This 260-mile loop through Bavaria’s Romantic Road is a masterclass in scenic driving, best savoured over 3–4 days between May and October.
Spring brings wildflowers and crisp air, summer offers castle visits and café culture, while early autumn adds golden foliage and fewer crowds – ideal for slow travel with soul.
Start in Würzburg, a baroque gem nestled among Franconian vineyards. Tour the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence, sip Silvaner on the Alte Mainbrücke, and wander the Marienberg Fortress for panoramic views. The city’s wine taverns and riverside charm make it a gentle launchpad.
From here, head south to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval showstopper with cobbled lanes, turreted walls and half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Night Watchman’s Tour – a witty, lantern-lit walk through the town’s layered history. The Plönlein corner is pure storybook, and the Christmas Museum adds a quirky twist year-round.
Next, Dinkelsbühl offers a quieter, less-touristed take on medieval splendour. Its intact walls, pastel facades and Gothic St. George’s Minster invite slow strolls and spontaneous photo stops. Grab lunch in a timber-framed inn and soak up the town’s lived-in charm.
Continue south to Füssen, gateway to the Alps and home to Germany’s most iconic castle: Neuschwanstein. Book ahead for tours, or hike to Marienbrücke for the best views. Nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the shimmering Forggensee lake round out the alpine experience. Füssen’s old town, with its frescoed buildings and mountain backdrop, is a fitting finale.
Looping back to Würzburg, consider detours to Nördlingen (a town built inside a meteor crater) or Harburg Castle for extra layers of intrigue. The drive itself is part of the magic – winding through forests, farmland and villages that feel lifted from a Grimm tale.
Accommodation ranges from vineyard guesthouses to castle-view hotels, many offering regional cuisine and local wines. Expect hearty Bavarian fare, from schnitzel and spätzle to apple strudel and beer brewed to purity laws.
Whether you’re chasing castles, cobbles or countryside, this route delivers romance without cliché.