Germany Road Trip Itinerary: Visit Romantic Road & Bavaria
Dreaming of seeing the medieval castles on the hillside of Germany? Or want to travel on the winding roads through the lush forests and the alpine meadows in Germany? Then, you are at the right place. A perfect Germany road trip itinerary allows you to experience all of this and much more. You will get to discover the charming towns that that train travellers often miss out on. Some of the popular destinations comprise the Romantic Road and the breathtaking mountains of the Bavaria.
The freedom to explore the Germany by car opens the doors to many incredible destinations. These include the hidden villages as well as the stunning landscapes. So, pack your bags and get your Germany Tourist Visa from UK. This ultimate road trip itinerary to Germany has everything you need for the perfect vacation!
Best Germany Road Trip Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
1). The Romantic Road Trip Guide
The Romantic Road or the Romantische Straße offers one of the most iconic road trip experiences. This is essentially a 350 kilometre route that stretches from the Würzburg to Füssen in south Germany.
As you travel along this road, you will come across many Medieval towns with the half-timber houses. The road also follows the ancient trading routes through the Bavaria and the Baden-Württemberg.
The entire journey also comprises of the gorgeous landscapes that feel like storybook destinations. There are the rolling hills and the vineyard covered valleys. In addition to this, you can also soak in the distant Alpine views that create the magical scenes.
Did you know? The route gets its name in the 1950s. This is when the tourism officials of the Germany brilliant market the place. However, the charm of this place is around for centuries!
Pro-Tip: Try to take out a minimum of three to four days to authentically experience the Romantic Road. You will need the time to check out the hidden courtyards as well as the fascinating cobblestone streets.
Also see, Is Germany Expensive to Visit? Everything You Should Know
Germany Road Trip Itinerary for Romantic Road
You can start in the baroque Würzburg that boasts the impressive Residence Palace. Experience the 18th century architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then, head over to the medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the crown jewel of the route. After exploring this place, continue to the Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. Both are equally charming and have fewer crowds as well. The road then takes you through the winding Tauber Valley before reaching the Alps!
You can complete your journey at the Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen for a fairy-tale ending. So, when are you booking the Online Germany Schengen visa appointment from UK? Germany is waiting to shower you with impeccable attractions!
a) Must-Visit Fairy-Tale Towns on Germany’s Romantic Road
The Romantic Road features a variety of captivating towns that look like they are frozen in time.
One of the must-visit places that you consider is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It boasts the city walls that stand for centuries. These essentially surround the perfectly preserved medieval buildings. Take some time to walk the ramparts to enjoy the stunning views of the red tile roofs and surrounding countryside. Apart from this, you should also explore the Medieval Crime Museum and St. Jakob’s Church.
The next fairy-tale town that you should consider visiting is the Dinkelsbühl. Travellers usually overlook this fascinating place. However, its charm can literally rival that of the Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The colourful buildings of this town create a fairy-tale setting along the narrow lanes. Then, there is the beautiful St. George’s Church that dominates the skyline with the twin spires!
Each town reveals the rich architectural heritage of the Germany through the different lenses. So, ensure that you are including these popular destinations to your Germany Road Trip Itinerary!
b) Best Castles and Scenic Stops Along the Romantic Road
Your Road Trip holiday in Germany cannot be complete without visiting the fascinating castles.
The Neuschwanstein Castle ranks at the top of the castle list in Germany. You will find this fairy-tale attraction by the King Ludwig II above the Alpine forests. Make sure to book your ticket in advance. Also, try to arrive early or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Then, there is the Würzburg Residence, which is another amazing place to explore. This attraction boasts the splendour or baroque. In addition to this, you can check out the largest ceiling fresco of the Europe here!
2). The Bavaria Road Trip Guide
a) How to Reach Bavaria via Road?
There are many options to reach the Bavaria by the road. This will usually depend on the place where you will start your journey.
If you travelling from the UK to Germany via road, you can take the Channel Tunnel or the Ferry crossings. The complete drive through the France, Belgium and Western Germany usually takes about 10 to 12 hours. Authorities maintain the highways in great condition, which translates to an incredible travel experience.
