One Day on Germany’s Romantic Road
Southern Germany’s Romantic Road is a 220-mile scenic byway between Wurzburg and Fussen. The route travels through Bavaria’s rolling hills of vineyards, past medieval towns, and castles. There are too many towns, villages, and sights along the Romantic Road to do it all in one or two days. I was determined to visit the Romantic Road during a visit to Munich and had to make some tough choices. After hours of research, I decided the Harburg Castle and the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are the best stops when planning an itinerary for one day on the Romantic Road.
A DIY day trip to Rothenburg from Munich by train requires a three-hour train ride with 2-3 train changes, check the train schedule on TheTrainline.Com. Renting a car for a DIY trip is a better option. I chose to take a Romantic Road day trip through Tours for Fun that included Harburg Castle and Rothenburg ob der Tauber for less cost than the train ticket. If you have limited PTO, this is a great option.
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Harburg Castle, Germany’s Romantic Road
The first stop on the Romantic Road tour was Harburg Germany in Bavaria. The town of 6000 sits on the Wornitz River and is known for its half-timbered homes, old stone bridge, and well-preserved castle on the hill. Harburg Castle is often listed as a must-see on the Romantic Road. The 11th Century Castle was a military stronghold from 1079-1272. There is a ring wall and 6 towers. The sentry walk has the original ‘eye’ holes that were closed to reload weapons safely. There are also holes in the wall used to pour hot oil down on invaders. The castle complex includes a large courtyard, residences, a sentry walk, a prisoner tower, a dungeon, and a castle with a ballroom used for present-day events.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany, Germany’s Romantic Road
Germany is full of fairytale towns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of them. Rothenburg is well known for its amazing Christmas market. After leaving Harburg Castle we drove through many cute villages on our way to the walled medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We were dropped off at one of the city gates and given an orientation tour before having the afternoon to explore. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is full of half-timbered homes with wooden bay windows and turrets, red rooftop views from the city walls and towers, metal signage, Schneeball pastries, and year-round Christmas. Plan your day in Rothenburg Germany with these things to do, see, and eat.
Photograph Plönlein Corner
Wander old town photographing the half-timbered homes
Watch the mayor drink hourly on the Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower
Video the clock on the Counsel Tavern
Walk the city walls and climb the watchtower for city views
Photograph Gerlachschmiede
Eat Schneeball (snowballs), sugar-coated fried dough
Explore Old Town Hall’s Historical Vaults
Watch the sunset from Castle Garden
Tour the Rothenburg Imperial Castle
Check out Saint Jacob’s Church stained glass windows
Browse the Christmas museum
Take the Night Watchmen tour
Check out the Tauber Bridge
Buy a souvenir from the Teddyland gift shop
Visit the Main Square and Council Tavern
Check out the torture devices at the Medieval Crime Museum
Buy a souvenir ornament at Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village
Eat dinner at To Hell Tavern in a medieval cellar
Walk down Castle Alley
Check out the view from Burggarten Terrace
Relax in a café on Schmiedgasse
Photograph the facade of Rothenburg’s Master Builder’s House (Baumeisterhaus)
Check out the artifacts at the Imperial City Museum
Stop by Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhaus and watch the artisans
Check out Spital Bastion and photograph Gedeckte Brücke
Be sure to check Germany’s Romantic Road website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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