While Germany is filled with quaint and picturesque towns, there's a stretch in the south of the country that is punctuated by their most beautiful destinations.
Officially named in 1950, Romantic Road is a 220-mile route that encompasses over 30 storybook towns and castles. The designation came about as the country worked to rebuild their tourism industry after World War II, and highlights some of the most stunning architectural examples that Germany has to offer.
Starting in Würzburg and winding down to Füssen, the route takes travelers through centuries-old villages, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The walled cities of Nördlingen, Dinkelsbühl, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber include classic German attributes, from medieval examples of Bavarian architecture to beautiful cobbled streets. Famous tourist destinations like Neuschwanstein Castle—which Walt Disney used as the inspiration for Cinderella's castle—and the village of Schwangau, add to the list of attractions.
Travelers who embark on the journey should keep their eyes peeled for the brown signs that indicate which towns and castles are a part of the trail, or they can join up with any number of tour operators that run excursions to all, or part of the route. If a solo expedition is more appealing, it's easy to navigate from city to city on your own without joining up with a group.
