Ultimate Guide to Germany’s Romantic Road

I had a chance to visit Germany with my family in Oct 2018 and we had a fantastic time on our road trip across the country on what is known as the Romantic Road. On this itinerary, discover Munich and the charm of historic towns along the Romantic Road with the majestic beauty of the Bavarian Alps. Explore fairytale-like gardens, majestic fortresses, and meandering streets steeped in history. It offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and breathtaking views, providing an unforgettable Bavarian experience.

Munich -> Füssen -> Augsburg -> Rothenburg ob der Tauber -> Würzburg -> Mainz -> Frankfurt

Munich

Day 1: Marienplatz and Surroundings

• Morning:
  • Start your day at Marienplatz, exploring the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus and the charming Altes Rathaus. Don’t miss the Toy Museum inside the Old Town Hall. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
  • Climb St. Peter’s Church for a panoramic view of Munich, Frauenkirche, and, on a clear day, the Alps. The 306-step journey is worth it!
  • Visit Glockenspiel Cafe, right across from Neues Rathaus. Time your visit for 11 am or 12 pm to witness the dancing cuckoo clock figures.
  • Head to Viktualienmarkt with some 100 market stalls and a huge beer garden for a delightful food market experience.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Residenz Museum from 10 am to 5 pm. Take the free guided tour starting at Grotto Court, featuring the beautiful Perseus Fountain.
• Early Evening:
  • Head to Englischer Garten and enjoy a stroll around the lake Kleinhesseloher See and Monopteros (small Greek temple). You can also watch some surfers riding artificial waves at Prinzregentenstrasse.

Day 2: Nymphenburg Palace and Olympia Park

• Morning:
  • Journey to Schloss Nymphenburg Palace. Discover the historical splendor from 9 am to 6 pm (or 10 am to 4 pm after October 15).
• Afternoon:
  • Head to Olympia Park and visit the Olympic Tower for a stunning view of Munich and the Alps. Consider exploring the stadium with a fee or opting for a guided tour.
• Evening:

Day 3: Munich to Füssen

• Morning:
  • Depart Munich and head towards Füssen. Enjoy the scenic drive with views of the Bavarian Alps.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive in Füssen and explore the charming town known for its lakes and Bavarian Alpine landscape.
• Evening:
  • Stroll along the quaint town centre lined with pastel colored buildings, baroque churches, gothic houses, a medieval town wall, and even a town castle. Don’t forget to try some Bavarian delicacies.

Day 4: Fairy Tale Castles

• Morning:
  • Visit Alpsee Lake for a peaceful morning stroll.
  • Visit Hohenschwangau Castle and learn its history on a guided tour.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and go on a guided tour to learn about its history and King Ludwig II. Marvel at its fairy-tale architecture that inspires Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and take in the panoramic views from Marienbrücke. (The bridge was under construction during our visit.) Tip: Purchase tickets at the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau in the village below the castle.
  • Stop for an afternoon coffee and a slice of heavenly Black Forest cake in the castle cafe.
• Evening:
  • Head back to Füssen.

Day 5: Zugspitze Adventure

• Morning:
  • Head to Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany. Ascend to the summit via cable car for breathtaking views of the Bavarian and Tyrolean landscapes.

• Afternoon:
  • Explore the two separate terraces and enjoy the panoramic vistas.
  • Climb to the golden cross for a daring breathtaking experience.
• Evening:
  • Descend from Zugspitze and head back to hotel in Füssen.

Day 6: Füssen to Augsburg

• Morning:
  • Depart Füssen for Augsburg, a city with a rich history and stunning architecture.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Augsburg’s historic sites, such as the Augsburg Cathedral and the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex.
• Evening:
  • Relax and dine in one of Augsburg’s traditional Bavarian restaurants.

Day 7: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Morning:
  • Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most picturesque fairytale-like towns along the Romantic Road.
• Afternoon:
  • Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved medieval buildings, and stop by the Plönlein for the most iconic view.

• Climb the Town Hall tower for panoramic views.

• Evening:
  • Join the famous Night Watchman’s Tour for an enchanting journey through Rothenburg’s history.
  • Visit the German Christmas Museum and get some souvenirs.

Day 8: Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Würzburg

• Morning:
  • Depart Rothenburg and head to Würzburg, home to the stunning Residence Palace of the Prince Bishops.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace.
  • Visit Fortress Marienberg if time permits.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening in Würzburg, perhaps sampling some local Franconian wine.

Day 8: Würzburg to Mainz

• Morning:
  • Drive to Mainz, known as the wine capital of Germany, a vibrant city on the banks of the Rhine River.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Mainz’s historic Old Town, visit the impressive Mainz Cathedral, and stroll along the Rhine promenade.
  • Visit Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest museums of printing in the world, to learn about the history of printing, writing, and books.
• Evening:
  • Conclude your journey with a delicious dinner overlooking the river.

Day 9: Mainz to Frankfurt

• Morning:
  • Depart Mainz and drive to Frankfurt, the financial and cultural hub of Germany.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Medieval Old Town, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Römer and the cathedral. Discover hidden gems and local secrets with the help of friendly, authentic local guides.
  • Head to Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge) for a picturesque view of the Frankfurt skyline and to witness thousands of locks of love.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Frankfurt’s traditional restaurants. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rhine promenade, reminiscing about your journey along the Romantic Road.