest and most popular town on the Romantic Road. It’s the best preserved medieval city in Germany and possibly all of Europe.

Some claim Rothenburg is too Disney-esque and exists only for tourists. This isn’t the place to buy your beer steins and souvenirs; they’re pricey.

Though it may be a tourist-fly film set, the dreamy UNESCO town still enchants. I’ve never really seen anything quite like Rothenburg.

You may want to book a small group guided walking tour  to make sure you see all the attractions. Or a private walking tour .

It’s pure magic — the ultimate walled city adorned with pastel gabled cottages, flowers spilling from window boxes, and wrought iron hanging signs.

If you’re driving like me, park right outside the town limits at the Stadtwerke. Then get lost in the medieval streets.

Hike up the Rathaus Tower (pay at the top) for panoramic views. Or stroll the City Walls where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the famous Blacksmith Shop.

Take in the intriguing Medieval Crime Museum. It exhibits creative torture devices and shame masks from the Middle Ages.

It sounds grisly, I know, but it’s a must see museum in Rothenburg for history buffs. I found it fascinating.

If you want some lunch, I highly recommend the Cafe Einzigartig, away from the madding crowd on a quaint side street.

You should also try Rothenburg’s specialty the Schneeball, a sugar-covered fried pastry concoction. You’ll see it in all the bakeries. I can’t say I really recommend it, but tasted it in the name of local culture.

5. Dinkelsbuhl, Another Authentic Medieval Town

Your next must visit stop on the Romantic Road is the pretty town of Dinkelsbuhl. It’s the midpoint of the Romantic Road. Dineklsbuhl is almost as otherworldly cute as Rothenburg.

Like Rothenburg, it boasts nearly perfectly perserved medieval architecture, with regulations in place to ensure their historic appearance.

Dinklesbuhl’s 4 ancient gatehouses and 18 towers are extremely photogenic. I mean, just look at it. The Wornitz Gate is the oldest and finest.

The main promenade of the town is the Weinmarkt. It’s lined with gorgeous gabled buildings and numerous restaurants and shops. 

The square hosts festivals and celebrations, including the famous Kinderzeche in July, when the town celebrates its escape from the 30 Year War.

The elongated building called Schranne, once the Grain Exchange, is now a Town Hall. Inside, you can learn about Dinkelsbuhl’s 800 year history in the House of History.

One of the most beautiful buildings on the square is the 15th century Deutsche Haus. It has a late Renaissance facade and statue of Bacchus, the god of wine and frivolity.

There’s a restaurant inside, if you’re hungry, featuring the Dinkelsbuhl specialty: fried carp.

The town’s late Gothic St. George Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in southern Germany.

It boasts a richly decorated altar and a Franconian “pretzel window,” which was once donated by the bakers guild. The tower is open on weekends for climbing.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Dinkelsbuhl

6. Nordlingen, A Gem Tucked In A Crater

Nordlingen is another little Bavarian hidden gem, where you can step back in time. The town was first mentioned in recorded history in 898.

With Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl, it’s one of three medieval walled towns on the Romantic Road. To me, there’s nothing more romantic than an orange-roofed wall city. There are so few in existence.

Aside from medieval cuteness, Nordlingen’s claim to fame is that it was built — unintentionally — inside a massive meteoric crater, called the Ries Crater. 16 miles in diameter, the crater was created 14 million years ago when a meteorite struck the ground.

I can’t say I’ve ever visited a crater town before. Even more interesting is that, until 1960, the natives had no idea their town was “cratered.”

Two visiting American scientists discovered that the local buildings were constructed from “shocked quartz,” which is only present in meteorite impact zones.

Nordlingen is dominated by its Gothic church, also called St. George. It was built mostly with of blocks of suevite, rock that was melted by the meteorite impact.

Climb the tower steps for a great view of the town. But be forewarned, the tower is extremely narrow. As at Rothenburg’s Town Hall tower, you don’t pay until you’re at the top.

7. Harburg Castle, An Ancient Beauty

Just south of Nordlingen lies Harburg, home to the 11th century Harburg Castle. Harburg Castle is my kind of castle.

It’s one of the most impressive medieval castles in Germany and a mandatory stop on the Romantic Road.

A visit to the complex, which looms over the Wornitz River, will transport you back to the Middle Ages. I mean just look at those pointy towers and criss cross shutters. *swoons*

Harburg Castle was built by Hohenstaufen emperors of Germany. Tours of the castle include the church, dungeon, granary, and state rooms.

You can explore on your own, but it’s best to take the guided tour where you’ll see more rooms and hear about the castle’s ghosts. Be sure to peak through the arrow slits.

If you fancy a castle stay, you can also book a room for the night. And take time to stroll through the pretty Altstadt.

You’ll have great views from the 1702 Stone Bridge spanning the river.

8. Augsburg, Germany’s Oldest Town

Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most underrated cities. It’s largest city on the Romantic Road

Augsburg is a bit more bustling than other Romantic Road destinations. But it’s stuffed with gorgeous Baroque architecture.

Stroll down Maximillianstrasse, a historic German street. Check out Augsburg Cathedral, the swanky town hall with its “golden hall,” and the ivy covered neighborhood of Fuggerei. Augsburg Cathedral has Romanesque and Gothic elements and boasts paintings by Hans Holbein.

If you have time, take in Augsburg’s Schaezlerpalais. The palace’s art collections includes Albrecht Dürer’s famous portrait of Jakob Fugger. The real stunner is the ballroom, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Augsburg

9. Landsberg am Lech: Hitler Backdrop

Landsberg am Lech is famous as the German city where Hitler was imprisoned after his arrest for the failed Putsch in Munich in November 1923.

In prison, Hitler tooled away on Mein Kampf . Right outside the town is the Holocaust Memorial, built toward the end of WWII.

But the city isn’t all gloom and doom. It’s quaint and charming. Landsberg is split in two by the imposing 15th century Stadpfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt Basilica (say that ten times fast).

Like the other dreamy villages you’ve seen, it has cobbled streets and pastel houses. You could move right in.

Lamsberg also boasts the turreted and crenellated Bayertor Gate, the finest remaining city gate in Bavaria.

It’s dates from 1425 and is a 10 minute walk from the Rathaus (town hall). With its bright colors and coats of arms, it’s a beauty.

Landsberg has some bakeries to die for. At least pop in for coffee and cake at the very cute Lechcafe.

10. Wieskirche: Grand UNESCO Pilgrimmage Church

Wieskirche is an UNESCO-listed Rococo pilgrimage church in the village of Wies.

Outside, it seems like a simple church picturesquely set in an unassuming verdant meadow. Inside. it’s a light-filled Bavarian Rococo extravaganza.

The Wieskirche dates from 1738. Back then, a farmer witnessed a supposed miracle — tears trickling down from a wooden Christ statue. People came in droves to see the weepy work, more than 1 million each year nowadays.

In 1745, the brothers Johann Baptist and Dominikus Zimmermann were commissioned to build a massive pilgrimage church on the site. The cost almost led to the bankruptcy of the Steingaden Abbey.

Once you step inside, you’ll see why Wieskirche is a UNESCO site. Eight snow white pillars support an impressive cupola.

A pastel oval fresco is framed by stucco decorations and gilded sculptures. The altar has a statue of the Scourged Savior, the very statue that began the pilgrimage.

11. Ulm Minster, the World’s Tallest Church

Who can resist a superlative?

Ulm Minster is the largest Protestant church in Germany and boasts the tallest church tower in the world (not counting the unfinished Sagrada Familia in beautiful Barcelona ).

The church attracts devotees from all over Germany. It’s just a short jog off the Romantic Road. You can book a guided walking tour of Ulm that includes a visit to the minster.

Construction began in 1377 and didn’t finish until 1890 — insane dimensions aren’t conducive to quick church building.

But it was worth the wait for its beautiful Gothic architecture and interior artwork.

If you’re extremely ambitious, hike up the 768 steps (gulp!) of the Ulm tower for uninterrupted views over the town. It might take you a day to recover. You’ll at least need bratwurst and beer.

A fun fact is that Einstein was born in Ulm. The house he was born in was destroyed in WWII. But there’s a street named after him and a memorial.

>>> Click here to book an Ulm walking tour with Minster visit

12. Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig’s Mini Versailles

Just a jog off the Romantic Road near Neuschwanstein Castle is Mad King Ludwig II’s primary residence, Linderhof Palace . Linderhof is a must see site in Bavaria and a popular day trip from Munich.

The beautiful palace was build as an homage to Ludwig’s trifecta of obsessions — Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette , and Richard Wagner.

At first glance, you immediately think of Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon in Paris , where the besieged French queen retreated from the viper pit of the French royal court. Linderhof was the man cave version.

Linderhof’s glamorous interior reflects Ludwig’s imaginary, dreamlike world.

You enter a space of riotous rococo, flashing mirrors, and glittering gold. There was apparently no such thing as too much gold leaf.

Because the rooms are fairly small (by palace standards), you might feel a little claustrophobic from the gold pressing in on you. The highlight is the Hall of Mirrors.

But the palace gardens are perhaps the most luscious part. Ludwig built huge ornamental gardens in five geometric sections, dotted with architectural follies. Be sure to check out the Moorish Kiosk, the Greek Temple, and the Venus Grotto.

The Venus Grotto is a man-made cave, complete with a lake, waterfall, and faux stalactites. Dressed as a knight, Ludwig rowed langorously across the lake in a golden clam-shaped boat listening to opera performances. Perhaps the ultimate escapism.

Here’s my  complete guide to Linderhof Palace . Click  here  to book a guided day tour of Linderhof from Munich.

13. Fussen, Gateway To Mad King Ludwig’s Castles

700 year old Fussen is one of Germany’s prettiest towns and a must visit attraction on the Romantic Road.

It’s an enchanting medieval town nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. It couldn’t be more picturesque with its pretty houses and frescoed buildings.

Fussen is the perfect base for exploring Mad King Ludwig’s castles in Bavaria and the surrounding area. You’ll fall in love.

Fussen’s quaint center is truly a delight to stroll through. You’ll stumble upon baroque churches, gothic houses, a medieval town hall, and even a castle.

The building facades are dressed in wonderful pastel shades, making it a dream to photograph.

