Exploring the Enchanting Roads: A Comprehensive Germany Road Trip Itinerary
It has been 8 years since I have been living in Germany, and I have had the chance to go on many road trips all over the country.
Most visitors to Germany visit Berlin, Hamburg, or Cologne, but the country has so much more to offer. Germany has some seriously stunning natural sites.
Moreover, Germany also has some of the prettiest old towns that look like they came out of a fairy tale. So, a road trip through Germany promises picturesque landscapes, historical wonders, and the charming allure of small towns.
The prettiest spots in Germany are situated in the south of the country, in the state of Bavaria. It’s where the German Alps are situated, so there are lots of natural sites such as lakes, stunning castles perched on hills and romantic sites. That’s where this German road trip itinerary starts.
After exploring South, we will move to the Black Forest region and make our way to the Rhine valley. We will end this Germany road trip in my favourite city in my state with an amazing vibe.
Germany has decent campsites all over the country, so if you are traveling with a van, or a car with a tent, then you don’t need to look for a hotel. Hotels in Germany are expensive. So, just do what the locals do and find campsites to set your base for the night. These campsites usually have more than just the basic amenities. The basics being a bathroom and a parking place. Many of them also have an in-house restaurant, supermarket, play area, etc.
This comprehensive Germany road trip itinerary is your guide to exploring the best of both Southern and Northern Germany, unveiling UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fairytale castles, and the rich history that defines this beautiful country.
Day 1: Munich – Gateway to Bavaria Southern Germany
Munich, Bavaria
Begin your German road trip adventure in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. You can arrive in Munich by road, already in your car or campervan from any of the nearby countries. Or if you land in Munich by air, you can get a rental car here.
Munich is not only known for its beer gardens and lively atmosphere but also serves as a perfect gateway to Southern Germany – the most beautiful part of Germany.
Since you’ve just got one day in Munich, you obviously can’t do everything possible. So, just pick maximum 3-4 things to do in Munich from the below list so that you don’t burn out. After all, tomorrow is the day where you will drive around and visit some more places.
Here’s a list of must-see sights, local vibes, and good food to make the most of it:
- Marienplatz & Glockenspiel: Start at the heart of the city. Watch the Glockenspiel chime at 11 AM if you’re there in time. Explore the city center and stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- St. Peter’s Church: Famous for the panoramic views from the tower.
- Frauenkirche: Alternatively, you can see the iconic twin-domed church nearby, plus great views if you climb the tower.
- Viktualienmarkt: Stroll through this open-air market with fresh produce, local snacks, and beer gardens. Grab a pretzel or Weisswurst breakfast if you’re feeling traditional.
- English Garden (Englischer Garten): One of the biggest city parks in the world. Watch the surfers at the Eisbach wave or just chill with a beer at the Chinese Tower beer garden.
- Lunch at Hofbräuhaus: Tourist-y but iconic, with Bavarian vibes and beer steins the size of your head.
- Residenz Munich: Former royal palace with opulent rooms if you’re into history.
- Art Museums (Pinakothek): If you’re into art, check out one of the Pinakothek galleries – there’s modern, classic, and old master collections.
- Nymphenburg Palace: Stunning baroque palace with beautiful gardens (best for warmer months).
- Sunset at Olympiapark: Great views over the city from the Olympic Tower.
- Dinner at Augustiner Bräustuben: A more local beer hall with great Bavarian food.
- Asamkirche: A tiny, super-ornate Baroque church hidden in plain sight.
Where to Stay in Munich – Camsites & Hotels
Munich has a lot of campsites and you can check out Munich Central Camping, which is top rated. If you are looking for a hotel, then consider this charming and pretty WunderLocke Munich.
Whether you are camping or staying in a hotel, don’t unpack completely because tomorrow you will be driving on the iconic Romantic Road.
Days 2: Romantic Road and the Bavarian Alps
If you’re doing an epic German road trip, then you shouldn’t miss the Romantic Road. It is one of Germany’s most scenic routes, leading you through charming towns and medieval castles. I have already mentioned in my short road trips in Germany post.
