The 400 kilometre long Romantic Road is about an experience unlike any other, providing a certain kind of journey, a journey where you will be witnessing some of the grandest and subliminal along with fascinatingly curated and rejuvenating experiences. The journey begins from Wurzburg and culminates at Fussen, in the Allgau. In-between these two ends there are treasures from the pages of time, settled in their own sight and talk of history and their own imaginations in myriad ways. You will find here stately august homes, palaces chiming in their own splendour, tiny villages which offer the best of German countryside, meditative mountains and much more. This journey can be undertaken on foot or bicycle or any other mode that you are romantic about.
All about the road
It has been over 60 years since the road came into existence and ever since then and today as well, the road has been about more than just a journey encompassing scenic beauties. When you embark upon a journey it teaches you a great deal and what better way to unravel the unknown, the less heard of, the not much talked about, the adversarial or the earthen, it is about the wild. Moreover, the real fun begins when you accept where the wilderness of the road itself guides you through the devastatingly beautiful. It will provide you with knowledge, life changing experiences and a journey like none other. The road demands you being on it to actually learn and feel what it has to offer.
The castles and the villages on the way are not simply the only reason why millions of tourists, history buffs, sports enthusiasts and travel junkies jump on the road. The road offers so much more. There is of-course the legendary German hospitality, the natural and the cultural that can also be witnessed in their utmost glory along the way. There is absolutely no dearth of excitement, as a matter of fact with each footstep laid forward the road, the mountain air and the exquisite beauty of the woods will take your breath away to all new heights.
While en route you also get to take in the varied landscapes along the river Main, the utterly beautiful Franconian wine region and the Alpine peaks along with the Tauber Valley region which is located between Wurzburg and Fussen. You can find fascinating geological treasure troves at Nördlinger Ries and be awestruck by the dream like Pfaffenwinkel region which are located at the feet of the Bavarian Alps. Crossing all of these while passing through the ever intricate mountain trails you fill find the spell bounding castle of King Ludwig. Around this region you will also find the Ammergau Alps and the surrounding four lakes. There are probably very few locations as romantic as this left in the world, it is quite a rarity indeed.
Romantische Straße, the very name itself in its own right is representative of the expression of the word, romantic. This is one feeling which travellers from Germany and all-over the world come craving for. The fantastical richness is something to be visually feasted upon and through these sensations the spectators are transported back in time to the age of yore when everything was much simpler, to the era when everything began and it is something to be never forgotten. It is indeed fascinating to be taken back in time and linking one’s self with the great works of the architect Balthasar Neumann, the woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider and the painter Carl Spitzweg. In addition to the various grand structures you can also experience the German festive spirit along the road. This road is able to draw an immense amount of attention towards Southern Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg throughout the year.
The road is also a haven for cyclists and runners. It offers 424 kilometres worth of road. You can also find signposts for alternative routes, which can be scaled on various levels of challenges and adrenalin rush. Furthermore, in 2006 a runner’s path was also opened in Weitwanderweg area.
History of the Romantic Road
Romantic Road’s design was traced upon the old Roman route. It came about in the 1950’s when much of the restoration work began post World War II. At around the time back then Germany wanted to restore its long lost spirit and present itself to the world as an important tourist destination.
The year 2009 saw the road expanding and it now leads from Donauwörth passing through Danube, Rain and Thierhaupten and finally it reaches Augsburg. From here you can reach Kissing and Mering to Landsberg am Lech. Later-on, on the 14th of September 2011 few more changes were made to the route. This time it got extended towards Landsberg and Hohenfurch. This connection would then connect with the village road network which is led by B 17. During the month of September the very next year the route connecting Nördlingen and Donauwörth was also changed. Moreover, since the beginning of 2016 more connecting roads which were smaller, were developed, this time connecting Würzburg Holzkirchen, the Wertheimer neighbourhoods Dertingen and Urphar Wertheim.
Travelling from the River Main right up to the gargantuan Alps you will experience the best of German nature, culture and hospitality. Furthermore, you will also realise as to why the Romantic Road is not just any road. The sheer intensity of the mesmerising medieval towns along the road and the near fairy tale like settings of the Neuschwanstein castle – all of these combined provides an overwhelming sensation. The immense amount of European histories and cultures are pervasive throughout the landscape from Würzburg to Füssen. Landscape in general also keeps on varying from one milestone to another – from fertile agricultural lands, forested patches, meadows to almost dramatic mountainous sceneries. You can wine and dine in the various villages and then dive into the caverns of Tauber Valley and Rothenburg. The harmonious confluence of culture and hospitality while travelling through Ries, Lechfeld and Pfaffenwinkel districts to the castles of King Ludwig is more than just changing visual vistas and culinary delights. The polymorphous and generous architectural splendours have a calming effect on the metropolitan minds, rather more delightful than anything else. Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein are the two castles which are renowned all through the world. These castles specifically have been standing in the same regard for centuries in almost a dream like situation.
While traveling on a bike or any other automobile, you will just have to follow the brown sign that act as links for the towns along the road. There is a separate green sign for the cyclists and blue signs for the hikers. It is all about jumping straight onto the Romantic Road and then let it take you on a journey far and wide. The road never disappoints, there is always more to explore and discover than what is already there.
While travelling
Romantic Road has often been described as the real Germany. Laden with medieval towns, marked by half-timbered houses and mesmerising sceneries. It is loosely based on the old trade route of the Roman times which passed through Claudia Augusta. The road ranks top most in tourist attractions in Bavaria.
The road offers 410 kilometres worth of cobblestoned pathways, pillowed countryside, walled towns of Bad Mergentheim, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuehl and Noerdlingen, medieval castles, half-timbered houses, gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces. Every drop of Bavaria is about tradition which is ripened with culture. Germans have managed to meticulously curate their heritage and placed them proudly on display.
There are trains that run on a daily basis to and fro, beginning from the month of April and till the month of October. The rail network connects through most of the major towns and cities along the Romantic Road. Also, tickets can be booked for a period of six months.
Furthermore, between the months of July and October, during the weekends tourists travelling via busses are provided with expert guides who are well equipped to impart knowledgeable narratives and precise information. These tours have been known to be quite insightful and perfect to gain an understanding of the region.
Sights along the Romantic Road
Romantic Road is still regarded as the most popular tourist destination in Germany as per the polls conducted by the German National Tourist Board. Following is a list of some of the most popular sites along the Romantic Road:
- Würzburg
- Tauberbischofsheim
- Lauda-Königshofen
- Bad Mergentheim
- Weikersheim
- Röttingen
- Creglingen
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Schillingsfürst
- Feuchtwangen
- Dinkelsbühl
- Wallerstein
- Nördlingen
- Harburg
- Donauwörth
- Augsburg
- Friedberg
- Kaufering
- Landsberg am Lech
- Hohenfurch
- Schongau
- Peiting
- Rottenbuch
- Wildsteig
- Steingaden and Wieskirche
- Halblech
- Schwangau, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
- Füssen.
Romantic Road has managed to establish the image of Germany in a certain manner, presenting adventurers and travellers with a grand journey and exploration. While on the road, it is highly recommend trying out the locally made Schneeballen which are deep-fried pastries coated with sugar and chocolates.
Today you can also find a Romantic Road app which provides the users with interactive maps, and quick access information about the various sites of Germany. Many tourists have accepted and use the application and are immensely satisfied with the kind of options available at their disposal.