While in Fussen, take a stroll to Lake Alatsee, the nearby glimmering mirror-like mountain lake. You can drive or walk there. And it’s about a 30 minute stroll around the picturesque lake.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle, The Ultimate Fairytale Castle

And now it’s time for the grand finale, perhaps the singular showstopper and #1 attraction on the Romantic Road — the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle.

Clad in glistening limestone and strategically perched in the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is the most visited castle in Germany and one of Europe’s most popular sites.

The Neo-Gothic castle isn’t a hidden gem or secret place, despite being a hassle to get to — it’s almost 2 hours from Munich in the middle of nowhere at the very end of the Romantic Road. In fact, the crowds are decidedly horrible.

And yet, despite my own aversion to crowds and hassles, Neuschwanstein appeals. It’s just so romantic with its majestic turrets, decadent interior, and dramatic historical backstory.

Neuschwanstein is essentially the embodiment of a fairy tale, a fairy tale spun by a daydreaming king, Mad King Ludwig, whom I spoke of above.

Ludwig was a reclusive king, loner, and possibly a misanthrope. Ludwig didn’t care much for affairs of state either. Instead, his life work was his pathological obsession with castle building, something you might expect from a “mad” king.

Neuschwanstein took 24 years to build. It’s a prime example of 19th century Romantic style architecture, sprinkled with numerous tower, gables, turrets, and balconies.

Inside, it’s full of vibrant color and depicts scenes from Richard Wagner’s operas. The highlights are the Throne Room, Singer’s Hall, and Ludwig’s fancy bedroom.

You’ll have to reserve a spot ahead to ensure admission. Click here for my guide to Neuschwanstein Castle with tips for visiting. Be forewarned, the tour is a bit slap dash, disappointing, and short on information. You’ll want to linger longer inside the castle, but can’t.

When you’re done visiting the castle, make the short 10-15 minute hike to Marienbrucke, a bridge where you can clap eyes on the iconic postcard view of the castle.

Legend holds that Ludwig enjoyed coming here after dark, on his nocturnal sleigh rides, to watch the candlelight radiating from the Singer’s Hall.

Click  here  to book a day tour of Neuschwanstein from Munich. You can also add in Linderhof Palace on a  guided tou r  with Neuschwanstein. 

If you are very ambitious, you can combine Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey and the forest-ringed village of Oberammergau in one long day trip tour from Munich .

15. Hohenschwangau Castle

Right next door to Neuschwanstein is Hohenschwangau Castle. Not everyone sees Hohenschwangau Castle .

But I thought it completely worthwhile to see both castles and bought a combo ticket. I think Hohenschwangau is a bit of an underrated hidden gem in the castle world of Bavaria.

After all, to be purist about it, Hohenschwangau was where Mad King Ludwig grew up and became a poet-architect-opera lover.

It’s not as glamorous as Neuschwanstein, but still utterly charming and of great historical interest. As an added bonus, it’s vastly less crowded.

You can visit Hohenschwangau on a guided day trip from Munich .

Tips For Visiting The Top Attractions On The Romantic Road

Here are some must know tips for visiting all the best spots on the Romantic Road.

1. What’s the Easiest Way To Visit the Romantic Road?

By far the easiest and best way to visit the Romantic Road is by car. Germany is an easy and ideal country for a road trip.

With a car, you can set your own Romantic Road itinerary. You have complete freedom to stop at any Romantic Road attraction on a whim.

You’ll need a GPS. There’s not much signage. My rental car actually came with a navigation system and apple play — German technology at its best.

READ : Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Europe

f you’d like some exercise with your romance, you can also bike the Romantic Road. There’s a recognized long distance trail that covers the entire route in 10 stages. It’s mostly flat.

There’s also a somewhat less romantic, but very efficient, bus option. Europabus coaches, referred to as the Romantic Road Coaches, run daily May to October between Frankfurt and Munich.

Via bus, you can start and end anywhere along the Romantic Road route. You can hop on and off for an overnight visit, hopping back on the next day.

Or, do the entire road in one day and make half-hour stops for photo-ops (not really recommended).

2. Where To Stay On The Romantic Road

If you’re driving, I recommend you have 3 bases for your trip down the Romantic Road: Wurzburg, either Dinkelsbuhl or Nordlingen, and then Fussen. That way, you’re stopping at the beginning, middle, and end of the Romantic Road.

Here are some hotels you can check out.

• Wurzburg : Schlosshotel Steinburg , Hotel Melchior Park
• Fussen : Hotel Sommer , Hotel Hirsch
• Dinkelsbuhl : Alstadtmittehotel Sonne , Hezelhof Hotel

3. When To Visit The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a year round destination. Naturally, summer sees the most visitors.

But the weather is pleasant in the spring and fall. And in the winter, the Christmas lights will enchant.

4. Detours Off the Romantic Road

Do you have extra vacation time after driving the Romantic Road? There are plenty of other lovely destinations in Bavaria to visit that are just a short jog away.

Just a 1 hour drive from Wurzberg is the UNESCO-listed town of Bamberg . It’s a beautiful town overflowing with artistic treasures.

With crooked half timber houses, picturesque canals, and an extravagant palace, Bamberg is an absolutely underrated town in northern Bavaria.

Dubbed the “city of seven hills,” Bamberg’s highlight is its adorable frescoed Town Hall floating on the Regnitz River.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Bamberg

2. Nuremberg

One of my favorite small cities in the world, Nuremberg , is less than 1:30 off the Romantic Road. I was happily ensconced there for a week.

You’ll be charmed and medievalized by the former imperial city with its bridges, candy cane houses and famous castle.

You can discover Germany’s greatest painter, Albrecht Durer, and take a deep dive into Germany’s Nazi past.

 You can take a guided walking tour of the historic center . If you’re a WWII buff, book a  half day tour  to see  WWI and Nazi Third Reich sites in Nuremberg .

3. Regensburg

Another authentic Bavarian town just bursting with charm and 1:45 off the Romantic Road is Regensburg.

Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Alstadt (old town) survived WWII. It’s filled with myriad towers, cobblestone streets, beer gardens, and pure unadulterated charm.

Towering over it all is the Gothic Regensburg Cathedral. Here’s my comprehensive guide to the lively town.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Regensburg

When you’re done gasping at Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps it’s time to head back to the city, either for more sightseeing or to catch your plane.

Dubbed the “city of art and beer,” Munich is just 2 hours from Schwangau and a vibrant cosmopolitan city.

Here’s my one day in Munich itinerary and my 4 days in Munich itinerary .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the top attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany. You may enjoy these other Bavaria travel guides and resources:

• Prettiest Towns in Germany
• Landmarks in Germany
• 4 Day Itinerary for Munich
• Tips for traveling in Germany
• Guide to Regensburg
• Guide to Nuremberg
• Guide to Bamburg
• Guide to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Mad King Ludwig’s Castles

If you’d like to visit the top storybook attractions on Germany’s Romantic Road, pin it for later.

5 thoughts on “What To See On The Romantic Road In Germany, The Essential Guide”

Motorhome. Housecar…

Sorry I don’t know about he motorhome or camping options in the area …

Do these towns have Christmas Markets? If so, how feasable would driving it in December be? Are attractions open then? Thanks

Yes, I think many of these towns have Christmas markets. I just checked and Wurzburg, Dinkelsbuh, Bamburg, and Rothenburg do.

My late wife and I drove the Romantic Road in December 2018, specifically to catch the Christmas markets – and basically every single town had one! Nuremberg in particular has a vast one in the centre. We also took in Heidelberg at the start of the trip (it’s not far off the Road) and that’s well worth a detour too.

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Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Home » Europe » Germany » The Best of Germany’s Small Towns on The Romantic Road

The Best of Germany’s Small Towns on The Romantic Road

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2022

The Romantic Road. Those three words conjure up images of fairy tales, charming hamlets, and the best villages in Germany. For years, despite numerous trips to Germany, I’ve avoided what is arguably the best known holiday route in the world.

I had a lot of preconceptions about this trip – some were true and some were just legends. One thing is for certain, The Romantic Road in Germany was a complete surprise.

At the outset, let’s be clear about one thing–I have heard all the stories of the giant motor coach buses packed with 50 people all tumbling into towns and tripping on each other’s feet. Many German guidebooks no longer even mention this famous route, or it is relegated to a small side trip from either Frankfurt, Munich, or Nuremberg.

In some guidebooks, it might be mentioned as a scenic Frankfurt to Munich drive, but that’s about it. If you believe the hype, this route was a slick 1950’s marketing initiative that is hanging on for dear life. And the Internet would have you believe that the Romantic Road Germany touring route is dead.

Rumors of the route’s demise are not well founded. Sure, there are still tons of tour companies offering the trips, mostly to older folks. And, after German, the second language along the route is quickly becoming Japanese instead of English (signs will say “Romantische Straße” or “Romantische Strasse” in German and “ロマンチックな道” in Japanese).

But the route can still hold a tremendous amount of appeal if you rent your own car and see the sites on your own. Striking out on Germany’s beautiful road system, you can cover the 255 mile (410 km) route in a nice 4-5 days. Even better, while on your own, you can miss much of the congestion of the coach tours.

How to Visit the Romantic Road

If you plan on seeing the route, you have five travel options. We’ve ranked them from easiest to most difficult.

Romantic Road by Car

The best, easiest, and most rewarding way to experience the trip is by driving yourself. This will give you a chance to explore the best small cities in Germany at your own pace.

The route is 255 miles and makes a perfect five-day drive (see our itinerary below). We encourage people who will be driving the route to use this price comparison site for your auto rental . If you decide to rent a car, we recommend getting a copy of our book, The Essential Guide to Driving Abroad , before you go.

Romantic Road Tours by Tour Companies

The very easiest way to visit is by organized tour. We rank this as second for several reasons. First, if traveling with more than two people, you’ll save money driving the Romantic Road on your own. Second, most organized tours don’t really give you a chance to explore – you’ll get 4-6 photo spots a day and a single overnight (not usually in the historic center of one of the charming towns). For many people, it is an unsatisfying experience. However, sometimes you don’t have any other options.