Depending on the way you travel, I suggest two options to you. Either you can visit the first two stops and then arrive at Fussen, a town that’s near Neuschwanstein Castle. This way, you can park your van and set up your camp and have a somewhat slow evening after driving to two big spots during the day. I have mentioned a camping area in the section below.
The second option would be for faster travelers. It makes sense if you can arrive in the first stop super early. explore it before the streets get busy, eat breakfast, and move to the second stop. Post lunch, check out another castle called Hohenschwangau Castle, which is close to Neuschwanstein Castle but not as popular. I will leave this stop as optional.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is your first taste of this fairytale-like journey. The well-preserved Old Town, cobblestone streets, and medieval charm make Rothenburg a great place to immerse yourself in German history.
The Altstadt, or the medieval center of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, will make you feel like you are in an old romantic movie, because it is beautifully preserved. This town is tiny, so it is walkable. You can cover the whole town in just 15 minutes on foot.
The most popular spot in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the yellow building next to the clock tower, pictured above. But there’s actually a lot of other things to see here if you have the time.
See the market square (Marktplatz), Plönlein, Church of St. Jacob (St. Jakobskirche), and the Town Wall. Climb on top of the Rathausturm (town hall tower) for a view.
Because of Instagram, the little town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber gets unbelievably crowded during summer, so if you want even half decent pictures then try to arrive here before 9:30 am for the iconic photo of the curved street.
Neuschwanstein Castle
No Germany road trip is complete without a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, the epitome of fairytale architecture. This castle is perhaps the most famous stop of the romantic route.
You can directly drive here and park. Alternatively, you can park your car or van at Füssen, and take the bus or shuttle from there to Hohenschwangau village, where the ticket office is located. I’d pick the first option because I don’t like wasting time.
Neuschwanstein is one of Germany’s most popular attractions, and tickets can sell out quickly. So make sure to reserve tickets online well in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Guided tours are mandatory — there’s no free-roaming inside the castle. Get a skip the line ticket for Neuschwanstein Castle to avoid crazy queues.
The castle is perched on a hill, about 40 minutes on foot from the village (scenic but steep!). Shuttle buses run part of the way up (check their schedule, especially in winter). Horse-drawn carriages are available too, but they only drop you off halfway.
Looking for the best photo spot? Head to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for the postcard-perfect view of the castle — but be prepared for crowds, especially in summer. Go early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer people.
Hohenschwangau Castle (Optional)
Hohenschwangau Castle, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Neuschwanstein, is absolutely worth a visit if you have the time — especially for history lovers! It’s only a 20-minute uphill walk between the two castles — perfect for visiting both on the same day.
If you do decide to visit the Hohenschwangau castle, then look for a combo ticket with Neuschwanstein to save time. Note that guided tours are mandatory, which last about 45 minutes.
Hohenschwangau castle has beautifully preserved 19th-century interiors where King Ludwig II spent much of his youth.
Look out for the Oriental Room and Knight’s Hall. As compared to the Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau offers a more intimate, less touristy experience.
No photos are allowed inside Hohenschwangau castle, but the courtyard and garden terrace offer scenic views of Alpsee Lake.
Honestly, you don’t have to go inside every single castle, instead find a scenic spot that overlooks the Hohenschwangau castle and Alpsee and enjoy the view. If you skip going inside the castles, it would give you plenty of time to hike around and look at these stunning buildings from viewpoints.
Overnight at Füssen
Arrive at Füssen, a pretty small town in Bavaria that’s close to the above two castles. Look for Camping Hopfensee in Füssen, which is a scenic lakeside campground.
Enjoy a slow evening after being on the road all day. Eat a nice meal and perhaps opt for an early night. You have a full day tomorrow to explore Füssen.
Where to stay in Füssen?
Camping Hopfensee: A nice campground that’s located along the lake Hopfensee.
Hotel Restaurant Alatsee: A lovely traditional hotel that’s in front of Lake Alatsee and on the Austrian border.
Ferienhaus Seerose: A holiday apartment with the view of the lake.
