The Romantic Road in Germany is a popular tourist route known for its picturesque towns, historic castles, and beautiful landscapes. A scenic tourist route in Germany stretching some 400-odd kilometres from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south. It is a popular and picturesque tourist route in Germany, known for its charming medieval towns, picturesque landscapes, and historical attractions.
The Romantic Road offers picturesque landscapes, especially when driving through the Bavarian countryside. The rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages provide an opportunity for leisurely drives and photo stops. To add to the charm of the Romantic Road, we stay in some historic inns and guesthouses which offer accommodation in historic buildings, providing a unique and cozy atmosphere for our stay.
While there are many beautiful towns along the route, some of the must-visit stops include Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Augsburg and Füssen. Besides Neuschwanstein, there are other beautiful castles to explore along the Romantic Road, such as Würzburg Residence, Harburg Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. Each offers a unique historical and architectural experience.
Our journey begins in Würzburg, known for the stunning Würzburg Residence. This is also a city known for its vineyards and wine culture. But it is the Würzburg Residenz, a stunning palace with beautiful gardens, and the Marienberg Fortress, which offers an insight into the medieval Bavarian aristocratic life.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval town often considered the highlight of the Romantic Road. Strolling through its charming cobblestone streets, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture, and visiting attractions like the town wall, St. Jakob’s Church, and the famous Plönlein (a picturesque square) can be incredibly enjoyable. Don’t forget to try Schneeballen, a local pastry.
Dinkelsbühl is another charming medieval town with well-preserved city walls, towers, and half-timbered houses. The St. George’s Minster is a prominent landmark. It is in Dinkelsbuhl that we stayed in a charming half-timbered house that made for a unique experience.
Visit the medieval town of Nördlingen, which is unique for being situated in a crater caused by a meteorite impact. The town features a circular wall, and you can climb the Daniel Tower for panoramic views.
Augsburg, as a city, offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Explore the old town centre and the Augsburg Cathedral.
Landsberg am Lech is a picturesque town known for its well-preserved medieval old town and retaining original towers, including the turreted Bayertor gateway.
Visit Harburg Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and is perched on a hill overlooking the town.
The southern endpoint of the Romantic Road, Füssen is famous for being near the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. These are amongst Germany’s most iconic and beautiful castles. Known as the fairy-tale castle, Neuschwanstein offers a captivating experience. The majestic castle, perched atop a hill surrounded by lush forests and lakes, is a sight to behold. Taking a guided tour inside the castle is a memorable experience. The nearby Hohenschwangau castle offers an insight into the lifestyle of Bavarian princes.
These are just some of the highlights along the Romantic Road. The route is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites, making it a memorable journey through the heart of Germany’s Bavarian state.
So, how does one travel the Romantic Road, with so much history, culture and picturesque surrounds? Take Your Time, don’t rush through the journey. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore each town and experience a bit of a town’s atmosphere. Our journey spent around 6 days, which gave us some time to appreciate and experience some of the medieval towns. Travelling the Romantic Road is beautiful during late summer although the weather was hot due to heatwave conditions in this part of Europe.
Importantly (and not something that needs to be said) is try local cuisine. Savour regional dishes and specialties like schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and if on offer, local wild hunted deer. And of course, pair your meals with local wines and beers.
Slow travel is all about enjoying the journey rather than rushing from one destination to another. Take your time to relax, unwind, and appreciate the romantic ambiance of the route.
The most enjoyable moments on the Romantic Road can vary greatly depending on interests. The Romantic Road is not just about the destinations, it’s also about the experiences and memories you create along the way. Take time to enjoy the romantic and historical atmosphere of this iconic German route.