If you are tight on time, don’t want to hassle with a car/bus/bicycle/walk of independent travel, then a Romantic Road tour may be for you. Most tours of the Romantic Road are done as a two-day trip leaving from Frankfurt and arriving in Munich. For some reason, the opposite direction is less popular. If you want this option, we recommend this overnight tour .

Another option is to do a day trip from Frankfurt, Munich, or even Nuremberg. You can find organized day trips from Frankfurt and also day trips from Munich . If you want to travel independently, we also explore day trip options in more detail below.

Romantic Road by Bus

From mid-April to mid-October, a private bus company called Deutsche Touring operates the Europabus (commonly called the Romantic Road Coach or Romantische Straße Bus). The bus makes completes the entire length of the route in one full 13-hour day. You can ride the bus start to finish…and you won’t see much of anything. To do this romantic route justice, you’ll need to break the trip down into a multi-day itinerary that will allow you to see some of the beautiful small towns in Germany.

For practical planning, the Romantic Road Classic Tour bus departs Frankfurt am Main at 8:00 am heading in a southbound direction. A second bus, called the Romantic Road Express, departs Fussen at 8:00 am heading in a northbound direction. Buses can fill up quickly, so be sure to book your trip in advance. The price for the one-way trip is €108 one-way, which includes a free audioguide. Round trips are offered, but aren’t really unnecessary. Just go one-way and then take the train back to your starting point. If the bus is your favored approach, you can book your bus tickets here .

The Romantic Road bus makes several photography stops along the route for pictures. The best stops are: Würzburg, Weikersheim, Rothenburg, Feuchtwangen, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Augsburg, and Wieskirche.

Romantic Road by Train

The train is a great way to see Germany. Unfortunately, the route by train is a lesson in frustration and complexity. There is not a train route the connects the entire trip. It is possible to take the train and see several sections of the road, but the entire route is impossible.

Many of the best towns in Germany are accessible via train, however, they just don’t connect together very well. Germany’s national rail service has high-speed train stops (the ICE train) in Wurzburg, Donauworth, and Augsburg, and other cities have decent connections. Because of the limited train service along the entire route, we would not recommend doing the trip by train.

Romantic Road by Bicycle

Germany has created the D9 long-distance cycle route that follows the entire length of this famous route. The ideal cycling route visits the same beautiful small cities in Germany as the self-drive itinerary or coach route, but without as much of the traffic. In fact, along parts of the route, a separate bike path parallels the road used by cars and buses. The route has been conveniently signposted along way.

If you’re serious about cycling the route, we recommend breaking the trip up into nine or ten days. At the bottom of this article, we’ve provided a cycling itinerary broken down into stages.

Romantic Road by Foot

Yes, it is possible to hike the route! Walkers on this historic route should generally follow the same route used by cyclists. A hiking trek can theoretically be done in as little as six days, we recommend taking a full 10 days to enjoy the prettiest cities in Germany which line the route.

Highlights from a Romantic Road Self-Drive Trip

While the route technically starts in nearby Wurzburg, we encourage travelers to visit Nuremberg before the start of their journey. As one of the biggest medieval cities in Germany with its impressive castle and imposing city walls, it’s easy to see why kingly Nuremberg was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

These days the city boasts the German National Museum, beautiful churches, excellent food, and easy transportation options to the rest of Germany and all of Europe. Consider making Nuremberg your base to start in the north (and Munich in the south). Read more on about it in our Nuremberg city guide .

For hotel recommendations in Nuremberg, we suggest staying near at the train station at the Le Meridien Grand Hotel or the NH Collection Nurnberg City . However, there are lots of hotels in Nuremberg to chose from.

Wurzburg is the official start of the trip in the north. Located half way between Frankfurt and Nuremberg on the banks of the Main River – an important trade route – Wurzburg is the heart of the Franconia wine district . The city’s compact center makes for an ideal self-guided walking tour seeing everything from the Marienberg Fortress to the Prince Bishop’s Palace (Residenz) in a half-day. I’d recommend seeing Wurzburg in the afternoon before setting off on your adventure the next day.

For hotel recommendations in Wurzburg, we recommend the castle hotel, Schlosshotel Steinburg (more details on this castle hotel below). There are lots of Wurzburg hotels to chose from.

Lauda-Konigshofen

This was the one actual disappointment. From our perspective, there’s not much to see here and the time is better spent in Wurzburg or one of the other Romantic Road towns.

Bad Mergentheim

For many visitors, Bad Mergentheim is a big hit. I’d never heard of this town until I stumbled into it. For centuries, the healing mineral waters of the town have helped restore health to visitors. The castle and museum are exceptional, and the half-timbered houses rival any we’ve seen in Germany.

The town is also known for being the home base of the Order of Teutonic Knights. Since the 12th Century, this German-Catholic organization was part crusade machine, part charity. This led to the city being one of the more wealthy cities.

In Bad Mergentheim, the hotel of choice is the DAS Central – City Boutique Hotel , but there are a few other hotels in Bad Mergentheim to chose from.

Weikersheim

This small village in Germany is defined by the Weikersheim Palace, a grand Renaissance-style palace currently used for summer concerts and other artistic performances. The entire village is surrounded by vineyards and has a large market square. It’s also skipped on a lot of tours, so if you make the effort, you can have the town to yourself.

If staying overnight Weikersheim, head to the Hotel Laurentius for the night. There are a couple of other hotels and B&Bs in Weikershim .

There’s not much in tiny little Creglingen except for a handful of half-timbered houses and a beautiful church. The church in Creglingen also has an altar by German-master Tilman Riemenschneider. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds in Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, you can have the chapel in Creglingen to yourself.

We also found the small shops in town to be the perfect place to do a little grocery shopping and get something to eat – all in a completely local ambiance. Creglingen doesn’t get the same number of tourists as other cities on Germany’s Romantic Road.

Rothenburg o.d. Tauber

Over two million visitors pack the streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber every year to see one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Rothenberg is certainly one of the best small towns in Germany (and definitely one of the best walled cities in Germany). The town has a number of great museums, the views from the city’s walls are magnificent, and the tasty Schneeballen pastries are a delight. Be sure to read our Rothenburg city guide .

Despite being on the wrong side of the 30 Years War, the city escaped damage, but was driven into poverty. And since there was no money for development, the town was preserved. Rothenberg is a great spot to over-night with a number of great inns and B&Bs . We recommend the Villa Mittermeier , which is located immediately outside the city walls and walkable everywhere.

Dinkelsbühl

If tiny Dinkelsbühl hasn’t been on your radar, you can be forgiven. This small town in Bavaria is about the same size as its famous neighbor Rothenburg o.d. Tauber yet receives just a fraction of the number of visitors. And it’s difficult to imagine why the town has been overlooked. It’s certainly one of the best stops on the Romantic Road!

In many ways, Dinkelsbuhl is our favorite small town in Germany! The city survived the Swedish invasion of 1632 and World War II completely unscathed. And in 1826, King Ludwig I issued a proclamation preserving the city’s buildings, city walls, and towers. There is no more beautiful and well-preserved town in Germany. It is said that there are more perfectly preserved half-timber buildings here than anywhere else in Germany!

If staying overnight in Dinkelsbuhl, we recommend checking out the Hotel Gasthaus zur Sonne , but there are several other excellent hotels in Dinkelsbuhl to chose from.

Top tip: If you are driving the route, head for the P3 Alte Promenade parking lot. You’ll have the easiest access to the center of the city, and you’ll get an excellent view of the city wall.

Nördlingen

The circular city of Nördlingen is one of Germany’s best walled cities. Dotted with red roofs and half-timber homes, this town is seriously cute. Visitors here flock to the St.-Georgs-Kirche (St. George’s Church), a church dating from medieval times. However, the city hides an incredible secret. Starting with the city’s foundation in the 9th century, citizens looked to the surrounding landscape for inspiration and construction materials. It was believed the city was built into a circular depression left by a volcano.

However, in the 1960s the real reason behind the city’s unique shape was discovered: the town was actually built into the 1-kilometer crater left by a meteor. When the asteroid impacted the Earth, it created a material called suevite, a rock that includes glass…and diamonds. Nordlingen is surrounded by millions of diamonds (over 72,000 tons of diamonds). Those diamonds were built into buildings. The St. George’s Church alone contains over 5,000 carats in diamonds! This makes Nordlingen one of the most unique German Romantic Road cities.

If staying overnight in Nordlingen, we recommend staying at the NH Klösterle Nördlingen because it is the most centrally located hotel. However, there are several other hotels in Nordlingen , to chose from.

Top tip: If doing a self-drive tour, head for Parkplatz Deininger Tor for easiest access to the city.

Harburg (Schwaben)

There are several towns in Germany named Harburg, bur the town Harburg (Schwaben) is the next destination for one reason: Burg Harburg. The Harburg Castle sits prominently on a ridge above the little town. Built in before 1150, the pie-shaped castle is arguably the most beautiful and overall best German castle.

In the early 2000s, singer Michael Jackson became enamored with this famous road and, more specifically, Harburg Castle. He tried to buy it, but the owners and locals weren’t having it.

Top tip: For parking, following the winding (and very, very narrow) road up behind the castle. Look for Burg Harburg in your GPS.

Donauwörth

The regional capital of Donauwörth is on the route for it’s historical importance, but not it’s beauty. Set at the intersection of the Wörnitz and the Danube rivers, this island city has been strategically significant since it was founded in the late 11th century.

Much of the city, particularly the main street of Reichsstrasse, feels like a poor reconstruction of a medieval town. For us, Donauworth just felt cold and impersonal. Be sure not to miss the pedestrian-only streets (Hindenburgstrasse) on the little island.

We don’t recommend staying overnight here, however, if the city is in your plans, the hotels in Donauworth tend to be a more inexpensive than elsewhere.

The Free Imperial City of Augsburg, Germany is one of the best towns in Bavaria and the third largest city in the region. At over 2,000 years old, Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is steeped in a rich, complex history. Around every corner, the city is filled with incredible attractions, beautiful Rococo and Renaissance art, and amazing food.