Day 3: Explore Füssen
After two days of driving, it makes sense to stay at the same place for two nights so that you can have a breather and explore this gem of a town, Füssen, properly.
Füssen is a beautiful Bavarian town situated at the foothills of the Alps with the river Lech flowing through it. It borders Austria, so you can easily take a quick peek at this nearby country without even making an effort.
Füssen is small, so it’s very walkable. But it is a great idea to rent a bicycle if you want to explore more. If the weather permits, you can catch a glimpse of the Bavarian Alps from Füssen.
Here’s what to do in Füssen:
- See Füssen’s town center and explore the Altstadt (Old Town).
- Walk along the Lech River, visit the High Castle (Hohes Schloss), and admire the colorful buildings.
- Stop for lunch at Restaurant Ritterstuben or Madame Plüsch for traditional Bavarian cuisine.
- If you’re into hiking, there are short trails with breathtaking views around Tegelberg Mountain.
- Take a short walk to Lechfall, a small but picturesque waterfall just outside the town. The surrounding nature is peaceful and offers great photo opportunities.
- Fussen has three lovely lakes – Weissensee (or Weißensee), Lake Hopfensee and Forggensee (which shares its border with the next town). You can cycle to them and admire them if the weather is nice. Or, you could head to Lake Hopfensee or Forggensee for a sunset stroll or lakeside dinner. Vitus Restaurant by Hopfensee offers amazing views.
Now that you have spent an amazing day in Füssen, get back to your room or camping place to rest.
Day 4: Baden-Baden, Black Forest & Lake Constance (Optional)
From Füssen, drive to the Black Forest’s Baden-Baden. An optional stop before Baden-Baden is Lake Constance, situated where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet. Lake Constance is where the Alps meet the shores.
Another option could be to skip Lake Constance entirely and head to Black Forest already. If you decide to visit Lake Constance, then you simply have to reduce the number of stops in the Black Forest.
It is worth noting that the famous Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (German timber frame road) ends near Lake Constance, so you can see a part of it here. I mention this in detail in my short road trips in Germany post under the bonus section.
Lake Constance (Optional)
Lake Constance is divided into three parts – Upper Lake Constance (Obersee), Lower Lake Constance (Untersee) & a connecting part of the Rhine river (Seerhein) – together they are called Lake Constance (Bodensee).
There are many towns along Lake Constance and some of the most famous ones are Friedrichshafen, Konstanz, Meersburg, Lindau and Überlingen – so pick one that makes more sense to you and stop to enjoy the beauty of this stunning lake.
Enjoy a boat trip or a leisurely walk along the lake before driving through the black forest.
Black Forest (Schwarzwald)
Continue your Germany road trip by heading towards the mystical Black Forest. This picturesque region is dotted with dense forests, charming villages, and spa towns like Baden-Baden. Explore the beautiful landscapes, and don’t forget to indulge in a slice of the famous Black Forest cake.
Just like any other destination, if you want to do the Black Forest properly, then one day is not enough. But you can just enjoy the drive to Baden-Baden on the Alsatian or German Motorway, then take Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (B500) for some real Black Forest panoramas, woods, valley, vistas of the Rhine valley on clear days. Stop at Mummelsee.
Baden-Baden
Conclude your day in Baden-Baden, known for its spa culture and historic charm. Spend the rest of your day unwinding in the thermal baths, exploring the city center, and enjoying a relaxing overnight stay.
Where to Stay in Baden-Baden?
Hotel Quellenhof: It’s a charming hotel in Baden-Baden with multiple room types.
TRIBE Baden-Baden: It’s a modern hotel with all amenities and fantastic breakfast.
I couldn’t find any camping spot directly inside Baden-Baden, but a few are outside the city. Check out Camping Müllerwiese and Freizeitcenter Oberrhein.
Day 5: German Wine Route
The German Wine Route or Deutsche Weinstraße is just an 85 kilometer stretch that takes just an hour or a little more to drive through. Yes, it will take more time, as you make many stops on the way, and you should.
