How to Travel along the Romantic Road, Germany

Germany's Romantic Road certainly suits it's title. Located in southern Germany between Munich and Frankfurt you will find perfectly preserved medieval towns and walled cities. Originally this thoroughfare was the area's main trade route during the Middle Ages. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to travel along this short section of roadway as there are many opportunities to stop, rest and immerse yourself in Medieval history just by walking through an arched gate in a city wall or by walking up and through medieval guard towers. Then you will be walking atop the cobblestone pathways that many have walked centuries before you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• comfortable walking shoes
• local currency
• camera
• map to refer to when driving
• knowledge of German or a good dictionary

1. 
   Hohenschwangau area map courtesy of GoEurope.com.

   Starting in the south of Germany, off Highway B17/the Romantic Road, you will find the town of Hohenschwangau and Castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Although this area is filled with many ruins and notable sites. the ones on the official Romantic Road are noted here. Castle Hohenschwangau is where the future King Ludwig II (later referred to as Mad King Ludwig) spent time with his parents during the summer and hunting season. After the passing of his father, King Maximilian, Ludwig was crowned king and later began the building of Castle Neuschwanstein within the same valley.

2. 
   The official sign alongside the Romantic Road.

   Heading north along the Romantic Road, you will drive into the Pfaffenwinkel region which is known for the multitude of Medieval churchs. Nearly every village or town has a historic house of worship worthy of a visit. Of note is the Monastery Church in Rottenbuch, which has a very unassuming exterior but a jaw-droppingly spectacular interior. Another amazing, and noteworthy Church is Wieskirche or Wies Church or "Church in the Meadows". Again, an unassuming exterior but the Rococo style, 18th-century masterpiece of an interior is awe inspiring. The Wieskirche has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

3. Next along the path of your Romantic Travels is Nordlingen. With it's original town walls intact, you can stroll around the town high up on the walls, providing views the town's protectors saw over the centuries.

4. Dinkelsbuhl is a quaint historical town situated alongside the Wornitz River. With its towers, encircling town walls and moats it is a wonderful example of what a 10th-century town grew to become.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is another walled city with gates, guard towers and entrances. You can walk along the wall and look through the slits that the town's protectors once stood with their weapons trying to defend the town. There is a large number of shops offering beautiful Christmas souvenirs, especially nutcrackers. Make sure you enjoy a "schneeball" or "schokoladeball" pastry (chocolate balls) because they are only available here.

6. The number one reason people stop in at Creglingen is to visit the famous Altar of Mary within the Medieval Lord's Church or Herrgottskirche. Dating back to the 15th century, it's been perfectly preserved.

7. The northern end to The Romantic Road will put you in the age old town of Wurzburg. Originally founded in 650 B.C., it is worth an extended stroll around the town. The churchs in town are enough to please the eye of those that enjoy a variety of historic architecture. You will also find the Residenz Palace for the local Prince-Bishops along with the Marienberg Fortress.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for any road construction. Unlike North America, there is usually one sign noting construction ahead and then there it is. So if you see a construction sign, it's best to slow down quickly, especially if you have to maneuver a corner. It's most likely the construction is right around that corner.

Resources

• Interactive map of the Romantic Road