Visitors should be sure to see the Fuggerei – a village-within-the city of Augsburg. Named for merchant Jakob Fugger, the 67 buildings of the Augsburg Fuggerei is the world’s oldest social collective. If you’re visiting, also be sure to see the Augsburg Cathedral

If you stay overnight in Augsburg, we recommend the centrally located Hotel Augusta or the super refined Hotel Maximilian’s . However, there a number of excellent hotels in Augsburg to chose from.

Strictly speaking, the Andechs Monastery isn’t on the route…but it should be. At this hilltop monastery, the Benedictine monks have been keeping the faith…and brewing beer since 1455.

The Andechs Abbey, as beautiful as many on the road, is an original pilgrimage site from the crusades and is said to have a piece of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. The famous composer Carl Orff is buried here. And, of course, you’ll have to take the monks up on their hospitality and try their beer and pork. [Read more about visiting Andechs Monastery .]

To visit, get off the road at Landsberg am Lech, head around the Ammersee to Andechs and then resume the Romantic Road drive at Hohenfurch. You won’t miss anything in between, and you’ll be able to visit the one of the best monasteries in Germany!

In terms of Andechs hotels, there are a couple of small inns in the nearby town. If you’re considering this option, we’d recommend the Bernhardhof Andechs .

Schwangau/Neuschwanstein

The most iconic image of romantic Germany comes from tiny little Schwangau of the towering Neuschwanstein Castle above. This is Mad King Ludwig II’s unfinished masterpiece that inspired Walt Disney and also housed stolen art from France during the Nazi period. This is the quintessential “Romantic” building in Germany!

Füssen

The Romantic Road ends in tiny little Füssen, Germany. One of my fondest memories of my first trip to Europe over 20 years ago was coming to Füssen late one night in a terrible rain storm. I’d heard about this town and the famous Fussen violin industry. I left with an appreciation of Germany’s small towns and villages – a love affair that continues to this day. Many visitors to Southern Bavaria rush through Füssen en route to Neuschwanstein, but this little village captures the heart of all who stop.

Füssen has a number of hotels and B&Bs , making it a great place to stay at the southern end of the route. We recommend the very bold and eclectic Hotel Sonne or the clean and efficient Central City Hotel near the train station.

Romantic Road Day Trips

Since the route is located entirely within the German State of Bavaria and distances are not very far, it is possible to do important sections of the trip as a day trip from Nuremberg, Frankfurt, or Munich. If you’re short on time, we recommend renting a car in Germany , and head to explore on your own.

Day Trip from Nuremberg

Get an early start and head to Dinkelsbühl in the morning. Spend the morning exploring the town’s wall and half-timber buildings. Then head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for lunch and sightseeing. Then head north for Wurzburg and a late afternoon wine or dinner before returning to Nuremberg. Note: If the Wurzburg Residenz is important to you, you should flip the order and do the town’s in the opposite order since the Residenz closes early.

Day Trip from Frankfurt

Get an early start and head for Wurzburg to see the old town and the Residenz. Then head to Rothenburg o. d. Tauber for lunch and sightseeing. In the late afternoon, head to Dinklesbuhl for a sunset walk along the city’s wall and a glass of wine in the central square (and maybe even dinner) before heading back to Frankfurt.

If you don’t feel like driving yourself, you might consider an organized day-trip from Frankfurt .

Day Trip from Munich

If you’re approaching from the south, you’ll have a few more challenges. The towns at the southern end are further apart, which means you’ll see fewer of them. Our approach is start with the best and keep going until you run out of time. Leave Munich early and head directly for Schwangau and the towering Neuschwanstein Castle. After, visit Fussen (the official end of the road), before heading north. We recommend stopping for an afternoon snack/drink at Andechs while heading to Augsburg. If you can squeeze in any more towns along the way, go for it.

If you don’t want to drive or you want to enjoy some of the beer at Andechs, consider an organized day-trip from Munich .

Suggested 5-day Romantic Road Itinerary by Car

If you’re going to follow in our footsteps and do a self-drive trip, we recommend spending five days on the route. Here’s our suggested itinerary. This can be shortened or lengthened depending on the amount of time you have.

Day 1: Explore Wurzbug Spend the day seeing the Marienberg Fortress, the Prince Bishop’s Palace (the Wurzburg Residenz), and the Alte Mainbrucke. Enjoy the local Franconian wine in one of the cafe’s on the main square. Stay at one of the Wurzburg hotels , like the Schlosshotel Steinburg .

Day 2: Wurzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Leave Wurzburg in the morning and explore the Tuaber valley. Be sure to stop in Bad Mergentheim and Weikersheim before arriving in Rothenberg before dinner. Visit the Christmas museum, enjoy a schneeballen, and then take in the Nightwatchman Tour. Spend the night at one of the Rothenburg hotels , like the Villa Mittermeier .

Day 3: Rothenburg to Nördlingen Take a leisurely day to drive through the villages of Schillingsfürst, Feuchtwangen, and Dinkelsbühl, before arriving in the diamond city of Nördlingen. Spend the night at one of the Nordlingen hotels , like the NH Klösterle Nördlingen .

Day 4: Nördlingen to Fussen Visit the charming village of Donauwörth before arriving in Augsburg, the third largest city in Bavaria. In the afternoon, be sure you get to Steingaden for a visit to the Wieskirche (The Pilgrimage Church of Wies), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Fussen. Many visitors to Fussen rush on to the famous castles, but the town is worth exploring on its own. Enjoy an outdoor meal with views of the mountains. There are a number of excellent hotels and inns in Fussen , like the Hotel Sonne .

Day 5: Explore the German Royal Castles Spend the entire day based around the tiny village of Schwangau and visit the Neuschwanstein Castle and its cousin the Hohenschwangau Castle. Allow a little time to hike in the mountains near the castles. In the evening, head on to one of the hotels in Munich .

Romantic Road Cycling Itinerary

This trip is suited to cycling! The entire route is well signposted and some sections have a separate path to keep riders out of the path of traffic. Most cyclists generally ride from north to south (from Wurzburg to Fussen).

While there is a minor elevation gain in this direction, cyclists will not encounter any mountains or significant hills. The main reason for riding south is that the wind will be primarily at your back. One small suggestion, cyclists may want to plan an extra layover day in Rothenburg or Dinkelsbühl, the famous walled city in Germany.

We recommend doing the trip between 9-11 days:

• Day 1: Wurzburg to Wertheim am Main. 51km
• Day 2: Wertheim am Main to Bad Mergentheim. 47km
• Day 3: Bad Mergentheim to Rothenburg o.d. Tauber. 50km
• Day 4: Rest day in Rothenburg.
• Day 5: Rothenburg o.d. Tauber to Dinkelsbuhl. 59km
• Day 6: Dinkelsbuhl to Nordlingen. 38km
• Day 7: Nordlingen to Donauworth. 40km
• Day 8: Donauworth to Augsburg. 71km
• Day 9: Augsburg to Landsberg am Lech. 56km
• Day 10: Landsburg am Lech to Schongau. 36km
• Day 11: Schongau to Fussen. 52km

If you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, add in a second rest day in Augsburg. If you also add a day in Nuremberg at the beginning and a day in Munich at the end, this is the perfect two-week Romantic Road cycle trip.

Castle Hotels on the Romantic Road

While this Romantic Road guide has pointed out our recommended accommodations in each city and also our suggestions to see the route in five days, some travelers may want a more immersive experience. There’s really no better to connect with Germany’s Romantic period than staying in a castle hotel.

There are two good Romantic Road castle hotel options. The first is right in Wurzburg at the start of the trip and is a good base to begin your adventure. The second castle hotel is located just off the route and is between Rothenburg o.d. Tauber and Schillingsfürst. Here are more details on each:

Schlosshotel Steinburg in Wurzburg

Located in the Würzburger Stein vineyards, the Schlosshotel Steinburg castle hotel is the perfect way to set to a romantic and fairy-tale mood for the trip. The hotel has commanding views of the town of Wurzburg and the Main River. The hotel complex, while technically a castle, is more reminiscent of a country manor house. But make no mistake, this is one of the finest hotels in the area. The hotel’s restaurant features traditional Franconian meals and local wine. Read reviews and book a room here .

Burg Colmberg in Colmberg

The castle hotel in Colmberg is everything you’d think it would be. Situated in a medieval castle that was built in the 13th century located high on a hill, the Burg Colmberg exudes ambiance and charm around every corner. The hotel has about a dozen different rooms, each individually decorated to match the view. The evening meal in the restaurant is an experience visitors won’t want to miss. Locally sourced game and ingredients are prepared in the traditional Franconian style and served in a hunting lodge atmosphere. Read reviews and book a room here .

Have you traveled the Romantic Road before? What’s your favorite place on the route to visit?

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Thursday 2nd of March 2023

Mille mercis the best informations I had found on Bavaria romantic road Excellent very helpful

Paula Trewin

Sunday 6th of September 2020

Andechs Monastery is exceptionally commercialised... not a monk in sight, merely tourists wanting large beers , pork and sausages and to queue for the shop. Huge camper van site by car park. The church is very pretty, views limited. I would not include this as a ‘must see’ on a trip as recommended.

Lance Longwell

Tuesday 8th of September 2020

"Exceptionally commercialized" is literally the definition of every brewery and beer garden in Germany. I think much of it also depends on when you go. Weekends are notoriously crowded as people flee the cities for the countryside. Weekdays and shoulder season are sparsely visited. Every time we've been, we've always seen monks (even had a chance to talk to one once). However, compared to some of the other breweries in Bavaria, I will contend that Andechs Brewery is the best and a truly exceptional experience. Of course, detouring to Andechs on the Romantic Road is purely optional. You can certainly continue driving along the rather unremarkable Bundesstraße 17 (or country road 17). Visitors miss nothing of interest on this section of motorway, making the Andechs Monastery detour a wise choice. But yes, don't expect the monks to invite you their cells for a private chat.

Thursday 27th of July 2017

Many thanks for this highly informative article. Just arrived from a 2-week memorable countryside tour of the Romantic Road in Bavaria, and Heidelberg and Freiburg in the Schwarzwelder region of Baden-Wurttemberg. Stayed in Konigshofen, Burk and Gaisbach in Kunzelsau with friends in their old houses. So many interesting places and their historic significance. Must see are Merkendorf, Schwabisch Hall and the Hohenloher Freilandmuseum. Of particular interest to me were the old Lutheran churches, Franconian brauereis and authentic Bavarian food.