From Baden-Baden, you have to drive to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach to start driving on the German wine route. Quaint villages and vineyards line the route, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Schweigen-Rechtenbach to Bockenheim (German Wine Route)
Begin at the German Wine Gate (Deutsches Weintor), marking the southern entrance of the Wine Route. Grab a coffee at Weinstube Braun to fuel up. Below are the suggested stops on the German Wine Route:
- Bad Bergzabern: Explore this spa town with half-timbered houses. Stroll through the Schloss Bad Bergzabern park. Optional: Wine tasting at Weingut Wilker.
- Leinsweiler & Wine Villages: Drive through Leinsweiler, one of the prettiest villages along the route. Stop at Weingut Sankt Annaberg for stunning vineyard views and a glass of Riesling.
- Neustadt an der Weinstraße: Explore the historic Marktplatz. If you want, you can end your German wine road tour here and retire for the night because you will be staying here for the night.
- Lunch at Alte Wache for traditional Pfälzer cuisine and local wine. Optional visit to the Hambach Castle, the birthplace of German democracy, just 10 minutes away.
- Deidesheim: Wander the cobbled streets lined with wineries and half-timbered houses. Wine tasting at Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl. Coffee break at Café König for homemade cakes.
- Wachenheim & Forst: Quick stop at Wachtenburg Castle ruins with panoramic views. Walk through Forst, known for some of the best Rieslings in Germany.
- Bockenheim: Arrive at the northern gateway of the Wine Route. Have dinner at Restaurant Winzergarten with local specialties.
Bockenheim is where the German Wine Route ends (or starts). I’m suggesting some nice places to stay in Neustadt because this town is the best option for sleeping for the night.
Where to Stay on the German Wine Route?
Hotel Tenner: Ditch your campervan for the night to sleep in Hotel Tenner, which is surrounded by vineyards on all the sides.
Ferienwohnungen Anneliese: This is a somewhat affordable place to sleep and it is an entire apartment.
Day 6 & 7: Heidelberg – Riverside Town with Castle
Heidelberg is an adorable small riverside town that reminded me of Prague. It has a stunning baroque castle, historical bridges, little hills where you can hike and an amazing vibe.
I spent 3 days in Heidelberg and I didn’t want to leave because it is super pretty. This is a flexible itinerary, and I recommend you consider this lovely town for a break for more than a day. Ideally, two nights would be perfect here.
I already have a post on my website with things to do in Heidelberg but here’s a quick snapshot:
Schloss Heidelberg: Heidelberg Palace overlooks the old town of the city and is one of the first places that you should visit while you are here. Its architecture is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Philosophenweg (the Philosopher’s Walk): the Philosopher’s Walk goes along the Neckar River and is named so because it was popularized by the Heidelberg University’s professors and philosophers. This path has some of the most amazing views of the Heidelberg Castle and the old town.
- Ride the Heidelberg Bergbahn Funicular (Cable Rail) to Königstuhl-Mountain: this train runs from “Kornmarkt” in the Old Town to Heidelberg Castle and to the Königstuhl.
- Karl Theodor Bridge: Heidelberg’s Karl Theodor Bridge is an 18th-century sandstone bridge, known as Old Bridge. It is located in the northern part of the town. The bridge has Baroque tower helmets and arches.
- Altstadt (the Old Town): Walk around in Heidelberg’s historic heart and walk on the 1.5 km long pedestrian street – Hauptstrasse.
Where to Stay in Heidelberg?
We camped next to the Neckar River and had an amazing experience. This campground is called Camping Heidelberg Fa. Weber, and it was amazing parking our van right next to the Neckar River.
This place is peaceful to stay here because it is away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. Yet, it isn’t too far from the city centre. You can walk for 2 kilometers or get on the bus, which will take you just 7 minutes.
If you are looking for an entire apartment, then check out Hometown-Apartments, which has all the amenities that you would need. You could use your two days in Heidelberg to take a break from sleeping in your van and sleep in a proper room instead.
Day 8: Saarschleife, Burg Eltz, Rhine & Mosel Rivers
Today we will visit two beautiful sites in Germany that can be done together in one day because they aren’t far from each other and you don’t need to spend much time there (unless you’d like to).
