Photos of the Romantic Road in Germany

The Romantic Road in Germany is a wonderful scenic drive through Bavaria and leads you from the Franconia wine country to the majestic German Alps and Castle Neuschwanstein.

Take a look at our photo gallery of the Romantic Road, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of medieval towns, historical castles, and the Bavarian countryside in all four seasons.

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Vineyards in the Franconia Wine Region

Escherndorf in front of Nordheim, Mainschleife, loop in the Main River, Mainfranken, Lower Franconia, Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, Europe — Martin Siepmann / Getty Images

The Romantic Road starts in the heart of the Franconia wine-growing region, famous for its excellent wines and gourmet restaurants, colorful wine festivals, and beautiful vineyards.

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The Residence Palace of Würzburg

Wurzburg Residenz — Vold77 / Getty Images

The first highlight along the Romantic Road is Würzburg; the architectural gem of the city is the impressive Residence Palace, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The three-winged palace was completed in 1744; it has over 300 baroque and rococo rooms and boasts the world's largest ceiling fresco.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best preserved medieval town in Germany; take a walk atop the old city wall that encircles the town, or climb to the top of the historic Town Hall for a spectacular view of the region.

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Medieval Town Square

Historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Franconia, Bavaria, Germany — bluejayphoto / Getty Images

The Romantic Road leads you to historical towns with walls, towers, and half-timbered houses; the heart of these towns is their main square, where you can find traditional restaurants and cafés, shops, and open-air markets.

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Hotel Hezelhof

Hotel, Romantic Road — Copyright: Romantische Straße Touristik-AG GbR

You'll find the charming hotel "Hezelhof" in the old town of Dinkelsbühl, which boasts 16 fortified towers, several original city gates, and a complete ring wall.

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Bavarian Countryside

On the Romantic Road, you'll drive alongside clear lakes and rivers, rolling hills, and evergreen forests until you reach the majestic Alps of Germany.

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Church in the Meadow: Wieskirche

Along the Romantic Road, you'll find one of the most beautiful churches in Germany; the pilgrimage church Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow"), close to the little town of Steingaden. The church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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Inside the Church of the Meadow

wieskirche church in bavaria, Germany — Pratchaya / Getty Images

Don't miss to take a look inside the richly decorated Church of the Meadow; it is one of the most beautiful rococo buildings in Europe.

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The Lake "Alpsee"

Alpsee lake — Vikas Gupta / Getty Images

There are many cozy hotels and inns along the Romantic Road; this hotel is right at the lake "Alpsee" in Bavaria, close to the castle Neuschwanstein.
The Romantic Road is the most popular German scenic drive and can get very crowded in summer - how about visiting in winter, when the Bavarian landscape is covered in a fresh blanket of snow?

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