Bringbabyabroad

Sunday 2nd of July 2017

Thanks for such an informative article. I am planning the trip with my family and it has been very helpful :)

Tuesday 4th of July 2017

Glad we could help!

Thursday 18th of August 2016

So excited to be travelling the Romantic Road in October. Swoon!

Romantic Road Germany: 10 Best Places to Stop & See

The mystic route of the Romantic Road in the southern region of Germany receives 2 million visitors a year traveling through 28 dreamy cities and towns. Wurzburg, in the north of the Bavaria region, and Fussen, close to the Austrian border, are the ending and starting points of the route, with 468 km between them.

You can start the route north (Wurzburg) and “navigate” southbound (down to Fussen) or do the opposite. Most of the visitors go north-south, however, it really does not make the slightest difference in which direction you choose.

  Along the way, you can expect to come across well-kept gardens, farms, mills, small houses that seem to have come out of fables, small forests, flowering fields with different shades and colors, valleys crossed by rivers of clear water and surrounded by mountains.

The Romantic Road is a true mix of history and nature, castles and villages, wine and beer, sausage and potatoes. It is the perfect trip for those seeking tranquillity and a peaceful vibe while enjoying lazy days but without giving up beautiful landscapes.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Germany (Travel Guide)

Historic Importance of the Romantische Strasse

Table of Contents

The Romantic Road was glimpsed in 1950 by the German people of Bavaria after World War II, when the region desperately needed money to be restructured.

Back then, most of the visitors were Americans who stayed in Germany after the war ended and in fact, it was American soldiers who named the route.

The route maintains relics of its past of wars and the rich commerce that made the region a pole of great importance in Europe.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Germany Romantic Road: Getting Around

There are many different ways to experience this route. One of the most popular modes of transportation used is a bicycle (approximately, 10 days).

Even though the bike route is a bit longer than the other ones, it is sought by those in search of a challenge or a spiritual experience. Want to cycle the route? Book this great 5 day Romantic Road Cycling Tour .

Another option is hiking all the way from Wurzburg to Fussen, or the other way around (approximately, 24 days). Similar to a pilgrimage, it is possible to see hikers all along the Romantic Road as well as bikers.

Bus excursions are a popular alternative and the Romantic Road Coach is the main one, working in the same style as the traditional Hop-On Hop-Off. The Coach is available from April to September every year and the route from Frankfurt (the closest big city to Wurzburg) to Fussen takes around 5 days to be completed.

For those of you who like busy and vibrant places and prefer to stay in Munich to enjoy the nightlife, the Bayern Ticket is an option to go on day trips to towns and villages at the Romantic Road.

It may take a little longer than buses and cars since the trains in this Bavarian region can be slower than usual and a lot of the times include transfer and connections. There is also the option of doing the whole route by train and staying in local accommodations.

Lastly, the Romantic Road can be explored by car and makes for an excellent road trip. Personally, this is our preferred way of doing the route, we’ve done it twice!

We typically start in Munich then drive all the way south to Fussen before heading north on the traditional route. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop where you want, when you want and explore at your own pace. 

Driving along the Romantic Road in Germany

Driving yourself offers the most freedom and flexibility to create your own tour at your own pace. In addition, it gives you the chance to take secondary roads, visit smaller villages and stop along the way whenever and wherever you feel like it.

One important thing to keep in mind is to take a GPS with you when driving the Romantic Road since there are not a lot of street signs along the way, especially between Augsburg and Fussen. In case you get lost keep an eye out for signs written Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road, in German).

In fact, the drive mentioned above, between Augsburg and Fussen, represents the tranquility that can be found throughout the Romantic Road. Filled with constructions powered by solar energy, countryside vibe, green grassy organized fields and heaps of cute cows.

10 Best Stops on the Germany Romantic Road

The main sights to visit along the Romantic Road include historic cities such as Wurzburg at the start (or end) of the route and Augsburg, castles and museums.

Medieval towns are also a significant highlight. Rothenburg ob der Tauber , Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen are the most popular towns from the Middle Age.

Like most countries in Europe, Germany is also famous for its outstanding castles and the Romantic Road is no different. The Neuschwanstein Castle and the Hohenschwangau Castle are a must when traveling around there.

There are also the most traditional villages and churches of the Pfaffenwinkel area, filled with German culture and monasteries in the small villages and hilly countryside.

1. Wurzburg

Marienburg Fortress, located in Wurzburg, is currently a museum but previously it served as the home of the prince-bishops for nearly five centuries.

Also located in this town, the Wurzburg Residence is an impressive palace from the 18 th century which is worth a visit.

Besides the historic construction, the colorful gardens are a plus during this visit, especially in the summer. Below are our top recommended tours and places to stay in Wurzburg.

Wurzburg offers several different accommodation types ranging from budget-friendly places like Best Western Premier Hotel Rebstock and   Ibis Wuerzburg City to hostels like   Hotel Wurzburger Hof .

2. Tauber Valley

From Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Wertheim am Main there are walking trails in the vineyards of the Tauber river valley, such as the Beckstein, the Gerlachsheim, and the Traublestour trails.

For the braves ones, you can walk the whole Tauber Valley or enjoy the bike trail which is a three-day ride along the river, covering 100 km.

An interesting fact is that roughly 65% of the valley is covered with white wine vineyards and 35% with red wine vineyards. Not to mention, it is the perfect region to go wine tasting.

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg Town Walls and Old Town are a must when touring the Romantic Road. The Town Walks were constructed in the Middle Age surrounding the historic Old Town.

The 13th-century architecture enclosed by the walls includes cobblestone streets, medieval houses, and a red-roof skyline.

The Town Walls are composed of fortified towers you can visit and the walk along the wall gives you an idea of how well maintained the city center is.

Of course, while in Rothenburg you should try the traditional Schneeballen, a sugar-covered fried dough which is equivalent to the American doughnuts and the Dutch ollibollen. 

Feel free to stay the night in Rothenburg as there are a number of great options for every budget. Some great recommendations are Hotel Herrnschloesschen , Romantik Hotel Markusturm , and  Hotel Gasthof Zur Linde .  

4. Nordlingen

If you like unique, fortified cities than a stop in Nordlingen is an absolute must when you drive the Romantic Road in Germany. Of all the towns you will come across along the way, this is the only one that has a completely intact city wall. 

I recommend that you pack your car in one of the lots that are outside the city walls, then enter the city and head straight up onto the wall. You can tour around the whole city from the wall. 

Once you have completed the circular route, which isn’t very big or too long, head to the city center. Be sure to buy a ticket to climb the tower of the cathedral. The views from the top are unreal and give you some great perspective of how special this town really is. 

 5. Augsburg

Augsburg is very different from the other cities of the Romantic Road. It’s big and bustling with wide avenues and shopping centers.

That is, it does not remember the medieval little towns of the circuit, although it preserves part of the walls and many constructions of the time.

What draws a little from the charm of the city is the excess wires of the electric trams, which can also be seen as an attraction.

Some of the sights to visit in Augsburg include the Augsburg Cathedral and the House of Mozart (Mozarthaus), where Leopold Mozart was born in 1731. 

If you are looking for some cozy accommodations in Augsburg, these are great budget-friendly options: Augsburger Hof ,   Dom Hotel and  Ibis Budget Augsburg City .

6. Donauworth

On the drive, going south to Augsburg, you will go through Donauworth. This little town is where you will be crossing the Danube River during your drive along the Romantic Road.

It is also where such a river meets the Wörnitz River. The rolling hills and steep cliffs are examples of how diverse the landscape is there.

It’s not all about the history and culture that Germany is made of, the regional natural beauty deserves attention as well. Lechfall, in Fussen, is an amazing cascade where the water flow coming from an Ice Age lake gives it an impressive milky blue color.

While in Fussen, make sure to take some time to also go and see Alatsee. This lake gives you the impression that you are looking at a mirror, reflecting the surrounding landscape.

8. Schwangau

Mount Tegelberg, located in Schwangau, is one of the highlights along the Romantic Road. It is easily accessed by a cable car that climbs 892 m.

The cable car drops you off by a panorama-restaurant and a view of the region of Schwangau. Lakes, mountains, and villages are a few of the highlights you can see from up there.

From there you can go on several hiking trails, including one to the summit of the mount and a hike to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle (or Cinderella Castle). It is important to wear good footwear since the ground is very rocky and rugged.

9. Austrian Alps

And, lastly, the Austrian Alps. Most people travel the Romantic Road from North to South and end it with an incredible view of the Alps. Of course, you can always extend your route and experience this snowy wonderland.

10. Worthy Detours Just Off the Romantic Road

Access to secondary roads is one of the benefits of driving yourself along the route, taking you to other villages around the area.

A 1 hour-drive from Wurzburg in Bamberg, a small city protected by UNESCO where the Regnitz and the Main Rivers meet. Filled with castles and churches it is definitely worth the drive if you have the time.

Another detour along the Romantic Road is Ulm an der Donau (or Ulmer Munster). Just under 1-hour drive from this medieval town right by the Danube River is home to the cathedral with one of the tallest towers in the world.

A fun fact about Ulm, it is the birthplace of Albert Einstein!

Lastly, no visit to Bavaria would be complete without a visit to the Bavarian capital of Munich . I advise booking your flight out of Munich, which gives you an excuse to stop in this fabulous city. Not only are there some cool sights to see, but it is home to the famous Oktoberfest Festival too. 

Useful Tips for the Romantic Road

If you decide to travel the Romantic Road during the Fall or Winter, be aware that the shops close early in the smaller towns and villages. So it is probably a good idea to stay in larger cities, such as Augsburg.

Located at the end of the route, Fussen can be a bit expensive when it comes to accommodations, especially during peak season. What some tourists prefer to do is to stay across the border in Austria.

