Highlights
Discover the historic charm of Heidelberg Castle and hike the scenic trails of the Black Forest
Experience traditional cuckoo clock craftsmanship & views at Lake Titisee in the Black Forest
Visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle & explore the quaint towns of Oberammergau & Fussen
Immerse yourself in the alpine beauty of Innsbruck and enjoy the vibrant culture of Munich
Journey along the Romantic Road, stopping in medieval towns like Dinkelsbuhl and Rothenburg
Itinerary
Dreaming of fairytale castles and rolling landscapes? The "Romantic Germany Self Drive" tour offers experienced travelers nine days of enchanting exploration through Germany and Austria, all at your own leisurely pace. Starting and ending in Frankfurt, this independent trip weaves through historic towns, alpine scenery, and storybook destinations.
Your road trip begins in Frankfurt, Germany’s dynamic financial hub. From there, make your way to Heidelberg, where the country’s oldest university and a majestic riverside castle set the scene. Traverse the Black Forest region, pausing at Lake Titisee and Lindau for tranquil alpine vistas, then marvel at the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle—a real-life inspiration for Disney’s fairy tales.
Cross into Austria to explore Innsbruck, nestled between dramatic mountain ranges, before heading back to Munich, home of Oktoberfest and Bavarian culture. Visit Nuremberg’s gothic churches and storied old town, then continue to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval cities. The journey concludes in Frankfurt, wrapping up a memorable self-drive tour.
With included accommodations, car hire, and route support, this tour package’s unique selling point lies in the freedom to explore Germany’s romantic heartlands and hidden gems at your own pace—ideal for those who appreciate independent yet well-supported travel.
day 1 - Frankfurt Arrival
Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic landmarks. On arrival at Frankfurt Am Main International Airport pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel to check in.
Overnight in Frankfurt
day 2 - Frankfurt – Heidelberg – Black Forest
This morning travel from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. We recommend a stop to see its famous castle; make sure to ascending by cable car for the views and explore its historic city center. Continue to the famous Black Forest region. Near the hotel is beautiful Ravenna Gorge for those wishing to go for a nice hike or see the region’s oldest chapel next to the hotel.
Overnight in the Black Forest area
Approximate travel distance: 170 miles/ 275 km
day 3 - Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Lindau – Fussen
Before leaving the Black Forest perhaps see a short presentation on the production of cuckoo clocks which the region is famous for. Head to Lake Titisee, nestled in the legendary Black Forest and then to Lindau an island on Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions you can take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to your destination, FĂĽssen, the southernmost point on your tour of Romantic Germany.
Overnight in Fussen
Approximate travel distance: 170 miles/ 275 km
day 4 - Neuschwanstein – Wieskirche – Oberammergau – Linderhof – Innsbruck
Today you can visit the Neuschwanstein Castle (not included), built by Ludwig II, the notorious “Mad King”. This castle served as an inspiration to Walt Disney when he built the castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland. In the afternoon, drive to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way, you can visit Wieskirche Church before continuing to Linderhof Castle. This is one of the 3 castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king lived for a significant amount of time. After a brief stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey, continue to your final destination, Innsbruck.
Overnight in Innsbruck
Approximate travel distance: 50 miles/ 85 km
day 5 - Innsbruck, Austria – Munich
This morning before departing for Munich, spend some time discovering the city of Innsbruck, located in the gorgeous deep valley of the River Inn, between the scenic Karwendel Mountains to the north and Tuxer Mountains to the south. In the afternoon drive to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September.
Overnight in Munich
Approximate travel distance: 155 miles/ 250 km
day 6 - Munich
Enjoy your day at leisure. Explore Munich at your own pace; visit the city’s main attractions. Make sure to visit Marienplatz in the heart of the city centre with its famous clock tower, the Glockenspiel. Every day at 11am and 12pm as well as 5pm in the summer it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.
 Overnight in Munich
day 7 - Munich – Nuremberg
After breakfast depart for Nuremberg. On your way stop in Nördlingen, a beautiful medieval city with an old city wall which makes a circle around its late gothic St. George’s Church. Following the Romantic Road, you will reach Dinkelsbühl, a medieval town with a fairy-tale atmosphere. Continue to Nuremberg, where we suggest visiting the historic city center to learn about its impressive history and see the well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses and peaceful squares.
Overnight in Nuremberg
Approximate travel distance: 125 miles/ 200 km
day 8 - Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Frankfurt
This morning drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Romantic Germany. Tour this lovely medieval town. Don’t forget to try a Schneeballen (snowball), a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg. The day ends with a return to Frankfurt.
Overnight in Frankfurt
Approximate travel distance: 155 miles/ 250 km
day 9 - Frankfurt –
After breakfast return the vehicle to the car rental agency at Frankurt am Main International Airport before checking in for your onward flight. Â
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