Fairytale cities and castles
In 2015, we found time to set off, even if only for 3 days, along The Romantic Road in Germany.
Perhaps this is one of the most famous short break destinations in Germany. The road is dotted with many towns and villages that look like they've come straight out of a fairy tale.
It can be crossed by car, bicycle, or on foot.
We choose the first option. 😊
The Romantic Road begins in Würzburg and ends in Füssen
Given the limited time, we plan to stop in about 14 locations. And in the spirit of road-tripping, we've decided to spend at least one of our nights in a medieval castle.
Of course, we won't miss the most romantic castle on the way – Neuschwanstein.
The only thing that disappoints me there is that there's no way to take photos the way we see them on postcards. But I manage to swallow this negative aspect of the visit. 😊
I invite you to take a walk with me through the magnetic streets and places with the help of some old photographs. Along the Romantic Road in Germany
We will go through:
From Würzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Würzburg
Würzburg it is the city that houses the episcopal residence – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tauberbischofsheim
Tauberbischofsheim is one of the oldest towns in the Tauber River Valley.
Lauda-Königshofen
Lauda-Königshofen awaits us with around 300 old houses from the 16th to 19th centuries – authentic and well-preserved.
Bad Mergentheim
In Bad Mergentheim, we might meet a knight, though without shining armor!?
The city was the center of the Teutonic Order from 1526 to 1809.
Weikersheim
Weikersheim is known for its magnificent Renaissance palace and its adjoining gardens.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is perhaps the most romantic of the towns along the route.
Once a free imperial city, today it is considered by some to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
Medieval towns and castles along the Romantic Road
Dinkelsbühl
Dinkelsbühl is almost untouched from 400 years ago.
Nördlingen
Nördlingen is located in the center of a meteorite crater. The town is the only one in Germany whose city walls are completely preserved and can be walked around in a full circle.
Harburg
Harburg boasts one of the best-preserved castles in Germany.
Augsburg and Fuggerei
Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is also home to the Fuggerei, the oldest social housing complex in the world.
And to this day, its residents pay an annual rent of 88 cents.
It was created in 1521 by a wealthy local merchant for people who work but barely make ends meet.
Rothenbuch
Rottenbuch is famous for its Augustinian monastery, built about 900 years ago, and its adjacent church.
Whisker
Wieskirche is one of the most famous Rococo churches and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Neuschwanstein - Germany's Fairytale Castle
When you're expecting a princess on the balcony
Neuschwanstein is a beautiful castle, from which we expect a princess to appear at any moment and wave to us with an embroidered handkerchief…
Outside of a romantic context: the palace was commissioned by Bavarian King Ludwig II in honor of Richard Wagner.
Ludwig chooses to pay for the palace from his personal fortune and through large loans, rather than from Bavarian public funds.
Construction began in 1869, but the castle was never fully completed.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Neuschwanstein Castle was visited by about 6,000 people daily!
Zugspitze
Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany – 2962 m.
Did you enjoy The Romantic Road in Germany, Dear reader?
Well, our story finally ends.
There's also a moral, as in every fairy tale: Germany zealously guards and cares for its historical monuments.
Be deeply respectful.
If we have missed moments, the photos are still only 10, open the gallery and flip through them like an old album.
In our medieval romantic gallery… 😊
See more Author Katia Via Tuk