More on Germany:

• Ultimate Germany Road Trip Guide
• 30 Germany Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust
• 4 Days in Munich Itinerary-Things to do in Munich
• Things to Do in Nuremberg-2 Day Nuremberg Itinerary
• Germany’s Romantic Road: The Only Guide You Need
• 12 Best Photo Spots in Berlin Germany
• When is the Best Time to Visit Europe?
• 20 Simply Unreal Castles in Germany to Visit
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich Worth Doing
• How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
• Elegant Elbe River Cruise with Viking River Cruises
• Viking River Cruises in Europe-What to Expect
• Highlights from 3 Days in Hamburg

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Romantic Road Germany: 10 Best Places to Stop & See”

Thank you so much. Me and my wife are travelling to Germany this Aug 9th for 8 nights. Heard of this route and planned to drive. This page was very useful. How is the traffic in this route during this period of time Regards

You’re very welcome and i am happy to hear you found it useful! Be sure to check out our Ultimate Germany road trip guide too, lots of great stuff for renting a car in Germany in that one that isn’t route specific. Traffic shouldn’t be too bad, we drove it last in June and didn’t have issues with traffic. Parking can be a challenge in the smaller villages, but it all works out somehow. 🙂 Enjoy!

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Top Sights and Map of the Romantic Road, Germany

Published on December 2, 2023

by Henk Bekker

in Bavaria , Germany , N24 , Romantic Road , Tauber Valley

Follow the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) map in Germany to medieval towns Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Würzburg.

The Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is Germany’s most popular holiday route on the map — it passes through medieval towns including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Füssen.

The Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) in western Bavaria is the best-known and most popular of Germany’s numerous thematic holiday routes. The top sights include the fantasy, neo-Romanesque Schloss Neuschwanstein castle, and the wall-enclosed medieval town Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Day-trip bus tours are usually available to Rothenburg from Frankfurt or Munich.

UNESCO-Listed Würzburg Residenz Residence Palace

The Romantic Road starts in Würzburg with its wonderful Residenz palace – a Baroque masterpiece by Balthasar Neumann inscribed as one of many German sites on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

The Romantic Road in the Sweet Tauber Valley (Liebliches Taubertal)

From Würzburg, the Romantic Road briefly passes through the Tauber Valley, which is mostly in the state Baden-Württemberg. Popular stops in this valley include:

• Bad Mergentheim with a large Teutonic Order castle and a wonderful Rococo church;
• Stuppach with a remarkable Matthias Grünewald painting of the Madonna;
• Weikersheim with a splendid Renaissance palace; and
• Creglingen with its world-famous Tilman Riemenschneider altar and the Fingerhut (Thimble) Museum.

See Top Sights to See in the Liebliches Taubertal for a more detailed description of the Romantic Road sights in the Tauber Valley or Romantic Road Books and Maps at Amazon .

Romantic, Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular stops on the Romantic Road and for many travelers the highlight of a visit to Germany. Rothenburg is a small town completely encircled by a town wall . It has managed to maintain its late medieval appearance and is incredibly romantic, especially at night.

Wander the narrow alleys of medieval Rothenburg as well as walking along the sentries’ walk on the town walls are free and for many the best part of visiting this medieval town. Rothenburg is hugely popular but most visitors are day-trippers that arrive mid-morning and depart by late afternoon.

Overnight hotel guests may enjoy Rothenburg in the evenings and early mornings in relative tranquility to soak up the very romantic atmosphere. (See Tripadvisor hotel guests ‘ recommendations — quality and prices vary.)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has several formal museums and cultural sights worth seeing too. The Medieval Crime Museum has excellent exhibits of historic torture instruments but also is a very serious presentation of the medieval justice system.

Also worth seeing in Rothenburg is the Holy Blood Altar (Heilig Blut) by Tilman Riemenschneider in the St.-Jakobs-Kirche . The German Christmas Museum and numerous Christmas decoration shops of Käthe Wohlfahrt scattered throughout the old town are also popular sights.

Romantische Straße Route in the Romantic Franconia Region

Fewer visitors visit the romantic sights directly to the south of Rothenburg allowing those who do to enjoy these sights in relative peace and quiet. Highlights here include:

• Schillingsfürst’s Spanish Baroque palace;
• Feuchtwangen’s 12th-century Romanesque cloisters; and
• Dinkelsbühl’s romantic old town, half-timbered buildings, an interesting church, and an intact town wall.

The Romantic Road in the Ries-Danube Region in Germany

Between Dinkelsbühl and Augsburg are further small towns worth visiting for romantic and historic sights:

• Nördlingen is the only town in Germany where the town wall is still 100% accessible and visitors can actually walk around the town on the sentries walk. Nördlingen’s old town is almost perfectly round and sees fewer tourists than Rothenburg or Dinkelsbühl.
• Wallerstein has a huge 65-m (213-ft) rock that can be scaled for lovely views.
• The Romantic Road passes through a tunnel under Schloss Harburg, one of the best-preserved old castles in Bavaria.
• Donauwörth at the confluence of the Danube and Wörnitz Rivers has interesting façades along Reichstraße.

Augsburg – The Fugger City on the Romantic Road

Augsburg is by far the largest city on the Romantic Road – it is not particularly romantic but does have some very interesting sights. Augsburg was a wealthy city at the end of the Middle Ages and had the first Renaissance buildings in Germany. The Fuggers, a rich banking and trading family, were based here and left the Renaissance Fuggerkapelle (Funeral Chapel) and the Fuggerei, the oldest still-in-use social housing complex in the world.

The Augsburger Dom (Augsburg Cathedral) has a Romanesque core and the oldest stained-glass windows in Germany. The Renaissance Rathaus has a very impressive reception hall.

Augsburg has excellent railway connections to Munich and other parts of Germany.

Southern Romantic Road – Heading for the Bavarian Alps

From Augsburg, the Alps are seen on the horizon as the Romantic Road snakes through small towns toward its destiny in the mountains.

• Landsberg on the Lech has a romantic old town with several Baroque façades. Adolf Hitler spent some time in the local jail – still in use – following his failed coup d’état in 1923.
• Schongau has a Baroque church by Dominikus Zimmermann but the best sight is in nearby Altenstadt – the Basilica St Martin is arguably the finest Romanesque church in Bavaria.
• Steingaden has an interesting parish church with Romanesque exterior and Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo elements in its interior.
• The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Wieskirche is the artistic highlight of the Romantic Road. The Wieskirche, literally Church in the Meadows, is considered the definitive Bavarian Rococo church. Dominikus Zimmermann designed the church and did most of the stucco work while his equally talented older brother Johann Baptist Zimmermann did most of the paintings.
• The Romantic Road ends in Füssen on the Austrian border. This lovely town has a large former monastery and castle but most visitors come to see the Disney-like Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle , Mad King Ludwig’s fantasy castle, and Schloss Hohenschwangau in nearby Schwangau.

It is possible to drive the full Romantic Road in less than a day but most visitors will spend much more time doing sightseeing. Public transportation on the Romantic Road is not continuous but it is possible to visit most sights without a car.

The Europabus , operated by Deutsche Touring and sometimes referred to as the Romantic Road Coach, frequently changes its route but usually runs a fair part of the Romantische Straße. The coach runs daily from mid-April to end-October from Frankfurt via several Romantic Road sights to Munich and back (trains provide connections to Füssen and Augsburg from Donauwörth).

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

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Romantic Germany 2022

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• Journey along the scenic 'Yellow Roads' – such as the scenic Black Forest High Road and the fabled 'Romantic Road' – through fairy-tale forests and past medieval castles... where timeless tales are told in storied towns such as Heidelberg
• Rothenburg and Berlin... explore the compelling history
• varied landscapes and diverse cultural traditions personifying Germany today. And in 2022
• we include Bavaria's once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play...Experience
• live and in person – from Tauck's best-available seating – the pageantry of Bavaria's famous Oberammergau Passion Play
• only performed in the first year of each decade.Take a private cruise on the Rhine; dine at a romantic Black Forest pudelstein hut; take a private tour of the New Green Vault in Dresden's Royal Palace
• and enjoy special dinner atop the historic German Parliament building (Reichstag). Attend a cooking demonstration – or take a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum; enjoy a sparkling wine and lunch featuring 'horseless carriages

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• TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Tauck's Oberammergau Passion Play experience, including a two-night stay in the Oberammergau region and best seating available at the Passionspiele. Wine lunch, transported in style via old-timer Aaglander "horseless carriages" – the same ones used during the 2018 German Royal wedding Special farewell reception in Berlin at a chic restaurant atop the German Bundestag, the national Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany, overlooking the city Dinner at a romantic "pudelstein" hut in the heart of the Black Forest A private tour of the New Green Vault in Dresden's Royal Palace

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PORTOFCALL : Frankfurt, Germany

Our tours of Germany end in Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Regent Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You should allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport.

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Cultural tour along the romantic road, exploring medieval towns, fairytale castles, and alpine beauty on a cultural tour.

Phone +49 (0)351 - 563 480 Email: [email protected]

• Day 1: Individual arrival to Würzburg After your individual arrival to the beautiful city of Würzburg you can look forward to some exciting and interesting days on this cultural tour along the Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Würzburg
• Day 2: Würzburg Start the day with a guided tour of Würzburg. The tour leads you through the historic city centre. Amongst others, you will see the historic city hall, the old bridge over the river Main with the fantastic view of the Marienberg Fortress, Falkenhaus and the Marienkapelle at the market square. Following you can visit the baroque Würzburg Residence, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Würzburg
• Day 3: Weikersheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber Today you will get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber via Weikersheim by coach. Join a guided tour of Weikersheim Palace in the Tauber valley! Weikersheim Palace is an amazing place with a beautiful baroque garden and popular statues, for example the Weikersheimer Zwerge (Weikersheim dwarfs). In the afternoon you continue by coach to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and explore this picturesque medieval village. During a guided walking tour you get to know some interesting facts about the historic city with its medieval structures as well as evidences of the Renaissance. Those winding streets with half-timbered houses and colorful gardens are truly charming. Do not miss the historic bridge Tauber and the St. Jakob Church from the 15th century with the famous Heiligblut-Retabel. Overnight stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• Day 4: Augsburg The cultural tour along the Romantic Road gets you to Augsburg. Important sights of Augsburg are the town hall, Golden Hall, Fuggerei, Craftsman Old Town, Palaces Maximilian Street, Brechthaus and many more. All of them representing over 2000 years of history. We recommend you a visit to the Fuggerei Museum. The picturesque village dates back to the 16th century and was founded of the famous merchant Jakob Fugger. The museum is the last preserved original Fuggerei house. In three rooms the life and living of the oldest social settlement in the world is shown. Overnight stay in Augsburg
• Day 5: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Your cultural tour along the Romantic Road ends in Füssen, where you find the fairytale castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Both castles are nestled in the breathtaking beautiful nature of the Alps. Overnight stay in Füssen
• Day 6: Individual departure On your way back to the airport in Munich you have the opportunity to visit the Wieskirch. You will leave South Germany with a lot of great memories of the Romantic Road.

