Thinking of traveling Romantic Road with kids? We’ve done it and now we’re excited to share all of your best travel tips with you! If you’re looking for an unforgettable family road trip, traveling the Romantic Road in Germany should be on your list! This famous route stretches for over 350 kilometers and takes you through charming medieval towns, picturesque countryside, and stunning castles. Here’s a guide to help you plan the ultimate family road trip on the Romantic Road.
What and Where is Romantic Road?
The Romantic Road is a scenic route in Germany that stretches for 350 kilometers (220 miles) between Würzburg and Füssen in Bavaria. The route follows the Romantic era of Bavarian history through some of its most beautiful towns, castles, and countryside in Germany.
Along the route you’ll find plenty of attractions, like charming small towns, majestic castles, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
@mrsblinks I was surprised the girls liked visiting the palace as much as they did #familytravel #travelingwithkids #learnontiktok #wurzburg ♬ Married Life – From "Up" – The London Film Score Orchestra
The Best Way to See Romantic Road
We rented a car to explore Romantic Road on our own and we think that’s the best option. Your other option is a guided tour by bus. The guided tours make all the same stops, but you’ll be restricted to a certain amount of time in each area. If you do a self-guided tour in a rental car, you have the freedom to stay or leave whenever you choose. Plus, traveling with kids is much easier when you do it on your own instead of trying to keep up with a preset schedule that is controlled by someone else.
How Much Time Do You Need to Travel Romantic Road?
We did the trip in a quick four days, but we suggest giving yourself no less than five days. Ideally, for the best possible experience, we recommend a 7 day road trip on Romantic Road. For that reason, we put together the perfect 7 day road trip itinerary for you!
Things You Should Know Before You Go:
If you’re traveling with kids, you want to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some of my best tips for a family road trip down the Romantic Road in Germany:
Plan your trip in advance:
Our adventures on Romantic Road were kind of spur of the moment. There are some things I wish we would have planned more carefully. For instance, when we visited Neuschwanstein Castle, our whole purpose for setting out on Romantic Road to begin with, we didn’t have tickets to go inside the castle. That was a disappointment for our girls, so if I had it to do over again, I would plan ahead for that. Research the different towns and attractions along the Romantic Road and make yourself a flexible itinerary. That way you can maximize your time and make sure that you don’t miss any must-see destinations.
Rent a comfortable and spacious car:
Rent a car that fits your family and your budget. This might take some extra time and attention to find the right fit, but having a spacious car makes traveling as a family so much more enjoyable!
Pack appropriately:
Pack for the weather and activities you plan on doing. We backpacked through Europe for 30 whole days with just one backpack each, so we had to be very strategic with our packing. It’s always best to pack layers. Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so you’ll want to be able to add or remove layers as needed. Don’t forget to bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids.
Stop and explore the towns along the way:
One of the best things about renting a car and heading out on a road trip is the opportunity to explore new places along the way. That’s why I recommend a flexible itinerary. That way you can either stop in more places or stay in some places longer than you thought you would. We stayed in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber twice as long as we planned because we loved it so much! The Romantic Road is full of charming towns, and it’s worth stopping to explore them.
Visit the Castles:
Germany is famous for its castles, and the Romantic Road has no shortage of them. Our whole road trip on Romantic Road revolved around visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Other castles you definitely want to see are Hohenschwangau Castle and Würzburg Residence.
Take breaks:
Long drives can be tiring and tough for kids, so make sure to take regular breaks. There are plenty of rest stops along the Romantic Road, and many of them have scenic views or playgrounds for children to stretch their legs. Stay overnight in some of the towns and take the time to really enjoy the tradition and culture you find in each town.
Embrace the culture:
Germany has a rich culture that is so cozy and enjoyable! Try the local food, attend a festival or market, and learn about the country’s history. Each town has its own unique history that is actually really interesting to learn about.
Be flexible:
Even with the best planning, unexpected things can happen on a road trip. The day we visited Neuschwanstein Castle was one of those days that there was just thing after the other hitting us! The next day, our girls told us it was the best day ever. So remember to be present in the moment and just embrace the unexpected. Be flexible and open to changing your plans if necessary. Remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
7 Day Itinerary on The Romantic Road
Day 1: Würzburg
Start your journey in Würzburg, a beautiful city on the banks of the Main River. Explore the Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to gorgeous gardens and architecture. Take a stroll through the charming Old Town, visit the Würzburg Cathedral, and enjoy a glass of Franconian wine in a local tavern.
Next, head to the Marienberg Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Main River. For a fun family activity, take a boat tour along the river and enjoy the scenery.
Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval town that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time and walking through a storybook. It’s one of Germany’s best preserved medieval towns and one of three that still have its town walls.
Visit the town’s iconic sights, including the town hall, St. Jakob’s Church, and the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum. Check out the incredible toy store and the Christmas shops that are open year round.
Day 3: Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen
Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen are two more medieval towns that are well worth a visit. Dinkelsbühl is famous for its beautifully preserved timber-framed houses and impressive city walls. In Nördlingen, you can walk around the circular city wall and enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Kids will love a boat ride across the lake at the picturesque Röckendorf Water Park in Dinkelsbühl or learning about the impact of the meteorite that hit the area millions of years ago at the Nördlinger Ries Meteorite Observatory.
Day 4: Augsburg
Augsburg is one of the largest cities on the Romantic Road with a rich history and so much to do! Visit the Augsburg Cathedral, the the Augsburg Toy Museum, and spend some time at Marienplatz, the city center of Augsburg. Definitely try some traditional Bavarian cuisine in one of Augsburg’s many restaurants.
Day 5: Landsberg am Lech and the Pfaffenwinkel region
Landsberg am Lech is a charming town on the banks of the Lech River. This picturesque old town has beautiful colorful houses and so much culture to take in. Explore the Pfaffenwinkel region, which is known for its beautiful churches and monasteries.
Kids will love taking a horse-carriage ride around the Lech Valley or riding the miniature train at the Schongau Zoo.
Day 6: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
No visit to the Romantic Road would be complete without a visit to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Take a horse drawn carriage ride up to the castle or a 40 minute walk up hill and take a guide tour of the castle once you reach the top.
Hohenschwangau Castle, located nearby, is also worth a visit for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Day 7: Füssen
End your journey in the charming town of Füssen, which is known for its pretty streets, cozy cafés, and scenic location at the foot of the Alps. Explore Schlosskopf Park, take a Ride on the Romerhof Carousel, and enjoy the Playground at Hofgarten Park.
Explore the town’s historic center, visit the St. Mang’s Basilica, and take a walk along the Lech River. If you have time, be sure to head up to the nearby Tegelberg mountain for some breathtaking views of the Alps.
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