Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE ROMANTIC ROAD
From the vineyards of Würzburg to the foot of the Alps, the almost 400km-long Romantic
Road (Romantische Strasse) draws two million visitors every year, making it by far the
most popular of Germany's holiday routes. This well-trodden trail cuts through a cultural
and historical cross-section of southern Germany as it traverses Franconia and clips Baden-
Württemberg in the north before plunging into Bavaria proper to end at Ludwig II's crazy
castles. Expect lots of Japanese signs and menus, tourist coaches and kitsch galore, but also
a fair wedge of
Gemütlichkeit
and geniune hospitality from those who earn their living on
this most romantic of routes.
Information
The Romantic Road runs north-south through western Bavaria, covering 385km between
Würzburg and Füssen near the Austrian border. It passes through more than two dozen cit-
ies and towns, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Augsburg.
Getting There & Away
Though Frankfurt is the most popular gateway for the Romantic Road, Munich is a good
choice as well, especially if you decide to take the bus.
With its gentle gradients and bucolic flavour between towns, the Romantic Road is ideal
for the holidaying cyclist. Bikes can be hired at many train stations; tourist offices keep
lists of bicycle-friendly hotels that permit storage, or check out
Bett und Bike
(
www.bettundbike.de
)
predeparture.
Direct trains run from Munich to Füssen (€24, two hours) at the southern end of the Ro-
mantic Road every two hours, more often if you change in Buchloe. Rothenburg is linked
by train to Würzburg (€12.20, one hour), Munich (from €37.30, three hours), Augsburg
(€29.70, 2½ hours) and Nuremberg (€18, 1¼ to two hours), with at least one change needed
in Steinach to reach any destination.
Getting Around
It is possible to do this route using train connections and local buses, but the going is com-
plicated, tedious and slow, especially at weekends. The ideal way to travel is by car, though
many foreign travellers prefer to take Deutsche Touring's
Europabus
( 069-790 3230;