The first is a natural site called Saarschleife and the second is an iconic castle, called Burg Eltz, which I think is so much more beautiful than the more famous Neuschwanstein Castle of Bavaria.
Treetop Walk Saarschleife / Cloef
Saarschleife is the great bend in the Saar River between the towns of Mettlach and Merzig in the Saarland state. The forested mountains make the river’s curve stunning when viewed from above.
In order to arrive at Saarschleife, you have to first drive to Mettlach town. You can drive directly to the Observation tower on the Treetop Walk Saarschleife, park your car, and hike to the observation tower. It is called Baumwipfelpfad Saarschleife in German and sometimes also just Cloef.
The treetop observation deck isn’t difficult to climb because the height only rises slowly and almost imperceptibly. The entrance fee of climbing this tower is EUR 12.50, which may seem like a lot, but the view from the top is worth it.
Burg Eltz
So what’s the prettiest castle in Germany? For me it’s not Neuschwanstein Castle but Burg Eltz, a fairytale castle nestled in the hills. It is iconic and if it looks familiar, then it is because it was used as a blueprint for Disney’s Cinderella.
So, on your 8th day of road trip in Germany, you will drive along the scenic Rhine River, where medieval towns and castles adorn the landscape with a stop at Burg Eltz.
When you arrive, park your van or car, and be ready to do an easy hike that goes for a kilometer to Burg Eltz. So make a note to wear comfortable shoes.
Enjoy the scenic walk to the Eltz Castle, which is technically a fortress. This hike gives amazing photo opportunities as you take the last turn where you first glimpse the castle. Take a guided tour to uncover the rich history and stories behind this enchanting fortress.
Whether you decide to go inside or not, you will likely spend 2-3 hours here because the area around the castle is lovely and you can take the steps down from near the castle and sit next to the river.
Enjoy a comparatively slow day and let your nervous system relax as you soak in the beauty of nature. Find a campground or a hotel to stay along the Mosel River near Burg Eltz.
Where to Stay near Burg Eltz
Here are the recommended places to camp or stay near Burg Eltz:
I found three camping spots near Burg Eltz – Camping for Burg Eltz, Häppy Life – Mosel Camping Burgen and Mosel Islands GmbH & Co. KG.
Hotel Moselkern – Hotel Moselkern is also next to the River Mosel and is 2.8 KMs from Burg Eltz. This hotel is pretty convenient for those who are visiting by train because Moselkern Train Station is less than 500 meters away.
Day 9: Rüdesheim am Rheine
On my first visit to Germany, I visited Rüdesheim am Rhein and I couldn’t believe how pretty it was. It is a Riesling vineyard with rolling hills that’s located along the Rhine river. There are viewpoints, wine bars, a castle, old houses and many other interesting things.
Here’s what to do in Rüdesheim am Rheine for an amazing time:
Drosselgasse: is an old cobbled street lined with half-timbered houses, wine taverns, and small boutiques. It’s a famous street of Rüdesheim am Rheine that you shouldn’t miss.
Cable car to the viewpoint Niederwald Monument: Take the scenic cable car ride (or Seilbahn) up to the Niederwald Monument for stunning views of the Rhine Valley. Walk around the forest trails and enjoy the panorama.
Wine Tasting at Georg Breuer Winery: Sample some of the region’s finest Rieslings and learn about the wine-making tradition of the Rheingau.
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet: This is a quirky and fascinating collection of self-playing musical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. I didn’t visit this, but it is highly recommended.
Rhine River Cruise: Take a short boat trip along the Rhine to see medieval castles, vineyards, and scenic villages.
Eat at Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss: Enjoy a hearty meal with local wine in a charming setting with live music on some nights.
Rhine Promenade: Wrap up the day with a peaceful evening walk along the river before heading to your camping place or hotel.
Where to Stay near Rüdesheim am Rhein
Zur Lindenau: This is a very cute family run guest house that’s located in the old town.
Campingplatz am Rhein: This is a riverside camping ground that has all the basic facilities and even a pool.