If you are flying into the Germany, then, you should land at the Frankfurt or the Munich airport. Here, you will come across the excellent rental car facilities.
From Frankfurt, you can reach the borders of Bavaria is around two hours. Majority of the autobahns connect all the significant Germany cities to the Bavaria. Look for the A3, A7, and A9 highways as the primary routes.
Regardless of which route you take, you will always find clear signage for a hassle-free travel. Just plan your Germany Road Trip Itinerary properly for a great road trip holiday!
b) Where to stay on a Bavaria road trip: Hotels & accommodations
During the roadtrip, you can choose to stay in hotels or accommodations at notable destinations.
- Munich – Here, there are some great options like the Holiday Inn Munich and 25 hours Hotel Munchen The Royal Bavarian. Then, there is the Premier Inn Munchen City Zentrum. All of these offer comfortable stays and some are even budget-friendly too!
- Fussen – One hotel that you should consider staying in, is the Hotel Das Rubezahl. This is essentially a luxury boutique hotel which offers the stunning Alpine views!
- Berchtesgaden – A highly recommended hotel in this place is the Hotel Krone. The location of the accommodation is quite and it also features the private balconies.
- Nuremberg – Here, you can plan to stay at the Hotel Motel One Nurnber-Hauptbahnhof. The location is convenient and close to the main train station!
- Lower Bavaria – Try to book your stay at the Hotel Zur Isar. This is well-related and independent hotel near the city centre.
So, if you are thinking about where to stay in Germany during the Road Trip, these locations will offer a comfortable stay experience.
c) Top Places to Visit in Bavaria during Road Trip
The Bavaria features a variety of attractions that you must thoughtfully include in your Germany Road Trip Itinerary. This incredible place requires you to take around two days to explore the very best.
The first place to head over to is the Marienplatz. It is popular for the Glockenspiel which captures the charm of the Bavaria perfectly. The city boasts numerous famous museums that are home to the world-class art and historical collections.
Next up is the Bavarian Alps, which rewards drivers with the breathtaking scenery and the outdoor adventures. Head over to the Eagle’s Nest near the Berchtesgaden. Here, you can soak in the panoramic views from the former retreat of the Hitler.
Another nearby destination is the Königssee. Here, you will come across the crystal-clear waters which surround the towering walls of the mountain. You can take the electric boat to the St. Bartholomä Church, where you can enjoy the classic postcard views of the Bavaria.
Then, there is the Regensburg which is popular for its medieval architecture along the Danube river. This place has a beautiful stone bridge that dates all the way back to the 12th century. The town is popular for its winding streets which reveal the ancient Roman remnants that are below the medieval buildings.
So, what are you waiting for? Connect with best Germany visa agents in UK for hassle-free trip to Germany!
What is the Best Time of Year to do a Road trip in Germany?
The ideal time to plan your Germany road trip itinerary usually depends on your travel preferences.
However, if you are looking for the comfortable temperatures and the blooming landscapes, then visit during the Spring season. This includes the months of May and June. The tourist crowds remain quite manageable before the peak summer season.
Summer i.e., July and August, is essentially the peak tourist season of the Germany. The time is perfect for swimming in the lakes of the Bavaria, thanks to the warm weather. The Alpine roads are open fully, which allows you to easily access the highest scenic passes. But, many of the popular destinations will have a lot of people. Also, the prices of the accommodations reach the highest during this season!
Early Autumn which includes the September & October is a great time for the road trip. During this season, you will find the most pleasant conditions for the driving. Temperatures are usually mild while the summer crowds are significantly less. The foliage of the falls transforms the forests into the gold and crimson displays!
Then comes the Winter season i.e., December to February. This is the time, when you can experience the Christmas markets and the snow covered landscapes. The Neuschwanstein Castle becomes a fairy-tale attraction. But, on the flipside, the alpine roads may close. Also, the daylight hours will shorten considerably. In addition to this, you will need to carefully plan because you will need the appropriate tires. Simply apply online Germany visa from UK to make your German Road Trip dream a reality!
