The long way there
The Romantische Straße stretches 460 kilometers through Bavaria, connecting medieval walled towns, baroque churches, and fairy-tale castles. This is quintessential Germany, from the wine country of Franconia to the Alpine foothills, passing through towns that seem frozen in time with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
Where to pull over
Neuschwanstein Castle
The inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Perfectly preserved medieval walled town
Dinkelsbühl
Colorful half-timbered houses and town walls
Würzburg Residenz
UNESCO-listed baroque palace with stunning gardens
Wieskirche
Rococo pilgrimage church in an alpine meadow
Traveler tips
- 1
Visit Christmas markets in late November-December
- 2
Try local Franconian wine in northern sections
- 3
Book Neuschwanstein tickets online in advance
- 4
Stay in family-run guesthouses for authentic experience
- 5
The Autobahn runs parallel for faster segments