The Romantic Road
Germany
Germany's most celebrated themed route, from the Residenz palace city of Würzburg through the medieval timber-framed perfection of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the walled town of Dinkelsbühl, and the circular Nördlingen (built inside a meteor crater) to the fairy-tale pinnacles of Neuschwanstein Castle above Füssen. The idealised German Middle Ages through the most beautiful medieval townscapes in Europe.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Würzburg
The Residenz palace (UNESCO) holds Tiepolo's largest ceiling fresco above Franconian wine country. Marienberg Fortress commands the Main River from its vineyard hill.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Germany's most complete medieval walled town, with 3.5 km of walkable ramparts unchanged since the Thirty Years' War. Try Schneeballen pastry at the Market Square.
- Dinkelsbühl
A quieter medieval gem with 18-tower walls and the late-Gothic St George's Minster. Less visited than Rothenburg, more genuinely lived-in, and arguably more beautiful.
- Nördlingen
A medieval town inside a 25 km meteorite crater, so well-preserved it trained Apollo astronauts in 1970. Climb the Daniel Tower for a clear view of the crater rim.
- Augsburg
One of Germany's oldest Roman cities, with the Renaissance Fuggerei (the world's oldest social housing complex, built 1516) and a Dom dating to the 9th century.
- Landsberg am Lech
A handsome fortified town on the River Lech with a colourful Baroque main square and the 15th-century Bayertor gate, one of Germany's finest surviving town gates.
- Füssen and Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle (1886), Ludwig II's fantasy pinnacles above Alpsee lake, inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty. The Austrian Alps begin four kilometres south.
Where to Eat
- Restaurant Alter KellerGerman
Traditional German dishes served in a cozy, historic setting in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Zur HollGerman
Authentic German cuisine in a medieval tavern atmosphere in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Weib's BrauhausGerman
Local beers and hearty German meals in a traditional brewery setting in Dinkelsbühl.
- Madame PlüschGerman
Classic German dishes with a modern twist in a vintage-inspired setting in Füssen.
Things to Do
- Würzburg ResidenceHistoric Site
A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing baroque architecture and ornate interiors in Würzburg.
- St. George's Church 'Daniel' TowerScenic Viewpoint
Climb the 90m tower for panoramic views of Nördlingen and the surrounding Ries crater.
- Rothenburg Town Wall WalkHistoric Site
Walk along the preserved medieval walls encircling Rothenburg ob der Tauber for historic views.
- Neuschwanstein CastleHistoric Site
Explore the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney, nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen.