Known as the most popular, the romantic road Germany itinerary leads over 410 km from the river Main to the Alps. The name ‘Romantic Road’ or “Romantische Strasse” is deduced from the beautiful sights of medieval towns and the most famous fairy tale castle Neuschwanstein which most probably every travel keen person has seen in a tourist brochure of Germany at least once.
On our travels from the Netherlands to our next house sit in Austria we decided to take the opportunity to visit some of the hot spots of the romantic road in Germany. Within a week it’s not possible to visit all of the towns but you can enjoy some of the most outstanding beautiful medieval remnants.
As a traveler of the romantic road, you get carried back in a time of a wealth of history, art, and culture of the Occident. From north to south the landscape changes from forested river valleys, fertile farmland, mixed woodland, pastures and the mountains at the end of the scenic road.
Self-Drive Romantic Road Germany Itinerary
As a self-driver, you simply follow the well-marked road with brown signs of Romantische Strasse which connects all the old towns. —> Order your self-drive map here
If you want to master the romantic road by bicycle you follow the green signs which mark the bicycle path from Würzburg to Füssen along 440 kilometers. —> get your ring-bound map book with bicycle routes
Blue signs mark a long distance hiking route along a breathtaking 500 kilometers trail (which I mean also literally and not only because of the scenery!). —> get this helpful spiral-bound map-book with hiking trails
Map Of The Romantic Road In Germany
Best is to order your travel guide and a detailed map of the romantic road for your road trip now, so you can start planning your trip:
Order the practical, double-sided laminated map with compact travel guide with the most important highlights: Map
And here is the comprehensive travel guide for the region Romantic Road – from the Main to the Alps: Travel Guide
Würzburg
This university and congress town at the River Main lies between vineyards while the dominating vesting Marienberg guards it with a watchful eye. It hosts the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Residence Palace.
Find accommodation in Würzburg —> click here
Tauberbischofsheim
The capital of the district Main – Tauber Tauberbischofsheim is one of the oldest towns in the lovely valley of the Tauber. The Türmersturm is the symbol of the town that impresses with its many timber-framed buildings. The 19th century Town Hall in the central square is next to many other characteristically impressive buildings.
Check out accommodation in Tauberbischofsheim —> here
Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Rothenburg is one of the only walled medieval towns left in Germany along with its neighbors Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen to the south. As we walked along the beautifully maintained medieval buildings, walls and alleys it became clear to us, why this town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bavaria.
Not to miss is the Christmas shop which provides an elusive experience of queer architecture within the old town buildings and of course, a most quaint Christmas experience even in mid-summer!
Book early in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber —> here
Füssen
At the end (or beginning) of the romantic road just where the alps start you find one of the most stunning landscapes of Bavaria. At the bottom of the fairy tale Castle Neuschwanstein lies the medieval town of Füssen at 800 to 1200 meters altitude and is herewith the highest town of Bavaria.
Besides the most popular castles in southern Germany – Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle in its vicinity, the town itself has a wealth to offer for historically interested travelers, too.
Look for accommodation in Füssen —> here
Tips For Your Personal Germany Romantic Road Itinerary
- Plan enough time for your Germany romantic road itinerary.
- Enjoy the details rather than ticking the checkboxes of your ‘Must Sees’!
- Prebook entrance tickets to popular sights like Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau in advance. —> Book your entrance ticket here
- Visit the castle as early or as late as possible for better pictures and to avoid the tourist crowds as the romantic route is very popular for bus tours, too!
- If you are traveling on a budget choose neighboring towns for accommodation. Couch Surfing or camping may be an option. —> Find information and sites on TripAdvisor
Bon Voyage!
Excited to read more about Germany? Go on a winter trip with Alex to Berlin!
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