An unforgettable 7-day road trip along the Romantic street in Germany – with a stage plan, map, personal tips, and hotel recommendations. On the road along Germany's most famous holiday route – a journey between Würzburg and Füssen, with cobblestone streets and Alpine panoramas.
Why a road trip on the Romantic Road?
The Romantic Road is one of Germany's most famous holiday routes – and for good reason. Spanning approximately 350 kilometers, it connects Franconian wine with Bavarian royal castles, medieval old towns with clear lakes, and cobblestone streets with Alpine panoramas. For us, this road trip was more than just a scenic vacation: It was a road trip along the Romantic Road, with memories of family visits, familiar places, but also new impressions.
For us, 7 days proved to be the perfect length of time to experience the route in a relaxed manner – with enough time for breaks, detours, tours of the old town and personal encounters.
Romantic Road Road Trip – Map & Route
The route on our road trip along the Romantic Road led from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south – through tranquil landscapes, historic towns, and cities steeped in history. The route is well-developed, also suitable for campers, and can be adapted flexibly.
🗺️ Length: approx. 350 km
🚗 Duration: ideally 7 days
📍 Stages: Würzburg – Rothenburg – Dinkelsbühl – Nördlingen – Augsburg – Füssen
Day-by-day stages: 7-day road trip on the Romantic Road
Day 1: Würzburg – Baroque city on the Main
Our road trip on the Romantic Road began in Würzburg – a city with a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. Drinking a glass of Silvaner on the Old Main Bridge in the evening while enjoying the view of Marienberg Fortress – a great start.
Highlights:
- Würzburg Residence (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Old Town and Main Riverbank
- Wine tasting at a local winery
Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Cobblestones & Towers
We continued on to Rothenburg, one of the most famous stops on the Romantic Road. Despite its many visitors, the town has retained its medieval charm—especially in the early morning or evening.
Highlights:
- Walk along the city wall
- Plönlein
- Local specialty: snowballs
➡️ To the hotel guide: Hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road
Day 3: Dinkelsbühl & Nördlingen – Cities with character
Dinkelsbuhl surprised us above all with its quiet atmosphere – historic houses, a closed cityscape, many details that you discover while strolling.
Nördlingen lies in a meteorite crater and is completely surrounded by a walkable city wall. The climb up "Daniel," the tower of St. George's Church, is also worthwhile – if only for the view.
Day 4: Augsburg – History meets family visit
In Augsburg, milestones became personal memories: visits to family, walks through streets we already knew – but this time with different eyes.
Things to see on your road trip on the Romantic Road:
- Fuggerei – oldest social housing estate in the world
- Golden Hall in the Town Hall
- Small restaurants around the Perlachberg
Day 5: Landsberg am Lech → Füssen – Alps in sight
The transition from the Swabian hills to the Alpine region begins behind Landsberg. Arriving in Füssen, we were particularly impressed by its location—surrounded by mountains and lakes, compact yet easily accessible.
Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle – a classic with perspective
We set off early to avoid the crowds. The climb is short but steep. The view of the valley and the Alpsee makes up for much. The castle is certainly busy inside, but the tour is still informative.
Our advice:
Circular hike around the Alpsee – less busy, good view of Hohenschwangau Castle and the surrounding countryside
Day 7: Füssen – End with a view of the mountains
On the last day, we finally took it easy. Breakfast, a stroll through the old town, and a view of the Alps. The perfect conclusion to a road trip on the Romantic Road, which impresses with its diversity – both in terms of urban development and landscape.
Practical tips for your road trip on the Romantic Road
🕓 Travel time for a road trip on the Romantic Road:
7 days is ideal – with room for spontaneous stops and breaks.
🗓️ Best time to travel for a road trip on the Romantic Road:
Spring to fall. Especially beautiful: May/June or late summer.
🏨 Accommodation:
Small hotels and guesthouses located directly in the old towns offer atmosphere and short distances. Füssen also offers good hotels with mountain views.
➡️ To the guide: Hotels on the Romantic Road, Bavaria's most beautiful route
🎟️ Reservations:
Neuschwanstein Castle: Book tickets online in advance
City tours (e.g. in Augsburg or Rothenburg): recommended in high season
🚐 On the road with the camper on a road trip along the Romantic Road:
Almost all stopover locations offer good parking spaces. City centers are usually within walking distance.
🧳 Packing list (selection):
- Comfortable shoes (Old towns = cobblestones)
- Raincover
- Small change for parking machines as well as for city walls
- camera and power bank
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about a road trip on the Romantic Road
Can you also drive the route with a camper?
Yes, a road trip along the Romantic Road is also suitable for campers. Many places offer parking spaces, especially during the off-season.
Is it very touristy?
At hotspots like Neuschwanstein or Rothenburg, yes – but with good planning (early times, off-season) you can also experience the places in peace.
Is it worth visiting in winter?
Partly. Rothenburg, like Augsburg, is atmospheric at Christmas time. However, summer or fall are better suited for the entire Romantic Road road trip.
What alternative routes are there?
If you like similar road trips, you should check out the German Alpine Road or the Castle Road.
Conclusion: 7-day road trip on the Romantic Road
For us, the road trip on the Romantic Road was not only a leap through different landscapes and eras, but also a look back at personal stories – and at the same time a look ahead to new ones.
The Romantic Road isn't a secret route, but it still offers plenty of room for individual experiences. Those who take their time on a Romantic Road road trip, choose their stops carefully, and venture off the beaten track, will discover many facets on this journey—not spectacular in the sense of superlatives, but down-to-earth, steeped in history, and diverse.
More things to know
- Beautiful hiking trails in southern Germany
- The most beautiful hiking trails in Northern Germany
- Road trip Canada
Source: Romantic Road Road Trip: our own on-site research. We traveled partly on press trips for our research, and partly we financed the research ourselves. Our opinions always remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Wikimedia Commons
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
