The Romantic Road starts in Wurzburg and continues to the mountains, passing through many medieval walled towns from Germany's history.  The route was a major trade route throughout history but the name 'Romantic Road' extends back to just after WWII when the towns of the area got together to figure out what they could do to attract tourism after the war.  By creating the Romantic Road, their hope was that tourists would come to see and experience a part of German history that they would otherwise have overlooked.

If it sounds cold and commercial, you might be right.  It certainly isn't romantic in the 'starry sky and quiet music in the background' school.  However, it is a convenient way to explore some impressive and beautiful countryside.  Especially when you get lost following the many 'Umleitungs' (or Detours) along the way.

 Wurzburg

The northern starting point of the Romantic Road, Wurzburg was home to three generations of Prince-Bishops who designed the city.  Their residence reminded us of Versailles from the outside--though the gardens were much smaller.  

Wurzburg is also the home to a large cathedral which has one of the brightest interiors we have experienced.  Though the interior is impressive, the simple statue of the labor of Christ is perhaps the most memorable for it's power.

Rothenburg

Rothenburg, strategically placed on the Tauber river, was a rich walled town through the 16th century.  The town remained essentially unchanged through the following centuries due to a shift in the local economies that saw the city unable to afford modernizing.  The result today is a perfectly preserved 16th century walled town to admire and enjoy.  (For you folks from Michigan, it's the Frankenmuth of Germany with the largest concentration of Christmas decorations in all of Europe)

We spent two days exploring the city.  We particularly enjoyed walking the walls in evening, looking over the quiet town.  This was one of our favorite parts of our trip.

WeisKirche

Wander around in the farm fields of south central Germany and you are sure to find one of the most outstanding examples of Rocco church styling still in existence, right?  Try it some time and, if you are lucky, you will stumble across WeisKirche.

Sitting in the center of a farm field, WeisKirche was finished in 1754 at the height of Rocco styling.  The exterior is  unassuming and the interior is, well, WOW!

Nordlingen

Nordlingen is a simple little town on the center of the Romantic Road contained within it's ancient walls.  It is one of the few remaining cities where you can walk around the entire city on the top of the walls, enjoying each of the architecturally unique towers.  We arrived on market day and found the statue in the center of town appropriate.

Back to top