Hello, travel enthusiasts! We see you’re heading to Germany, and you’ve probably got the whole thing planned out. But if you haven’t yet added the Romantic Road or Romantische Straße to your trip, it’s a good thing we’ve got you in time because you would be missing out big time! Now, as the name suggests, the Romantic Road is indeed one of the most charming and beautiful roads in the world. But there’s a lot more to it than just picturesque views; you’ll find the Romantic Road is lined with delightful destinations, each more charming than the last. Here’s a great guide to riding along the Romantic Road in Germany.

Where Does It Start?

The Romantic Road braves the scenic route connecting Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Technically speaking, you could start it anywhere, since the road spans over 400 kilometres, but that would require a few days to travel. It could also be tackled through the North or South, so you can choose how you start it.

What Is The Best Route?

There is no best route because all routes to and in the Romantic Road are worth the visit. If you’d like to explore the Romantic Road in its entirety, we recommend grabbing some clothes because you’ll have to spend a few nights in various cities. The duration of the trip depends entirely on you; some spend a whole day exploring the Romantic Road, visiting popular tourist traps, and returning by the end of the day, while others take their time.

The Perfect Romantic Road Destinations

Let’s talk about the destinations along the Romantic Road in Germany that you simply can’t miss. 

Arriving in Frankfurt

If you don’t want to travel too far to start the Romantic Road, we recommend catching a plane to Frankfurt. That way, you won’t exhaust yourself; car rentals in Frankfurt are also considerably cheaper, so you won’t fret about that either. Now, exploring Frankfurt is your choice, but we recommend taking some time wandering the boardwalk along the Main River, giving you enough time to shake off the jet lag. Then, head to the town square and visit the Cathedral and the Fountain of Justice. These destinations showcase the history and art of Frankfurt, so it’s a destination you can’t skip. 

Frankfurt to Wurzburg

This is the most preferred starting point of the Romantic Road in Germany. Explore the Marienburg Fortress, a witness to several wars and natural disasters, and yet still standing. The Wurzburg Residence gives you a glimpse into the regal life that once was; the Baroque palace was built in the 18th century and used as a residence by Prince Bishops, though it underwent several modifications and showcases the multitude of architectural history. Once you’ve explored Wurzburg, start the engine and head to Winterhausen.

Wurzburg to Winterhausen And Oschenfurt

We recommend exploring Winterhausen and Oschenfurt on the same day, since they’re just 10 minutes apart. Winterhausen is a gorgeous little village just along Wurzburg in Bavaria, and is perfect for families. Visit the old town, stroll the streets, and carry on to Oschenfurt, a town that comes with cosy streets and gorgeous historical landmarks. Once you’re done learning the history, stop at SommerhausenTiergartenn, a zoo, and watch the sunset at the Terroir F Sommerhausen observation deck.

Winterhausen to Rothenburg

Rothernburg has so much to do, you’re welcome to spend several nights here, because honestly, it’s worth every minute. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (not to be confused with Rothenberg) lies in the Middle Franconian region of Bavaria and features a charming old town lined with timber-roofed houses and preserved town walls. We recommend taking your time exploring the preserved gates and the walkway that leads to the top. It’s also a great idea to hit St. Jakob’s Church if you love history and art, because it features a magnificent wood Gothic artwork by Tilman Riemenschneider. If you’re spending the right, get the Night Watchman Tour, which takes you along the market square and medieval wall. 

Rothenburg to Nördlingen

Nördlingen is one of the most attractive towns lining the Romantic Road, and yet it is surprisingly one of the least crowded. This is perfect for any tourist who’s tired of hitting the typical tourist traps and just wants to let their legs breathe. While you’re giggling at the idea of not bumping into strangers, Nordlingen takes it up a notch and offers activities and destinations that truly amp up your experience. We’re talking a delightful town square, charming streets, festive events, and delicious food.

Augsburg

Augsburg is one of those cities in Bavaria that have been attracting tourists for quite some time. Estimated to be older than 2000 years, Augsburg is most famed for Fuggerei, a housing estate that dates back to the Middle Ages and yet still stands strong. The University Town has plenty of educational destinations, but if you’d rather not bore yourself, visit the Augsburg Zoo, where you can interact with the animals, and hit up the Railway Museum. You can also spend a night here before heading off to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle

You continue along the Romantic Road, take a little detour, and you’ll reach Neuschwanstein Castle, lying on the rugged hills near the Alps. The Castle’s isolated location makes it even more charming, since you can spot the Alps and come close to the Austrian border. The Castle’s history makes it an even more interesting destination, though you’re welcome to skip the tour and spend your time imagining what a royal must have felt like living here. It’s truly the perfect end to the Romantic Road’s road trip.

Munich

If there’s one destination that doesn’t need an introduction, it’s Munich. Bavaria’s capital, Munich, is a city that has so much to do, you could make a whole itinerary out of it. We recommend visiting Nymphenburg Palace first thing in the morning; its rococo interiors and baroque gardens give a gorgeous glimpse into German architecture. The English Garden is also an ideal destination for families and couples; grab some snacks, spread out a picnic blanket, and spend the evening watching the birds fly. If you’re not in the mood to sit around, stroll the Marienplatz. You can even spend a night or two here, exploring Munich’s urban charm.

Since the Romantic Road is a more DIY itinerary, you can squeeze in other destinations if you continue the trip.