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Germany's Most Famous Scenic Drive
Created in the 1950s as a way to attract post-war tourism and showcase a more idyllic side of Germany, the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) has become the country's most famous and popular scenic driving route. Stretching for 400 km (250 miles) from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south, the route links a string of picturesque medieval towns, baroque cities, and iconic Bavarian landscapes.
A Curated Journey
The Romantic Road is less about the road itself and more about the destinations it connects. The route was carefully designed to showcase the best of southern Germany's historical and cultural treasures, creating a greatest-hits tour of medieval architecture, baroque splendor, and Alpine scenery.
Northern Section: Wine and Baroque
Starting in Würzburg with its magnificent Residence, the route winds south through the Tauber Valley, passing through charming wine villages and spa towns. Bad Mergentheim offers elegant spa architecture, while Weikersheim boasts a beautiful Renaissance palace with magnificent gardens.
Medieval Highlights
The middle section contains the route's most famous stops:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The perfectly preserved walled city that epitomizes medieval Germany
- Dinkelsbühl: Another intact walled town, less touristy but equally charming
- Nördlingen: Built inside a massive meteorite crater with a complete circular wall
Southern Splendor
As the route continues south, the landscape becomes more dramatic. Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, offers Renaissance grandeur and the world's oldest social housing complex. The baroque Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage church, seems to float in an Alpine meadow.
The Grand Finale
The route culminates in the foothills of the Alps at Füssen, gateway to the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. This spectacular ending provides a fitting climax to the journey through romantic Germany.
Travel Options
While driving offers the most flexibility, the Romantic Road can also be experienced by:
- Romantic Road Coach: Daily bus service (April-October) with hop-on/hop-off options
- Cycling: A dedicated cycle route runs parallel to the road
- Train: Regional trains connect major stops
Best Time to Travel
Each season offers different charms: spring brings blooming orchards, summer is perfect for festivals, autumn showcases golden vineyards, and winter transforms towns into Christmas card scenes. The route can be driven in a day or two, but a week allows for proper exploration of the charming towns along the way.