Discover historic castles, picturesque towns and medieval charm along Germany’s ‘Romantic Road’

The ‘Romantic Road’ is Germany’s best known and most popular tourist route. In medieval times it used to be a trade route which connected the centre of Germany with the South.

Today it covers 350km, meandering along idyllic villages and impressive cultural landscapes, taking you from Füssen, across Augsburg, Donauwörth, Dinkelsbühl, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and finally to Würzburg.

Füssen

As you approach Füssen, you will immediately be captivated by the view of the castles. The Neuschwanstein and the Hohenschwangau are incredible structures nestled in the mountains, and provide a picture-postcard scene with the Bavarian countryside as the backdrop. To the south west, the deep blue sea waters make their winding way through the Alps and the thick green of the woods, making for an idyllic landscape to marvel at. Discover this fairy-tale world and stay at Hostel Füssen, the perfect base for exploring this enchanting place.

Augsburg

About 100km north of Füssen you can immerse yourself in the historical streets of Augsburg. The third oldest city in Germany, it will seduce you with its cosy cafés, bars and colourful city life. Spend an afternoon in the Augsburg Puppet Theatre, visit The Brecht House, birthplace of the poet and writer Bertolt Brecht, or the Mozarthaus, birthplace of Leopold Mozart. Augsburg also offers a special treat in the winter as its home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in Germany. For the ideal starting point for exploring the city, stay at Hostel Augsburg, just a 5 minute walk from the centre.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Travelling north you will pass the medieval towns of Donauwörth and Dinkelsbühl, before you enter a truly historical jewel: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Unlike any other city, it’s truly medieval and has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. Think imposing city walls, gates leading into the city complete with guard towers, cobbled streets and old half-timbered houses. Another unique feature of Rothenburg is that Christmas can be experienced all year long! Shops and museums will entice you from January to December with treats and tinsel. To experience all this medieval majesty, stay at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber hostel.

Würzburg

Located by the river Main, this university city will seduce you with its Frankish wines and unique charm. Würzburg has a wealth of art and culture including many free and private theatres, and is home to the largest African Festival in Europe. Stay at the Würzburg hostel, a unique hostel housed in the old women’s prison of the city. Hostelling International offers hostels throughout Germany - check out our Germany page for a full list of hostels and make your booking today!

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