Germany
(Romantic Road)
Between Wurzburg and Fussen lies a beautiful countryside of castles,
walled cities and medieval villages. The path through this
wonderful region of southern Germany is called Romantic Road, a creation
of German Tourism Industry in 1950. The road is almost entirely in
Bavaria, a unique part of Germany which evokes notions of fairy tales,
Wagnerian Opera and myths. Today, it is quintessential
Germany. A land of beer halls, castles, and yodeling.
Bavaria is largely rural, Catholic and conservative. It is the
larges of Germany's Federated States and is a must visit in any trip to
Germany.
The drive down the Romantic Road takes you to many of the wonderful
towns in Bavaria that one should not miss. This historic and beautiful
drive is 217 miles (350 km) from Wurzburg in the north to Fussen nestled
in the Alps to the south. If you go, do not take the Autobahn,
drive the small highways through the unique villages of this area.
The Road spans a medieval trade route used as far back as Roman
times. Many of the villages you will visit retain their medieval
character through traditional dress, food and some even still have their
walls. |
|
|
Me
in front of our rental car. One must rent a car to see this area
with the most ease. Many of the towns are quite small and are not
easily accessed by train. |
|
A
view of Wurzburg from the Autobahn.
|
|
Troy
driving our rental car. |
|
Troy
in a magnificent baroque cathedral in Wurzburg at The
Residence. |
|
The
guilded moldings, pink marble and frescoes exemplify the baroque beauty of
this chapel. |
|
|
|
|
The
front of the Residence, a baroque palace containing the larges ceiling
frescos in the world painted by the Italian masters. |
|
This
is Rothenburg, the most tourist town in Germany. But, it is well
worth it. It is your only chance to see a medieval village without
any modern buildings. |
|
Troy
in Rothenburg. Notice the tudor facades and window box geraniums
typical of this area. It was really like stepping back in
time. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
