Germany has a rich history and plenty of towns that reflect both its medieval past and it’s forward-thinking future. As of 2024, Germany is the seventh most visited country in the world so you know there’s got to be a ton to see and do!
I have been lucky enough to visit Germany several times, hopping around from city to city. Although I have a soft spot for Berlin, I can’t deny that the traditional half-timbered houses and gothic architecture have a special place in my heart.
On my last visit to Germany, I had a great time at Oktoberfest before taking advantage of my location to start an iconic road trip through western Germany.
For even more detail, make sure to check out my other Germany posts!
Let’s Get Started
Munich
Our starting point on this road trip is Munich, the crown jewel of Bavaria.
Munich is known worldwide for its iconic Oktoberfest and beautiful Christmas Markets. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, the city has a ton to offer. From its gothic architecture to its stunning parks to its six famous breweries, there’s something for everyone!
Nymphenburg Palace is a lovely option to explore some baroque architecture, and Munich Residence is also very popular!
Just make sure to avoid this city on a Sunday; Bavaria takes its rest days very seriously and most shops will be closed.
If you’ve got the time, try taking a day trip over to Neuschwanstein Castle! The castle is about an hour and forty minutes away from Munich by car and well worth the trip.
Neuschwanstein Castle was built to represent a romantic version of the Middle Ages and it’s stunning to see in person. This castle is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle!
If you’d like to take a break from the driving, I recommend this day tour out of Munich which also includes a stop at Linderhof Castle and Oberammagau.
Nuremberg
(Munich – Nuremberg: approx 1hr 50min)
Just about two hours away from Munich, Nuremberg has a rich medieval history with gothic churches, a medieval artisan market and a castle overlooking the city, fully incorporated into surrounding walls that once defended the town.
These days, Nuremberg is perhaps most associated with the Nuremberg Trials, though I didn’t seek out much WWII history during my visit.
Make sure to stop by Handwerkerhof, the medieval shopping area, the Schöner Brunne Statue, and Nuremberg’s Castle, whose medieval walls surrounds the old town.
Nuremberg’s also got a spectacular Christmas market that is consistently ranked as one of the best in Europe!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
(Nuremberg – Rothenberg ob der Tauber: approx 1hr)
About an hour’s drive away from Nuremberg, you simply have to stop at Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The main attraction of the city is the Plönlein, a postcard-pretty intersection with a cute yellow building and a clock tower. It’s likely to be the busiest spot in town, so try to time your visit accordingly.
Between the Plönlein and Marktplatz, the city center of Rothenburg, there are a plethora of shops of all kinds to pop into for some serious souvenir shopping!
Since Rothenburg is one of only four German towns with intact city walls, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity and walk along the walls.
Heidelberg
(Rothenbug ob der Tauber – Heidelberg: approx 1hr 45)
Although I’ve visited many places in Germany, Heidelberg remains one of my favorites.
From the gorgeous castle ruins overlooking the town to the youthful energy that comes with being the home of Germany’s oldest university, there’s a great balance of historical interest and modern diversity.
Definitely take a tour of the city to really make the most of your visit. There are so many fun little quirks like the monkey by the bridge that you can touch for good luck and good fortune, or the Student Prison that has played host to many a rowdy university student.
For a more nature inspired day, the Philosopher’s Walk is a classic trek with a great view.
You simply can’t visit Heidelberg without stopping by its iconic castle. I took a tour on my last visit that allowed access to some interior rooms and special locations, but I was just as happy with my regular entrance ticket on my last visit to the city.
There’s quite a few restaurants serving both traditional and modern food. I was introduced to Maultaschen here, and the little dumplings remain one of my favorite Swabian dishes.
Frankfurt
(Heidelberg – Frankfurt: approx 1hr)
I always find Frankfurt to be a really interesting mix of modern and medieval.
Unlike many Germany cities, it mostly chose to rebuild in a more modern style after WWII, but kept a few historical builds such as it’s classic Altstadt.
I found that the best view of the city can be seen from the top of Frankfurt Cathedral. You already know that if the church lets me climb the tower, I’m there with bells on!
See if you can find the giant Euro statue- Frankfurt is the financial hub of commerce, giving it the nickname ‘Mainhattan’.
I find Frankfurt to be a good place to buy a beer stein. In my experience, it’s the least expensive place to shop for a stein! Speaking of drinking, make sure to try Apfelwein in a traditional Bembel to cap off your visit to the city!
Idestein
(Frankfurt – Idestein: approx 40min)
Okay I’ll be honest- there’s not that much to do in this town other than look at it. HOWEVER! It is absolutely worth going out of your way to look at it!
Idestein looks like it was pulled straight out of the pages of a fairytale. I was almost disoriented by how much I felt like I was on some sort of movie set!
The half timbered fachwerk buildings with their colorful paint and crooked towers are so whimsical it barely feels real- and the people who live there are just passing through it unfazed on their daily commute!
My personal favorite buildings are the Killingerhaus with its intricate painting and the brightly colored Blaues Haus with its helter-skelter frame.
I wouldn’t expect to spend more than an hour or two here, so it’s the perfect pit stop on the way to Cologne.
Cologne
(Idstein – Cologne: approx 1hr 30 min)
Cologne has gained recent internet popularity for it’s massive gothic cathedral, which is Germany’s most visited landmark! I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen a video of this building on Instagram and tiktok, and they never show the construction! The cathedral has been under construction in some way or another since it’s inception in the 1200s- so don’t be surprised to see some scaffolding.
Aside from it’s cathedral, Cologne is also known for it’s- you guessed it- cologne! Eau de Cologne literally means “water of Cologne”. Make sure to stop by the 4711 store to test out their famous scent! I personally liked the Lily of the Valley scent from the Floral Collection.
Lastly, you can’t leave Cologne without trying their famous Kölsch beer. Germany is obviously known for its beer, but Kölsch is particularly unique in that it is sold in tiny .2 liter glasses that are continuously replaced by your waiter until you have finished drinking for the night! I tried out Gaffel am Dom and Peters Brauhaus and really enjoyed the experience!
A visit to Schloss Drachenberg is a great way to spend a few hours out of the city. Schloss Drachenburg was built in the late 1800s and the designers were over the top in every possible corner, really leaning into the neoGothic style.
Suggested Itinerary
The amount of time you spend in each city can vary, obviously, but I suggest a minimum of:
- 2 nights in Munich
- 1 night in Nuremberg
- 2 nights in Heidelberg
- 2 nights in Cologne
If you can spend more time on this road trip, I absolutely recommend that you do so! This itinerary takes into account the average length of the American vacation and plans accordingly.
Tips for Driving in Germany
Now, I’m absolutely not an expert on driving in Germany, but I found all street signs and road markers to be very clear and easy to follow- even for someone who does not speak German.
Make sure to pay attention and follow the flow of traffic if you get confused- there’s usually enough cars on the road to play follow the leader.
I know we Americans get unreasonably excited about the concept of “the Autobahn” so I’m sorry to have to burst your bubble: its basically just the Germany highway system. Sure there are some parts that don’t have posted speed limits, but it doesn’t mean you can drive recklessly!
Stay to the right side of the road and only pass in the left lane. Fast moving cars may flash their lights at you if they need you to move out of their way.
Driving in towns tends to be much slower, so pay attention to the speed limit signs to avoid being ticketed.
I personally get an International Drivers Permit when I’m planning on renting a car abroad, but I didn’t have anyone take a look at it.
This is by no means a comprehensive guide to driving in Germany, just a quick list of tips that I found helpful. Please make sure to look up local laws before renting a car in Germany!
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