There is no better way to see Bavaria than driving the Romantic Road. This picturesque route takes you through the forests, mountains, and small storybook towns of Germany.
While it can be driven in one day, we suggest you take your time so that you can fully experience everything.
A 4 day Romantic Road trip will give you enough time to see all the major sites while exploring everything it has to offer.
Driving the Romantic Road
If you will be driving in many different European countries, you may want to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a Driver’s License that is valid for over 150 Countries.
Those only driving in Germany will be fine with a standard Driver’s License.
Rental Cars in Germany
When renting or leasing a car in Germany, make sure that you are ready for driving a stick shift (manual) vehicle.
You may be able to find an automatic, but it will cost you more and you will have less selection.
I would also recommend that you prepay for GPS.
4 Day Tour of Romantic Road Itinerary
Day 1: Creglingen & Rothenburg
Start in Munich and head south to Würzburg where you can tour the 18th-century Residenz palace & Marienberg-Fortress before heading on to Creglingen.
There, you will want to spend time about an hour at Herrgottskirche and possibly the Thimble Museum.
This should put you in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in time to grab dinner before checking into your hotel & possibly doing the Night Watchman Tour.
Day 2: Rothenburg, Dinkelsbuhl & Augsburg
Explore more of Rothenburg during your day before driving onto Dinkelsbühl & then Augsburg where you should spend the night.
Day 3: Weis, Schwangau & Fussen
Spend the morning in Augsburg seeing the sites in this German Renaissance town before heading to Weis to visit Wieskirche and lastly Neuschwanstein Castle.
Plan to stay overnight in nearby Füssen.
Day 4: Füssen
Explore all Füssen has to offer before heading on your way to your next destination.
What You Will See on a Romantic Road Tour of Germany
Würzburg
Take time to visit Marienberg-Fortress. Originally, this was a site of a Celtic castle at this site. Later, the first Würzburg church was erected and in the 13th century, it was made into a fortress.
The fortress was expanded and renovated several times during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The best part of Marienberg-Fortress is the view it gives of the city of Würzburg.
Creglingen
While coming through this small town along the Romantische Strasse, be sure to stop at the Herrgottskirche.
The story behind this church being built is that a farmer in the mid-14th century claimed to have found an undamaged communion host in the field that he was plowing.
Believed to have been a sign, the community built a church on that field.
Inside the church is one of the most famous wooden altarpieces designed by Tilman Riemenschneider in the middle ages.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
In my opinion, Rothenburg is the quintessential storybook town on the Romantic Road in Germany. It is like time stopped and all remains as it once was.
It is probably because this town was spared from the destruction of WWII. After all, an American general had once stayed here for vacation and fell in love with its charm.
If you can, be sure to stay overnight here and experience all Rothenburg has to offer.
Dinkelsbühl
With 16 fortified towers and several authentic city gates, it is one of the only remaining walled medieval towns in Germany.
Dinkelsbühl is your quintessential storybook town and worth spending time seeing all the sites.
Augsburg
The largest city along the Romantic Road in Germany, Augsburg is the home of the German Renaissance and Rococo style.
Take time to see the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Perlachturm (Perlach Tower), and the Schaezlerpalais (Schaezler Palace).
Wies
The most important site to visit here is Wieskirche. It is a famous pilgrimage site due to the fact that in 1738 it is said that tears were seen on a dilapidated wooden figure of Jesus.
Many who have visited and prayed in front of the statue have claimed that they have been miraculously cured.
The church interior is stunning and ornate. Plan on spending about 30 minutes or so checking it out. Admission is free, but donations are accepted (and encouraged).
Schwangau
This village in Bavaria is where you will be able to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein is the fairy tale castle of Mad King Ludwig for which Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World is designed.
While you can take pictures outside of the castle and of the views from the castle, you cannot take pictures inside.
While beautiful, King Ludwig only lived in Neuschwanstein for about six months. He actually grew up in Hohenschwangau Castle which is visible from Neuschwanstein.
The castle can be visited on its own, or as part of a combined ticket with Neuschwanstein.
Whichever way you choose to see one or both, be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Füssen
The end of the Romantische Strasse (or beginning) leaves you right at the edge of Austria and the alps.
These beautiful lakes against the backdrop of mountains (and castles) are simply breathtaking.
You’ll find the old town charming with plenty of things to do to fill your day. Check out the Baroque churches and Bavaria’s oldest preserved fresco (circa 980).
Have you driven along the Romantic Road Germany? What was your favorite stop?
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
Wednesday 7th of March 2018
Love the Romantic Road, you picture of Rothenburg makes it look like a movie set! (In a good way).