SERVICES INCLUDED

Basic package for your cultural tour along the Romantic Road:

6 days/5 nights

• 5 x overnight stays incl. breakfast in different towns along the Romantic Road
• Transfers according to the itinerary
• Guided walking tour of Würzburg
• Admission and guided tour of Würzburg Residence
• Admission and guided tour of Weikersheim Palace
• Guided walking tour of Rothenburg o. d. Tauber
• Guided walking tour of Augsburg incl. admission to Fuggerei Museum
• Guided visit either of Neuschwanstein Castle or Hohenschwangau Castle
• Travel documents for the tour manager/driver
• 24-hours AugustusTours telephone service during your cultural tour along the Romantic Road

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

PLUS packages for your cultural tour along the Romantic Road

• Wine tasting incl. guided tour of the wine cellar Bürgerspital Weinstuben in Würzburg
• Dinner as 3-course-menu at Bürgerspital Weinstuben Würzburg
• Extension in Munich
• Visit to Munich Residence or Nymphenburg Palace

ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

Depending on the customer's wishes, we organise overnight stays in 3 to 5-star hotels. In our destinations, we work with a selection of hotels that fulfil our quality requirements. Reliable co-operation and good service are our top priorities. If you are satisfied with the selected service partners, we will be happy to book them again for follow-up orders (subject to availability).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please note that in some cities accommodation taxes, visitor's taxes, etc. apply. Unless otherwise stated, these are not included in the tour price and must be paid locally.

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Magic by the river

Almost no other natural region of Germany evokes more romantic feelings than the Rhine. A trip along the river is like a voyage into a fairy-tale land, with no fewer than 60 picturesque castles and formidable fortresses presiding over the river from the surrounding hilltops.

The most beautiful time of all is early morning, when a dawn mist wafts gently over the river. Castles are shrouded in the haze and ruins rise up from the mist like heavenly towers. Birds twitter cheerfully from the riverbanks. The first rays of sunshine shimmer on the gently flowing waters of the Rhine and ignite sparkling highlights among the fine droplets of dew covering the vineyards.

Middle Rhine: poets and painters captivated by the Rhine's natural beauty

The magical and romantic atmosphere of the Rhine is almost impossible to resist. Even around 200 years ago, painters and poets of the Romantic period had discovered the fairy-tale beauty of these river landscapes between Lake Constance and the Dutch border. Philosopher Friedrich von Schlegel was impressed by the "proud castles on wild cliffs", while poet Heinrich von Kleist spoke of the "most beautiful expanse of land in Germany where our great gardeners have so clearly worked con amore". Painters such as William Turner picked up their brushes to capture the magic of these landscapes for posterity. Poets including Friedrich Hölderlin and Heinrich Heine were inspired to pen lyrical verses. With artists in the role of pioneers, the Rhine's reputation as a travel destination grew. By the start of the 19th century, a visit to the Rhine region was the highlight of the "grand tours" by English high society.

The sight of the Middle Rhine between Bingen and Bonn, carving a narrow passage through the Rheinish Slate Mountains, with vine-covered slopes, knight's castles, magnificent palaces and quaint fishing villages, thrilled the hearts of the early romantics. Today, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lorelei: a fabulous tale of a betrayed woman with blonde hair

The Lorelei and the legendary slate rock near St. Goarshausen, on which the blonde-haired woman is said to have sat, are the epitome of Rhine romance. The legend was invented by poet Clemens Brentano, and made famous by his literary colleague Heinrich Heine. In the version widely known today, the hapless maiden sits high on a rock, combing her blonde hair and waiting for ships that she can lure to their doom. She is wreaking revenge on her lover, who had betrayed her and attempted to escape on the Rhine. The story also has a very real background. The place where Lorelei is said to have wreaked her mischief sits at the narrowest and most hazardous point of the Rhine, and in days gone by countless mariners capsized here in their compact flat wooden boats known as "barks". Today, the 132-metre-high Lorelei slate rock is a viewpoint with a visitors' centre . Breathtaking panoramic views over the Rhine Valley, the towns of St. Goarshausen with Katz Castle, and the neighbouring town of St. Goar and Rheinfels Castle are guaranteed.

Marksburg: a trip back to medieval times to knights' halls and castle kitchens

So many imposing castles and palaces line the banks of the Rhine that it's almost impossible to highlight just a few. Marksburg Castle , perched high above the town of Braubach in Rhineland-Palatinate, has a unique claim. Constructed in the 12th century, it's the only medieval castle to have never been destroyed. Presiding regally over the river from a height of 160 metres on a densely wooded slate hill, it looks almost like a stone flower stretching elegantly up towards the sky. Visitors to the castle are transported straight back to medieval times with armouries, knights' halls, tower rooms, battlements and an old castle kitchen.

Rheingau: Eberbach Abbey, featured in the film "The Name of the Rose"

Anyone exploring the Rhine from the south will start their journey in the sunny Rheingau region , continuing through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site before finally arriving in the legendary Siebengebirge mountains. A route, it has to be said, that's simply steeped in romantic charm. With its sprawling vineyards, the Rheingau region has lots to offer visitors, from wine festivals to castles, palaces, abbeys and leisurely walking trails for all ages. Designated hiking and cycling trails lead over rolling hills offering a kaleidoscope of spectacular views of the Rhine. The trails pass historic mills, through wild and romantic valleys, over vineyards and to cultural sites such as abbeys, churches, castles and fountains along the route.

The highlights in the Rheingau are Ehrenfels Castle perched on a steep slope, the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim (accessible by cable car), the Abbey of St. Hildegard (Eibingen Abbey) with its shop and goldsmith's workshop, and Eberbach Abbey, featured in the film version of Umberto Eco's novel "The Name of the Rose". For many international tourists, a visit to the wine-growing town of Rüdesheim is an absolute must. With its shops, bars and restaurants, the Drosselgasse street in the centre of the town is a particular attraction, filled all year round with happy crowds of people listening to buskers and sipping delicious wine.

Siebengebirge Mountains: the romantic charm of the ruins of Drachenfels Castle

Situated to the south-east of Bonn, the Siebengebirge Mountains appear more beautiful than any painting to the romantically-minded traveller. It's now thought that the number 'seven' ('sieben' in the name) simply refers to a large amount. You can, in fact, count over 40 mountains and peaks here. The German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt described these stunning hilly landscapes as "high mountains in miniature" and was so impressed by their beauty that he wanted them to be made the eighth Wonder of the World. And travellers today still wax lyrical about the deeply chiselled valleys, densely wooded peaks, rugged cliffs, and amazing flora and fauna.

One mountain stands out in particular, the legendary Drachenfels, including Drachenburg Castle and the ruins of Drachenfels Castle. This peak inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings" as well the medieval heroic epic "The Song of the Nibelungs". This place of heroic legend lies directly above the small town of Königswinter, right beside the Rhine and just twelve kilometres south of Bonn. The Drachenfels offers lots of options for a day out: you can make your way to the top on well-constructed hiking paths or enjoy a spectacular trip on the oldest cog railway in Germany. Over a distance of around 1.5 kilometres, the route climbs an impressive 220 vertical metres. An even more romantic option, mainly for children, is a donkey ride up to the viewing plateau.

Halfway to the Drachenfels, you can stop off at Drachenburg Castle , a fairy-tale construction in historic style with turrets, oriels and battlements built in the late 19th century by an extremely rich stockbroker. Visitors can admire the magnificent interior furnishings and stroll through the extensive park. However, the main attraction is the castle's breathtaking view over the Rhine Valley, the surrounding wine villages, the ruins of Rolandsbogen (Roland's Arch), the Eifel region, the Westerwald Mountains and, on a clear day, the cities of Bonn and Cologne with the famous Cologne Cathedral.

If you climb all the way to the top of the Drachenfels, you'll find the impressive ruins of Drachenfels Castle . The remains of the stone castle stretch so dramatically up towards the sky you could almost imagine Count Dracula roaming here by night. According to legend, the cliffs were once home to a fearsome dragon who demanded that a human sacrifice be brought to him every day, until a beautiful maiden vanquished the monster. In reality, the castle was constructed in around 1147 on the orders of an archbishop from Cologne. However, its heyday lasted just 500 years. Today, visitors can enjoy gastronomic delights on the 321 metre Drachenfels , accompanied by an unforgettable view over the romantic Rhine Valley.

At the foot of the Drachenfels lies the pretty little town of Königswinter with its well-preserved old town and numerous attractions, including a large aquarium and the Nibelungenhalle memorial to the world-famous German composer Richard Wagner.

More information on the Romantic Rhine .

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From the North and Baltic Sea coasts to the Bavarian Alps, including our Rhine River Cruises and more... our land and river journeys cover the diverse landscapes and compelling cultural traditions found throughout Germany.

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Welcome to Germany

Epic Bavarian legends abound in storybook settings that date back to the 5th century in this fascinating destination filled with diverse landscapes and compelling cultural traditions. Cruise the mighty Rhine, Danube or Moselle rivers aboard a Tauck riverboat as you take in the culture and history that flows from the fabled surrounding cities.

Black forest cooking demonstration, learn secrets from chefs with an interactive black forest cooking demonstration.

Bavaria and the Black Forest region of Germany have contributed a wide range of local dishes to European cuisine, from spätzle, maultaschen (a filled Swabian pasta-like dish, sort of like Italian ravioli but usually larger), Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest Ham) and grillwurst (spicy sausage made from ground pork and bacon) to brezels, flammkuchen and iconic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake). Learn some of the secrets of preparing some of these and other regional specialties at an interactive cooking demonstration with chefs in the Black Forest.

