The '''Romantic Road''' ("Romantische Strase" in German) is a popular tourist route through historical towns in southern Germany, from Wurzburg to Fussen.

Cities

  • Wurzburg
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Nordlingen
  • Donauworth
  • Augsburg
  • Fussen
  • Other destinations

    The Romantic Road is intersected by the Castle Road (German: ''Burgstrasse'').

    Understand

    The term "Romantic Road" was first used in around the 1950s in the American-occupied section of Germany. The name was initially known predominantly among American soldiers, who took their families on vacation there. The route is now popular with all nationalities. Signs can nowadays even be seen in Japanese.

    More info can be obtained from the Touristik Arbeitsgemeinschaft Romantische Strasse, Waaggasslein 1, D-91550 Dinkelsbuhl, phone ''+49 9851'' 551387, (info@romantischestrasse.de). [http://www.romantischestrasse.de/?lang=uk]

    Talk

    German is spoken along the Romantic road, though it may be strong on the Schwabish dialect in the region around Donauworth.

    Get in

    Depending on which direction you travel, Frankfurt and Munich make good entry and exit points to the Romantic Road.

    Get around

    The '''Europabus'''[http://www.romantic-road-coach.de/] operates along the Romantischestrasse between April and October. Euro 58.50 is the adult fare one way from Wurzburg to Fussen.

    Those with more time on their hands can travel at a more leisurely pace by '''bicycle''' along the 420-km stretch of road in about ten days. Guided tours are also available to take some of the stress out of the journey—they will take care of your luggage and accommodation, and you can travel in their bus when it rains.

    Most of the destinations along the Romantic Road can also be reached by '''train'''. [http://bann.de]

    See

    The best-known places along the route are Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Baroque city of Wurzburg (a major wine region), Fussen (at the foot of the Alps), Augsburg, and the small but delightful town of Dinkelsbuhl.

    Do

  • Walk around the old town walls, visit the medieval torture museum and buy Christmas decorations in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
  • Visit the cathedral and sample wines in Wurzburg.
  • Visit the Crater Museum near Nordlingen.
  • See the fairy-tale castle of ''Neuschwanstein'' near Fussen.
  • Eat

  • German food
  • Drink

  • German beer. Try the ''Radler'' (beer mixed with lemonade/soda) if you are cycling.
  • Sample wine from the distinctive ''Bocksbeutel'' in Wurzburg.
  • Stay safe

    Observe the road rules.

    Get out

  • Escape to the Alps from Fussen