Welcome to Germany’s Most Beautiful Holiday Route – the Romantic Road

Whether history, art or nature – all tastes are catered for along its course between the Main river and the Alps.

History you can see and taste

Culture enthusiasts cannot fail to be awed by the sheer cornucopia of attractions from various periods. A visit to the mediaeval town of Nördlingen, situated at the centre of the Nördlinger Ries crater, formed when a meteorite struck the Alps 15 million years ago, is a must. A great number of lovingly restored, splendid houses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are just waiting to be discovered in this small, historic town. Another highlight is situated at the foot of the Alps: Füssen in the Allgäu region. A worthwhile trip is a visit to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings in nearby Hohenschwangau to discover all there is to know about the aristocratic Wittelsbach dynasty. After that, journey up into the mountains to admire Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s famous and imposing fairy tale castle. The Romantic Road also has a number of culinary delights to offer. Each of the regions the Romantic Road crosses, Franconia, Baden, Swabia and the Allgäu, relies almost exclusively on local produce for its typical regional specialities. Franconia’s numerous fish ponds are home to tasty carp, served in the form of crunchy deboned filets or as a smoked fish mousse. Dairy and cheese products such as Obatzter, a savoury cheese spread, and Kässpätzle, delicious cheese noodles, as well as hearty meat dishes such as, for example, the famous Schäufele, roast should of pork, are just some of the local specialities. They are usually served with wine grown in Bad Mergentheim. Wine has been grown in and around this small town in the Taubertal valley, picturesquely located on the banks of the river Tauber, for centuries. The wine growers’ creations typically come in a bulbous bottle called a Bocksbeutel, and are best tasted at a traditional wine tasting. Experience the town’s famous hospitality in its cosy Weinstuben wine bars and rustic Besenwirtschaften taverns.

A piece of Bavaria to take home with you

The mediaeval town of Rothenburg lies a few kilometres further along the Tauber river. This is where you could enjoy Franconian “Schneeballen” – snowballs – for desert, so to speak, perfectly round shortbread pastry balls topped with icing sugar or chocolate icing that are also a perfect present for loved ones at home. Another much appreciated souvenir from Rothenburg ob der Tauber are the traditional Christmas decorations sold in the lovingly decorated Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, a specialist for Christmas items. On this occasion, why not also visit the Christmas Museum, which is open all year round.