Day 10: Externsteine in Teutoburg Forest
So it’s your last day of roadtripping in Germany and I’d like to suggest the most stunning natural and historical site that’s in a forest reserve. It is called the Externsteine. It is a Stonehenge-like natural site with rocks that have stood there since the ice age!
It is believed that the Externsteine rocks are 120 million years old. They were laid down during the early Cretaceous era, around 100 million years ago. The pillars look like this today after years of weathering as well as having been modified and decorated by humans.
These rocks are a part of the Teutoburg Forest (Teutoburger Wald in German) forested hills in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state.
Again, this is one of those places where you have to walk for around a kilometer from the parking place, but it’s a nice walk through the forest.
Once you are here, climb on top of the Exterstein structure and see the view from the top. These rocks are connected with a series of steps. The path that goes up is narrow and can be slippery when it rains, so wear the right shoes. The ticket per person to climb up is EUR 3.
You can also hike around the structure, or do a bigger hike in the forest around – many hiking trails are marked. Eventually you can sit along the Wiembecke Pond, and sink in the stunning beauty of this spot.
After you’ve had enough of this spot, you can explore the Teutoburg Forest further or just head back to your resting place.
Where to Stay in Teutoburg Forest
Waldhotel Bärenstein: This hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Externsteine rock formations. It has free private parking and a free spa with pool. It is located in Horn-Bad Meinberg.
Optional Stops on German Road Trip
I made this German road trip itinerary based on my traveling pace and my choice of destinations. But still, I’d like to share some additional spots that you’d want to consider in case you’d like to modify it a little.
Rügen Island on the Baltic Sea
Transition to Germany’s Baltic Sea coastline. Marvel at historic buildings, visit charming cities and take a stroll along the beach. The Baltic Sea provides a tranquil atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the alpine landscapes of the south.
The Baltic Sea area of Germany is also called the German Riviera and is known for stunning beaches. We visited Rügen Island, which is famous for its stunning white cliffs. These chalk cliffs are protected in Jasmund National Park and have been featured in many paintings over the years.
You don’t have to take your car or van on a ferry in order to reach Rügen island because there is a bridge.
Norderney Island in the North Sea
Norderney Island is one of the East Frisian Islands and a part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. I had visited this stunning island and couldn’t believe such white sand beaches exist in Germany.
Apart from the beaches, this island also has a lovely historic town center.
Instead of sandbeds, these islands have “sand baskets” where one can sit and completely close them since it often gets super windy here.
You have to bring your car on a ferry from Norddeich to reach Norderney Island. Norddeich is also a nice destination, but I didn’t like that the sandy part was very little here, and they had grown grass on the other part that was supposed to be originally sandy.
Trier in the Rhine Valley
Another optional spot on this road trip route would be to explore the Rhine Valley’s picturesque towns and vineyards. Visit the iconic Porta Nigra in Trier and take a cable car for panoramic views. Soak in the history of this region.
Tips for a Perfect Road Trip in Germany
Navigating the German Autobahn – Understand the speed limits and regulations, especially in built-up areas. Take advantage of the efficient German Autobahn for smoother travel between destinations.
Car Rentals and Google Maps – Plan ahead for car rentals and use Google Maps for real-time navigation. Germany’s well-maintained roads make it a perfect location for a road trip.
Public Transportation and Parking – In bigger cities, consider using public transportation. When parking, be mindful of street parking and utilize designated lots.
Guided Tours and Walking Tours – Enhance your experience with guided tours, especially in historic cities. Walking tours are a great way to explore narrow streets and city centers.
Best Time to Visit and High Season – Plan your road trip during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Be mindful of the high season in popular destinations.
Conclusion: Embracing the Diversity of Germany
This Germany road trip itinerary offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, historical marvels, and the warmth of charming towns. From fairytale castles to the serene shores of Lake Constance, Germany unfolds its rich history and picturesque landscapes.
So, buckle up, hit the road, and let the enchanting beauty of Germany be your guide on this epic road trip through one of Central Europe’s most captivating countries.