Best Stops on a Germany Road Trip – Popular Places to Explore
Apart from Bavaria and the Romantic Road, there are many other include places that you can explore during Road Trip in Germany.
The first destination that you can head over to, is the Berlin. The capital city, world-class museums and the charming attractions offer many experiences for the visitors.
You can also plan to travel to the Black Forest region. This place is popular for its winding roads that pass through the mystical woodlands. Here, you can check out the traditional cuckoo clock villages that nestle between the dark pine forests.
Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Germany
Renting a car in the Germany is quite easy, however, you will need to consider some things. Many of the international rental agencies operate at all the airports and the city centres.
Try to always book in advance to get the better rates and vehicles. Also, consider picking and returning at the same location to avoid the one-way fees. The manual transmission vehicles come as standard unless you opt for the automatic. On the other hand, the automatic cars are expensive and require the advance reservation.
Most of the rental companies need the person driving the car to be around 21 years old. As for the German rental cars, they come with the excellent GPS navigation systems. However, try to download the offline maps for the remote areas. Consider renting from the German companies like the Sixt, to get the better rates.
While getting the insurance for the car, do not just go for the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). Instead, opt for an additional or comprehensive insurance for the peace of mind.
Smaller cars will help you to easily navigate the tight parking and the medieval towns. On the other hand, the larger cars provide you with more comfort for the extended driving days.
1. Driving Tips for Germany Road Trips
Understanding the German road rules will ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
When it comes to the autobahs, there are no speed limits in the rural sections. However, many of the sections post limits that the authorities strictly enforce.
The right lane is for driving and the left lane is for passing. Return to the right immediately after passing the other vehicles. If you fail to follow this, it can result in the fines.
German drivers usually maintain the greater following distances. Try to avoid tailgating the other vehicles. If you are navigating a city, always look for the signs. If you are entering an environmental zone, it will require a special windshield sticker. Most of the rental cars have this!
2. Bag Packing Tips for Germany Road Trip
You need to pack strategically to ensure the maximum comfort while following your Germany Road Trip Itinerary.
Make sure to keep the layered clothes as they will help you adjust to the variable climate of Germany. Temperatures can change significantly between the morning and the afternoon hours.
If you are visiting the Alpine regions, then, you must wear the warmer clothes, even in the summer. You must also carry a pair of comfortable walking shoes. These will help you to easily explore the cobblestone streets of the Germany. If possible, pack waterproof clothes for the rainy days. Consider packing a cooler bag to enjoy the roadside picnic.
Conclusion
A Germany Road Trip delivers the unforgettable experiences through the fairytale landscapes and the historic treasures. Whether it is the charm of the Romantic Road or the alpine majesty of Bavaria, each mile reveals the new wonders. The freedom that you get when you travel at your own pace makes the driving ideal for the diverse regions of the Germany.
With a carefully curated Germany road trip itinerary, experience the famous highlights of the Germany. The well-maintained roads and the excellent infrastructure make the driving a pleasurable and hassle-free experience .
So, why hold yourself back any longer? Apply for Germany Schengen Visa from UK now. Go on a memorable road trip across the Germany!
FAQs
The Romantic Road stretches approximately 350 kilometres from the Würzburg to Füssen. If you drive straight, it would take around 5 to 6 hours.
If you hold a UK-issued driving license, you can drive in Germany without an international driving permit. If you do not, then you may need to get the international driving permit.
Germany does not charge any tools for the passenger cars on the roads including the autobahns. So, if you are renting a car, you can freely travel throughout the Germany without the tool charges.
Major roads in the Germany have the emergency telephones marked with the orange posts every 1.5-2 kilometres. German breakdown services like the ADAC provide excellent roadside assistance.
The historic town centres often have the limited parking options, which can be challenging. Always try to look for parking garages (Parkhaus) or designated parking areas (Parkplatz) near the town edges. Hotels also offer the parking facilities at an additional fees.