Tauck Exclusive – Evening at Schloss Ehreshoven

Enjoy an elegant dinner and tour at schloss ehreshoven, overlooking the rhine in germany.

Built in the 14th century and later expanded in the grand style of a Baroque manor house, Schloss Ehreshoven is surrounded by gracious 18th-century French gardens and a castle park. For nearly a century the castle has been the heart of a charitable foundation whose main mission includes providing a home for unmarried aristocratic ladies without means in their golden years. Frequently used as a location for movies and TV shows, the Schloss provides an elegant setting for Tauck's exclusive cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by a member of the family.

Tauck Exclusive – Evening at Burg Satzvey

Cross the moat for a special evening at burg satzvey.

Considered one of the best-preserved medieval moated castles in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, Burg Satzvey (Satzvey Castle), not far from Köln, has been home to the same noble family for more than 300 years. We invite you to cross the moat and visit this 12th-century castle after hours for a Tauck Exclusive tour and gala evening with a reception, dinner and musical entertainment… to which you'll be welcomed by a member of the family.

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Epic legends and storybook images

From the North and Baltic Sea coasts to the Bavarian Alps and along the Rhine River Valley, the wonders of Germany delight as you discover these storybook lands famous for epic legends and fairy-tales. Travel by riverboat or on a land journey... the fascinating history and culture awaits.

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7 Most Romantic Cities in Northern Germany

N orthern Germany is authentic and diverse. The term “Northern Germany” describes not just a geographically defined territory. This area has an entirely different identity, the Low German language, particular aspects of history and culture. Here, dozens of medieval cities in Northern Germany have preserved the atmosphere and grandeur of the Hanseatic League. 

There are so many beautiful places with incredible nature throughout Germany , and bustling sites like Berlin , Hamburg , or Munich , but it’s in the North that we found this romantic atmosphere. We have chosen seven most romantic and cozy towns you should definitely visit to experience Northern Germany to the fullest.

The small town of Wismar on the Baltic Sea consists almost entirely from brick houses and is one of Brick Gothic examples. Thanks to this fact, the historic city center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List .

The streets of Wismar have preserved the splendor and grandeur of the flourishing Hanseatic League in the 14th century. Both central and back roads convey the spirit of the Middle Ages and take you back in time. The cozy restaurants and small shops are scattered all over the place, and there are no crowds of tourists.

Market Square, with its stunning architecture, is located in the heart of Wismar. That’s where most visitors start their acquaintance with the city. In the center is a low tower in the style of the Dutch Renaissance – Wasserkunst, built in the 17th century. Until the XIX century, the building served as a distribution point for water.

Also, on the Market Square, you will see the majestic brick building called “Alter Schwede.” It was constructed around 1380 and is now the oldest building in the city. In 1878, a hotel opened here and gave such a funny name to this structure. Today, the building houses a restaurant with traditional German food , which you should definitely check out.

It is also interesting to visit the church of St. Nicholas – another sample of Gothic architecture; as well as to admire the tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary. Complete your exploration in the old port of Wismar with its picturesque promenade and colorful houses.

Where to eat:

Alter Schwede

Where to stay in Wismar – most romantic hotels:

Vienna House Stadt Hamburg Wismar

Stadthotel Stern

Hotel Alter Speicher Wismar

Just 40 minutes away from Wismar, there is another romantic German city – Schwerin. It’s worth coming here, at least for the unusual Schwerin castle, standing in the middle of a picturesque lake. With its towers and domes, it looks like a fairytale castle fraught with many secrets and legends. Overall, Germany is famous for its lakes and it’s always nice to visit a city that’s so close to nature. 

Six hundred fifty-three halls of the palace are decorated with inlaid parquet, exquisite wood carvings, gilding, and stucco molding. Imagine walking around the Throne Room with columns of Carrara marble and gilded cast-iron doors, the solemn Gallery of the ancestors, the Game Room and the round Tower Room in the style of the garden pavilion and gorgeous view of the lake.

Festivals and concerts are regularly held in the castle and on its territory. The castle is surrounded by an exquisite baroque-style garden, which makes it so pleasant to stroll on a summer day.

In the vicinity of the castle, you can find the State Museum, the Siegeszoyle obelisk (German victory column), the Old Palace, the palace arena and stables, as well as the building of the State Chancellery, designed in the classical style.

Besides, it is worth visiting the old part of Schwerin, which is called northern Florence and the city of seven lakes. On the streets with half-timbered houses, you can find fascinating shops and restaurants, as well as experience the atmosphere of a small romantic city.

Schweriner Schloss Lokalitäten

Where to stay in Schwerin – most romantic hotels:

Weinhaus Uhle

Best Western Seehotel Frankenhorst

Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee

Travel further south to Lüneburg – the city that made a fortune in salt trade and became one of the wealthiest in the Hanseatic League. Now the salt mine has been transformed into the Museum of Salt.

Go on a date in nature to the Luneburg Heath – a place where for many years forest has been cut down to extract the salt. Today it is a national park perfect for hiking, cycling, and horse riding with a safari park located nearby.

The historical center of the city is perfectly preserved, and you can easily spend hours admiring ancient Hanseatic merchant houses and walking across stone bridges. The town has many Gothic churches, including the gorgeous Church of St. John and St. Michael, where Johann Sebastian Bach was trained at the beginning of the 18th century.

Be sure to stroll along the Ilmenau River with its unique architectural ensemble and lovely restaurants on the promenade, and drop by Am Sande Square with old brick houses.

Lüneburg is also famous for its shopping (about 400 shops), as well as a spa with salt baths.

Lüner Mühle Restaurant & Vinothek

Where to stay in Lüneburg – most romantic hotels:

Bergstrom Hotel Luneburg

Amethyst Luneburg

Gastehaus am Wasserturm

Another romantic old town of Goslar is located in Lower Saxony, at the foot of the Harz mountain range . The city started to grow thanks to the Rammelsberg mine, where copper, lead, and zinc were extracted.

The majestic palace-palatinate in the Romanesque style and the towers of as many as 47 city churches and chapels give a festive feel to this medieval city. Pay attention to the elegantly decorated houses of wealthy citizens, shop buildings, the old town hall, and half-timbered houses with carvings.

In 2010, the UNESCO Goslar and Rammelsberg World Heritage Site was expanded: it also included the Walkenried Monastery, the old Grube Samson mine in St. Andreasberg, and the Upper Harz water intake system.

Nature and architecture have intertwined and made Goslar a fantastic place to relax.

Die Butterhanne

Where To Stay in Lübeck – Most romantic hotels:

Hotel Niedersachsischer Hof Goslar

Hotel Kaiserworth Goslar

Hotels am Kranichsee

Lübeck, Germany, is a town located on the banks of the River Trave. This city has the second-largest port on the Baltic Sea, with the distance to Hamburg being about 60 km. Rich history, a large number of attractions, ancient architectural monuments distinguish Lübeck from other settlements in the area.

Lübeck retained greatness of the influential Hanseatic League since exactly this town was the de facto leader of the trade association. Since 1987, the old districts of Lübeck have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is not surprising because of all medieval buildings located in the area.

For example, Lübeck is the only settlement in northern Germany that has a historical center with equal historical importance to the one in Nuremberg.

Kartoffel Keller Lubeck

Where to Stay in Lübeck – Most Romantic Hotels:

Radisson Blu Senator Hotel

H+ Hotel Lubeck

Park Inn by Radisson Lubeck

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is one of the coziest cities in Germany with its lovely half-timbered houses located on the winding streets of Altstadt. The town is situated in the northern foothills of the Harz mountain range, on the banks of the Holtemme River. The whole city of Wernigerode is under UNESCO’s protection thanks to the abundance of unique architectural monuments. 

It will take you 5-6 hours to leisurely walk through all the sightseeing points; Or a little more if you want to have a meal in the castle’s restaurant or to have dinner in the city.

Wernigerode Castle is the main attraction not only in the city but probably in the whole region. It is nestled on top of Mount Broken – the highest point in northern Germany. Since 1664, the existing fortress was rebuilt into a baroque castle and reconstructed several times until the second half of the 19th century.

The highlight of Wernigerode is the Harzquerbahn steam narrow-gauge railway, which was built a hundred years ago. Today, small steam locomotives transport travelers around the neighborhood and towards the castle. 

Where to eat in Wernigerode:

Where to Stay in Wernigerode – Most Romantic Hotels:

Travel Charme Hotel Gothisches Haus

Ringhotel Weisser Hirsch

Hotel Erbprinzenpalais

The port city of Rostock is located in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on the Baltic coast at the confluence of the river Varnov. In the past, it was an essential center for shipbuilding in the GDR. Today, it is the largest settlement in the region famous for its international maritime festival Hanseatic Regatta and one of the oldest universities in the world dating back to 1419.

You can start the city tour from the central university building on Universitätsplatz. In the center of the square near a small park, there is an exciting fountain Brunnen der Lebensfreude. The fountain with bronze sculptures of people, animals, and birds is a popular meeting place. 

In the pedestrian area of Kröpeliner Straße, you can see the bourgeois houses and enjoy fresh seafood brought in from the nearby port in the morning. The streets adjacent to this area are full of examples of typical Hanseatic and medieval red-brick architecture.

The Kröpeliner Straße will lead to Neuer Markt unless you end up going to one of the local restaurants. The square is dominated by the Rathaus (1270) – the Gothic town hall with seven towers and baroque elements.

Tip: To see the most beautiful view of the Baltic Sea and Rostock’s surroundings, head to the top of the Leuchtturm lighthouse on Warnemunde beach.

Where to eat in Rostock:

Cafe Central

Where to stay in Rostock – Most romantic Hotels in Rostock:

Ringhotel Warnemunder Hof

Trihotel – Wellnesshotel am Schweizer Wald

Steigenberger Hotel Sonne

Northern Germany is often overlooked by international tourists, which is a real shame. I hope this post showed you some of the idyllic and charming towns and cities in Northern Germany that are worth to be on your next Germany itinerary.

Most Romantic Cities in Northern Germany was written by Inna Nedostupenko from the Executive Thrillseeker , an adventure travel blog that will teach you how to travel smarter, cheaper and longer! Please follow her on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest .

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