Romantic Road - Romance and Culture from the Main to the Alps

Since 1950, travelers have been discovering the most beautiful places along the Romantic Road from Würzburg to the Allgäu.

Stretching nearly 400 kilometers, magnificent buildings are lined up against impressive landscapes and charming small towns among cultural strongholds. Discover ancient castle ruins in Harburg or explore the Fugger city of Augsburg: The Romantic Road is rightly considered one of the most versatile scenic routes in Germany.

Starting and ending at Füssen, the oldest holiday route in Germany, adjacent to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, there are numerous attractions and cultural landscapes waiting for travelers along the many sections of the Romantic Road.

Of course, such a trip wouldn't be complete without a romantic accommodation, to make your journey perfect. We introduce you to the historically rich Romantic Road and its most beautiful castles, towns, and highlights along the route, from the Main to the Alps.

On the 400 kilometers from Würzburg to Füssen in the Allgäu, tourists and hikers traverse some of the most picturesque German towns and scenic landscapes. The holiday road lives up to its name.

It's not just the medieval castles and the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, which was intended as a retreat for King Ludwig II, that are romantic. Many quaint towns and inns invite visitors to stay awhile.

This route, which runs through Lower Franconia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg, is not only a popular destination for German tourists; it also attracts many guests from around the world to the southern German holiday region every year.

The presence of Japanese signage along the route shows that the Romantic Road is particularly interesting for Japanese tourists. Japan also has its own Romantic Road, which is a sister road to our German route.

Foreign tourists regularly rank the Romantic Road among the top ten destinations in Germany. In 2015, Neuschwanstein Castle, also part of the hiking route, ranked second. With over four million overnight stays and even more day visitors, the Romantic Road is also an important economic factor for the region.

Did you know? The German Romantic Road is actually the oldest holiday route in Germany. As early as 1900, travelers from around the world were visiting the half-timbered towns along the route, which was then known as German Travel Route No. 1.

After its revival in 1950, it was aptly renamed the Romantic Road.

The first stage, Würzburg, impresses with its Gothic churches and the Würzburg Residence. The latter was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. In this lively university town, there are also numerous rustic restaurants and bars.

Next, the route takes you to the Celtic Tauber Valley, known for its namesake festival and romantic vineyards.

Nestled in the Middle Franconian river landscape is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Especially the medieval old town makes this place a popular travel destination.

The next stop on the way to Füssen is the third-largest city in Bavaria, Augsburg. The Fugger city served as a Roman military camp as early as 15 BC and is one of the oldest cities in Germany.

At the end of the journey, hikers will find the renowned Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau near Füssen, a real highlight. Built in 1869, the castle has always been a destination for many tourists - a fitting conclusion to the Romantic Road.

The route of the Romantic Holiday Road is approximately 410 kilometers long and takes travelers from Würzburg in Lower Franconia through Augsburg to Füssen in the Allgäu.

Along the southern German Romantic Road are places like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Creglingen, Feuchtwangen, and Hohenschwangau. The classic tour takes you by car or by regularly running buses through the region in five days. Many hotels offer special arrangements tailored to hikers, cyclists, and culture enthusiasts, such as guided tours and night hikes.

Camping is also possible along the Romantic Road in summer.

Tip: You can check the route and notable stops in advance on the interactive map of the Romantic Road. The latter provides the option to choose between car, bus, or hiking routes.

Have you been inspired to explore the Romantic Road on your next vacation?

The Romantic Road takes you from Würzburg to Füssen through dreamy, romantic towns, picturesque landscapes, and cozy spots. Grab your partner and take a tour through the idyllic region in Bavaria. It doesn't matter whether you're traveling on foot, by car, or by bus. Either way, romance is guaranteed.