Romantic Road in Germany - Guide and Itinerary

While not officially on the Romantic Road, Bamberg is worth starting out at. It is a captivating city situated on the banks of the Regnitz River and the Main-Danube channel. Often referred to as Franconian Rome, Bamberg boasts a scenic landscape characterized by seven hills, each adorned with a church or castle.

The Old Town of Bamberg is a testament to its rich architectural heritage, featuring a harmonious blend of diverse styles. Its well-preserved buildings contribute to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bestowed upon it in 1993.

Bamberg offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, catering to diverse interests. Whether one is intrigued by the city’s episcopal history or captivated by its romantic ambiance and renowned beer tradition, Bamberg provides a multitude of experiences and delights.

Würzburg is a charming blend of history, culture, and wine, situated on both sides of the Main River. This former royal capital and university town exudes a lively atmosphere and captivating charm. The Baroque architecture of the city is a testament to its southern German character and Franconian hospitality. St. Kilian Cathedral, the fourth-largest Romanesque church in Germany, is easily recognizable by its two grand towers that can be seen from afar. Würzburg’s famous landmarks include the Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens (Hofgarten) and Residence Square (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Marienberg Fortress, and the Old Main Bridge, which spans the Main River for 180 meters and features impressive statues of saints. Nestled amidst picturesque vineyards on the banks of the Main River, Würzburg’s scenic location alone is reason enough to visit this enchanting city.

Bad Mergentheim, as indicated by the term “Bad,” is among the esteemed spa resorts situated in the southern region of Germany. Bad Mergentheim is famous for its spa, the Teutonic Order (Deutschorden) Castle and Museum, and the Stuppacher Madonna by Matthias Grünewald.

Believed to have been settled during the 5th century, Röttingen has endured a turbulent history marked by medieval massacres and conflicts. Despite its past struggles, the village today exudes a delightful sense of history, characterized by its picturesque half-timbered houses and a charming Baroque Town Hall. A significant portion of the town’s defensive walls from the 17th century and several watchtowers still stand as testaments to its fortified past. Adding to the town’s unique landmarks is the ‘High Building’, a remarkable five-story structure originally serving as a Teutonic Order base. The town’s castle, originally dating back to the 13th century but renovated over time, now houses a museum dedicated to the region’s wine, showcasing the cultural significance of viticulture in the area.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is a captivating town located just a stone’s throw away from Wurzburg, making it one of the most beloved destinations on Germany’s Romantic Road. Its cobblestone streets and medieval walls, gates, and towers are steeped in history and provide a sense of stepping back in time.

The town’s half-timbered homes and unique architecture make it an exceptional stop along the Romantic Road. The best way to experience Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is to take a leisurely stroll around the old town and immerse yourself in its charming ambiance. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the towering sights of landmarks like Klingentor, capture a photo at the picturesque Das Plönlein (little square), and explore St. James’s Church and the Rothenburg Rathaus

Dinkelsbühl stands as a quintessential town along the renowned German Romantic Road, contributing to its distinct character.

Situated between its two neighboring towns, Rothenburg to the north and Nördlingen to the south, Dinkelsbühl proudly retains its medieval charm with its intact city walls. The impressive minster and the charming timbered buildings offer visitors a vivid glimpse into the authentic ambiance of the Middle Ages.

Nördlingen is a significant stop on the Romantic Road, along with the other two medieval walled towns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl. What sets Nördlingen apart is that its old town is located within a vast crater formed over 14 million years ago by a meteorite impact. This unique location adds to the town’s charm, with wall walk and the imposing Gothic structure of Saint George’s Church, boasting a 90-meter spire that you can climb up the 350 steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the town from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Harburg possesses the enchanting allure of a medieval town, featuring an impressive hilltop castle overlooking a settlement situated along a prominent trade route, be it a road or a river.

The name “Harburg” is believed to have originated from Old German, possibly signifying a “castle above a bog” if the etymology holds true.

Constructed by the former Hohenstaufen emperors of Germany during the 11th or 12th century, Harburg Castle stands as one of the country’s oldest fortifications. It has been under the ownership of the Count of Oettingen-Wallerstein for nearly three centuries. The castle’s current fortifications primarily date back to the 18th century and are accessible for visits during the summer season from Tuesday to Sunday. Additionally, within the castle, there is a cozy hotel-restaurant offering accommodations and dining options.

The town of Harburg, situated below the castle, thrived with a population of small farmers and skilled artisans. Its fortunes were tied to the transactions and alliances of noble families, as the castle changed hands over time, sometimes leading to shifts in preferred Christian denominations.

Augsburg, a city with a rich historical background, predates the medieval era and surpasses its neighbouring towns along the Romantic Road in terms of ancient origins. As one of the oldest cities in Germany and the oldest in Bavaria, Augsburg offers visitors a glimpse into various historical periods through its prominent landmarks located in the city centre.

During the Roman Empire’s reign and the establishment of a trade route connecting northern Italy to their new powerbase in southern Germany, the original settlement was named Augusta Vindelicorum.

Positioned approximately halfway along the Romantic Road, Augsburg serves as an ideal stopover for travellers planning to divide their journey into northern and southern sections.

The city boasts a captivating old town, featuring notable attractions such as the Augsburg Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and lies just outside the main centre. Additionally, the central square proudly showcases an impressive Renaissance town hall, adding to the city’s architectural allure.

One of the main attractions in Füssen is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located just a short distance from the town. This fairytale-like castle, built by King Ludwig II, is one of the most iconic and visited castles in Europe. Its enchanting architecture and breath-taking surroundings attract tourists from around the world. Apart from Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, Füssen offers other notable attractions as well. The town itself has a charming old town area with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops and cafes. Visitors can explore the historic Benediktinerkloster St. Mang, a former Benedictine monastery with a beautiful basilica. The High Castle (Hohes Schloss) is another prominent landmark, housing a museum showcasing the town’s history and artwork.