Discover The Romantic Road Germany
A
rental car in Germany allows you to enjoy the romantic road. The Romantic Road is one of the oldest touring roads in the world! Built after World War II as a means of attracting visitors to the country, this self-drive adventure takes travelers back in time, where cathedrals had with gothic spires, castles were nestled into mountainsides, and the countryside was so lush and green, you’ll think you were driving through a fairy-tale. In this Drive to Discover guide, you’ll journey along Germany’s acclaimed Romantic Road visiting quaint Bavarian villages and experience Germany’s distinctive culture!
Print this Drive to Discover Guide
| Driving Itinerary |
Distance |
Driving Time |
| Frankfurt to Wurzburg |
76 miles |
1 hour 16 minutes |
| Wurzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber |
40 miles |
44 minutes |
| Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Nordlingen |
52 miles |
1 hour 4 minutes |
| Nordlingen to Augsburg |
47 miles |
1 hour |
| Augsburg to Hohenschwangau |
64 miles |
1 hours 23 minutes |
| Hohenschwangau to Munich Airport |
96 miles |
1 hour 46 minutes |
| Totals: |
375 miles |
7h 13m |
Read on to Drive to Discover the adventures that await you in Germany!
1. Frankfurt
There is a lot to see and do in this historic city. You could visit the Museum of Natural History that offers plenty of educational exhibits, including the only complete Diplodocus skeleton in all of Europe. If you're planning on staying the night in
Frankfurt, visit the South Bank, or "Sachsenhausen” to experience the best of Frankfurt’s nightlife. On your journey to Würzburg be sure to stop at the medieval moated Mespelbrunn Castle which survived all wars unharmed due to its hidden location.
Next stop: 1 hour & 16 minutes
2. Würzburg
The "Pearl of the Romantic Road," and during your Drive to Discover, you'll quickly see why. Amid its vineyard-covered hills sits regal castles and fortifications that once housed the region's prince-bishops. Although many of the city's most illustrious and stately buildings were destroyed in World War II, a good number of them have since been rebuilt to their former majesty.
Next stop: 44 minutes
3. Rothenberg ob der Tauber
Your next destination on the Romantic Road Germany is the village of Rothenberg ob der Tauber. Here, the village's half-timber houses and cobbled streets transport you back in time to Germany's distinct medieval past. The Herterich Fountain is an ornate Renaissance fountain is located in the city's central Marktplatz, where several city celebrations and feast days are celebrated throughout the year. Take a side trip to the baroque castle, Schloss Schillingfürst, to view soaring eagles and falcons in their natural habitat.
Next stop: 1 hour & 4 minutes
4. Nördlingen
Nördlingen is one of Germany's most mysterious and unique villages. The city dates back to the year 898, and despite its incredible age, it is only one of three towns in Germany with an intact city wall. This in itself is quite an accomplishment, because the city was the location of two battles in Germany's historic Thirty Years' War. It sits in the center of the Ries, a basin that was created by a meteor strike several centuries ago. To see an incredible view of the base take a trip to the top of the St. George Church.
Next stop: 1 hour
5. Augsburg
The gothic majesty of the Dom St. Maria is something that every visitor to Augsburg should experience. Inside this 9th century, chapel can be seen five rare and culturally significant paintings by Hans Holbein the Elder. A short drive in your rental car headed just outside of Augsburg will take you to two other significant chapels, the rococo-inspired Wieskirche, which is set in an idyllic Alpine meadow at the base of the Trauchgauer Mountains, and the Münster in Old Ulm, which is the largest evangelical church in Germany.
Next stop: 1 hour & 23 minutes
6. Hohenschwangau
Upon arriving at the beautiful village of Hohenschwangau, you'll immediately see the region's most prized fixture, Neuschwanstein. The castle's fairy-tale design has been recorded as being a source of inspiration to Walt Disney, Wagner, and many others. In fact, the castle's alluring look is just what Disney himself recalled when creating the castle featured in his timeless animated film, Snow White. Meanwhile, just across the valley lies another castle that appears to be ripped from the pages of fantasy: the yellow-hued Hohenschwangau. Not quite as visually stunning as Neuschwanstein, the castle remains an impressive example of Bavarian architecture and regality. To get a one-of-a-kind view of the entire valley, plan on taking your rental car from Auto Europe across the Marienbrücke, the bridge that spans the gorge where both castles are located.
Drive the Romantic Road Germany with Auto Europe
If you’d like additional travel inspiration for your trip to explore castles in Germany, or other historic destinations check out our
German Road Trips, and if you’d like to see how much you can save on your next trip by bundling your
hotel reservation and car rental, give our travel specialists a call toll-free at
1-888-223-5555. We look forward to helping you plan the ultimate trip to Germany, or wherever your travels take you.
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