Cycling vacation along the Romantic Road

Your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road begins in Füssen, Bavaria's highest town. Set amidst towering mountain peaks, lush Allgäu hills, shimmering lakes, and the Lech River, Füssen offers the perfect introduction to your cycling adventure. Take time to explore the charming old town, with its winding alleys and picturesque streets. Wander to the baroque complex of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang, where you can visit the fascinating museum. Don't miss the High Castl it is renowned for its stunning display of illusionary paintings.

A highlight awaits you at the start of your cycling holiday: within just a few kilometres, you’ll encounter the two world-famous royal castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, nestled in the picturesque Königswinkel region. A visit here allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Bavarian King Ludwig II. 
Continuing your ride along the Lech River, you'll pedal through stunning landscapes before reaching the renowned Wieskirche near Steingaden, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your day concludes in Schongau, where you’ll experience a glimpse of the Middle Ages. The charming old town, surrounded by a well-preserved town wall, offers plenty to explore, including walkable battlements for a truly historical experience.

Leaving Schongau behind, you continue along the Romantic Road through the scenic Pfaffenwinkel region. As you cycle through beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages, take a moment to pause and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain peaks in the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills. Upon reaching your overnight destination in Landsberg am Lech, you'll find plenty to explore. Stroll through the main square, where stately townhouses surround the Marienbrunnen fountain, and admire the town hall’s impressive stucco façade. In the evening, numerous cosy inns invite you to indulge in Upper Bavarian and Swabian delicacies, as Landsberg lies at the crossroads of these two regions. Enjoy your meal!

Your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road begins with a journey through Kaufering am Lech to Königsbrunn. If you choose the longer route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Friedberg, an old Bavarian ducal town. With its grand town hall, medieval fortifications, and the impressive Wittelsbach Castle, there’s plenty to explore. Alternatively, the shorter route allows you more time in Augsburg, the Fugger city. An impressive city where you'll find magnificent Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo architecture side by side. Culture enthusiasts can visit the birthplace of Bertolt Brecht, the Roman Museum, and the Augsburg Puppet Theatre. Augsburg's beer tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, and today, numerous breweries in the old town invite you to relax in their cosy beer gardens.

You bid farewell to Augsburg and initially follow the course of the Lech River. If you choose the shorter route, you’ll cycle along the famous Via Claudia Augusta to your destination for the day. On the longer route, you continue following the Lech River until it merges with the Danube at Marxheim. From there, you cycle along the Danube to Donauwörth, a former Free Imperial City, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Wörnitz rivers. Take a leisurely stroll along Reichsstraße, where historic townhouses line the street. A walk through the impressive Rieder Tor gate leads you to the island of Ried in the Wörnitz, once the heart of old Donauwörth. A visit to the Käthe Kruse Doll Museum, located in the former Capuchin monastery, offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

Today's stage of your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road takes you through the scenic Wörnitz Valley. From a distance, you’ll spot the impressive Harburg Castle, which majestically overlooks the valley. After a rewarding climb, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Continuing on, you cycle through the Nördlinger Ries, a vast area formed by a meteorite impact over 14 million years ago. Nördlingen, located at the heart of the crater, boasts Germany’s only completely preserved town wall, which is walkable. Explore the charming old town, where you’ll be captivated by the magnificent medieval and Renaissance houses that line its streets.

Today's stage begins with a journey through the Nördlinger Ries, where you’ll encounter Wallerstein, home to the imposing Wallerstein Castle. As you continue, step back in time with a visit to Dinkelsbühl, a town that remained unscathed in both world wars, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved late medieval buildings. After an evening stroll through the winding alleyways, passing St. George’s Minster and the historic town hall, you’ll have certainly earned some well-deserved refreshments. Several cosy restaurants await, inviting you to indulge in traditional Franconian delicacies.

Today's stage of your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road truly lives up to its name as Rothenburg ob der Tauber welcomes you to what is arguably the most romantic town in Germany. Your journey takes you first through Feuchtwangen and on to Schillingsfürst, where you’ll find the charming baroque castle of the same name. After exploring the castle, hop back on your bike, as Rothenburg awaits. Wander through its cobbled streets, where lovingly restored half-timbered houses with quaint gables and romantic bay windows create a magical atmosphere. Stroll along the completely preserved medieval town wall, adorned with numerous towers and gates. Don’t miss the historic market square, where the magnificent town hall stands as a striking focal point.

Today, you follow the course of the River Tauber through the picturesque Tauber Valley, which stretches from Rothenburg to Wertheim. Along the way, you will pass through the charming towns of Creglingen and Röttingen, both renowned for their impressive half-timbered houses. If you’re keen to learn more about the region’s wine-growing heritage, a visit to the wine museum at Brattenstein Castle in Röttingen is highly recommended. Continuing on, you will arrive in Weikersheim, where the enchanting old town and the renowned Weikersheim Castle await. Considered one of the most important Renaissance castles in Germany, a visit to this historic site is a must, particularly to admire its nearly intact interior and beautiful castle garden.

Throughout today’s stage, the Tauber River and the surrounding vineyards remain your constant companions. Be sure to enjoy a glass of wine made from the region’s unique grape variety, Tauberschwarz, as you ride along. Your journey takes you to the historic old town of Bad Mergentheim, where you can admire its charming half-timbered houses and the Renaissance-era town hall. Continuing on, you cycle towards your destination, Wertheim, nestled amidst lush, wooded slopes at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. The ruins of Wertheim Castle, perched high above the town, are an irresistible sight and well worth the climb. From the castle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the old town, with its picturesque half-timbered houses, and the stunning river landscape that surrounds it.

After several eventful days, today marks the final stage of your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road. You begin with a short loop along the Main River before leaving it temporarily, only to return to it at the end of the day. As you cycle through the picturesque Aalbach Valley, past meadows and fields, the Marienberg Fortress, the iconic landmark of Würzburg, will appear on the horizon. If your legs still have some energy, a climb up to the fortress is well worth the effort. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Main Valley and the entire city. In the evening, unwind with a delicious Franconian wine at the Brückenschoppen on the Old Main Bridge. Cheers to a memorable journey!

Make the most of your remaining time in Würzburg before your journey home. The stunning episcopal residence, with its beautiful courtyard garden and Residenzplatz square, along with St. Kilian's Cathedral and the charming alleyways of the old town, are all waiting to be explored. If you'd like more time to soak in the sights, we’d be happy to extend your stay with an extra night. Otherwise, it’s time to say farewell. Your cycling holiday along the Romantic Road will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for years to come.