Top Things to do in Romantic Road
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Things to do in Romantic Road, Romantic Road: The Best Castles
Named by American soldiers during the post-World War II occupation years, the Romantic Road is a 200-mile-plus section of one of Germany's most picturesque highways, stretching from Würzburg in Bavaria's north to Füssen near the Austrian border. Along the route are many favorite tourist towns and attractions, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Augsburg, and Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Bike tours along the route are quite popular, and bus tours are also available.
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1. Schloss Neuschwanstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,562 reviews
Yet another of the eccentric King Ludwig II's magnificently odd architectural creations.
Reviewed By 430chuckd
You will be greeted at the entry to the little tourist shopping area where you will pay about 7 euros to park. From there you will walk to the nearby ticket office and purchase tickets for reserved tour times for one or both castles. This must be done on the day of your visit, and it's a good idea to get there early, since the time slots fill up rapidly and the number of people per slot is limited. Allow two hours between the starts of the tours if you plan to take the bus up to Neuschwanstein rather than walk, three hours if you walk. From the ticket office you will take a short walk uphill through a small shopping area with restaurants, hotel, a bank, gift shops, etc., following the signs to Schloss Hohenschwangau. It's best to see this castle first since it's the closest and the easiest stairway climb up the hillside. After this tour, which is about 40 minutes, walk back down to the nearby bus stop (you won't have trouble finding it) and purchase tickets at 2-1/2 euros each for the ride up the mountain stopping near Schloss Neuschwanstein, about a 10-minute drive and the buses run at 10-minute intervals. Or, you can use the walking trail if you’re in good shape, but it’s rather steep and long (about 40 minutes) and keep in mind that there are a LOT of stairs on the castle tour. The bus will let you off at a point with a very short hike to Mary’s Bridge (highly recommended if you’re not afraid of heights or rickety-feeling bridges), where you will get the best view photo view of the castle. From there walk back down to the bus stop and follow the signs mostly downhill to the castle, about a 10-minute walk. Taking the hiking path down from there after the 40-minute tour is easier than walking back uphill to the bus, since it’s all downhill. If you’re a serious German history buff and want to learn everything (and I mean Everything) about the history of the region, you can buy the museum tickets at the door. Don't miss the Linderhof Palace for jaw-dropping opulence while you're in the area. It's not as big as the castles, but the interior is truly impressive.
2. Fortress Marienberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,216 reviews
This castle, the city's most prominent symbol since the 12th century, includes a museum, restaurant and formal gardens.
Reviewed By lucianonecar - Berlin, Germany
The opportunity to walk up the hill and experience the views, touch the walls, walk through adorned entrance doors, and see other aspects of the fortress from outside was unique. A must-do for those who come to Würzburg.
3. The Residenz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,636 reviews
This palace served as the home for Würzburg's powerful prince-bishops during the Enlightenment and is known for its extravagant artistic design and Baroque architecture.
Reviewed By monideepad - Bangalore District, India
We walked ahead and reached the Würzburg Residence with the Courtyard Gardens and the Residence Square. A very strong representation of the 18th-century Baroque palace architecture, the Würzburg Residence has been listed has World Heritage Site since 1981. As soon as we had stepped in through one of the three monumental gates, we realised that we had indeed saved the best for the last... Once within the Courtyard Gardens, we were appalled by its beauty and wonderstruck to see how thoughtfully it had been planned within the fortifications. Known to be one of the finest Baroque Gardens that Germany can boast of, the Courtyard Garden is made up of three sections, South Garden inside the gate, the East Garden, the and the Nursery The part of the Courtyard Garden or ‘Hofgarten’ close to the Residence or ‘Residenz’ comprises the east part. It is grand and in formal Baroque style with the terraces that create an illusion of spaciousness. As we moved further towards the south end, we noticed a transition in its style towards an English garden, with perfectly trimmed sharply conical 18th Century Yew trees, with sculptures at their base, with mini forests and meadows and an orangery at the far back. Monumental sculptures, statues of Greek Gods, figures, vases, urns decorate the park which has cute white benches. I was particularly smitten by the fountain because of the frozen water around. A small branch was lying on top of the frozen water and it was a spectacular sight. The Nursery is like a rough park. I could not help wondering how lush green and colourful the Courtyard Garden would look when in full bloom. The Courtyard Gardens could be visited free of charge, but for visiting the Residence, one has to take a guided tour. The baroque palace, Würzburg Residence, was built in 1720 at the request of Bishop Johann. The palace is made of yellow sandstone and hence emits a golden glow. I am very fond of palace tours as I am invariably intrigued about its interiors. Photographs were not permitted but I brought back memories of this Franconian Versailles which boasts of grand rooms, more than three hundred in number, spread over three wings; the central main, the north and the south wings. I was mesmerised by the ornately elegant golden and marble church ‘Hofkirche’, which was built for the exclusive use of the prince bishop, the grand, wide staircase, the ceiling decorated with frescoes, the alter decorated with paintings of Tiepolo, the chapel and the Imperial Hall; all of which bear the impressions of Baroque, Rococo or Neoclassical architecture and art. It goes without saying that Residence too was very badly damaged during the World War II, but thankfully, it was eventually restored.
4. Schloss und Schlossgarten Weikersheim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Weikersheim Palace is widely regarded as the most beautiful palace in the Hohenlohe region. And the glorious Baroque garden, with ist colourful cast of statues - including the famous Weikersheim dwarfs - is sure to enchant and delight.
5. Schlosskirche St. Michael
6. Topplerschlosschen
7. Harburg Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 252 reviews
One of the oldest and strongest castles in Southern Germany, Harburg was an important military stronghold during the reign of the Staufer-Kings from 1070 to 1272.
Reviewed By JRK656 - San Diego, United States
You need to pay 3 Euro to get into the courtyard and also a little museum of medal toy soldiers. We then paid an additional 4 Euro each for the tour which I felt was well worth it. This is one of the oldest castles in Germany with a great history and some special features. The wall around the castle had holes to pour hot oil on invaders and wooden round balls with holes that close when ball is turned (I've never seen this in any other castle!!) Our tour guide was great and she loved her job which makes it more enjoyable. This castle is not like Linderhof or Neuschwenstein so don't go expecting that. It is a real castle with real purpose. Historically it will not disappoint and the structure itself is exciting as you walk 12th century walls and rooms.
