Itinerary Overview

This is a circular route starting and ending in Frankfurt am Main, Germany’s major financial and transport hub. The itinerary is designed to be undertaken over a period of two to three weeks, allowing for a thorough exploration of each location. The primary modes of transport recommended are Germany’s excellent rail system (Deutsche Bahn) and regional buses, with a rental car offering more flexibility for the Alpine and rural sections.

Route: Frankfurt -> Rüdesheim -> Heidelberg -> Southern German Village (e.g., Füssen) -> Neuschwanstein Castle -> Southern German Village (e.g., Berchtesgaden) -> Königssee -> Munich -> Rothenburg ob der Tauber -> Nuremberg -> Berlin -> Lübeck -> Hamburg -> Göttingen -> Frankfurt.

Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt is a city of contrasts, where sleek skyscrapers coexist with meticulously reconstructed historical buildings. It serves as Germany’s financial capital and a major European transportation hub.

Sights & Activities

Römerberg: The historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring the Römer town hall complex and half-timbered houses reconstructed after WWII.

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Kaiserdom): A Gothic cathedral where Holy Roman Emperors were elected.

Main Tower: Offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the surrounding region.

Museumsufer (Museum Embankment): A unique concentration of museums on both sides of the River Main, including the Städel Museum (art) and the German Film Museum.

Goethe House: The birthplace of Germany’s most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Areas around the Hauptbahnhof (central station) and Innenstadt (city center).

Transport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s busiest. The city has an efficient U-Bahn and S-Bahn network.

Tip: Use Frankfurt as an arrival point; one full day is sufficient to see the main sights.

Rüdesheim am Rhein

A charming wine town nestled in the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its Riesling wines, picturesque setting, and the Drosselgasse lane.

Sights & Activities

Drosselgasse: A narrow, lively alley lined with wine taverns, restaurants, and live music.

Niederwalddenkmal: A monument overlooking the Rhine, accessible via a scenic cable car ride (Seilbahn). It commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871.

Rhine River Cruise: Take a boat trip to see the numerous castles and vineyards along the Middle Rhine Valley. St. Goar and the Loreley rock are popular stops.

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet: A fascinating museum showcasing historical self-playing musical instruments.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Guesthouses and hotels in the old town.

Transport: Easily reached by train from Frankfurt (approx. 1 hour). The town is best explored on foot.

Tip: Visit during the summer or early autumn for the best weather and wine-tasting opportunities.

Heidelberg

Renowned for its romantic cityscape, Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university, a magnificent ruined castle, and a beautiful baroque old town nestled in the Neckar river valley.

Sights & Activities

Heidelberg Castle: Take the Bergbahn (funicular railway) up to the red sandstone ruins. Visit the Great Barrel and enjoy the stunning view over the city.

Old Town (Altstadt): Stroll along the Hauptstraße, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, leading from the Karlstor to the Marktplatz.

Old Bridge (Karl-Theodor-Brücke): A beautiful bridge gate offering iconic photo opportunities of the castle and old town.

Philosophers’ Walk (Philosophenweg): A path on the sunny side of the Neckar river with panoramic views, traditionally walked by university professors and philosophers.

Student Prison (Studentenkarzer): A unique historical site where misbehaving university students were incarcerated.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses in the Altstadt.

Transport: Well-connected by train from Frankfurt or Rüdesheim. The city is very walkable, with a funicular to the castle.

Tip: Don’t miss trying a slice of Heidelberger Studentenkuss (Heidelberg Student Kiss), a local chocolate confection.

Southern German Village (e.g., Füssen)

A town in the Bavarian Alps serving as the perfect base for visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Füssen itself has a charming old town with frescoed buildings.

Sights & Activities

Füssen Old Town: Explore the cobblestone streets, Hohes Schloss (High Castle), and St. Mang Monastery.

Base for Castles: Füssen is the gateway to the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Tegelbergbahn: A cable car near the castles offering hiking, paragliding, and spectacular views.

Practical Information

Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially in summer.

Transport: Reachable by train from Munich or by car. Local buses (RVA/OVG) run frequently to the castles.

Neuschwanstein Castle

The iconic 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle and is one of the most visited castles in the world.

Sights & Activities

Castle Tour: Interior visits are by guided tour only. Tickets must be purchased at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau village at the foot of the hill.

Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge): A bridge spanning a gorge behind the castle, offering the classic, postcard-perfect view of Neuschwanstein.

Hohenschwangau Castle: The less-famous but equally beautiful childhood residence of King Ludwig II, located nearby.

Practical Information

Tickets: BOOK ONLINE WELL IN ADVANCE. Walk-up tickets are very limited and sell out early.

Access: From the Ticket Center, you can walk (~30-40 minutes uphill), take a shuttle bus, or a horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The walk to Marienbrücke is steep but worthwhile.

Munich (München)

The capital of Bavaria, Munich seamlessly blends traditional Bavarian culture with modern innovation. It is known for its annual Oktoberfest, beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and beer gardens.

Sights & Activities

Marienplatz:The central square, home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and its famous Glockenspiel.

English Garden: One of the world’s largest urban parks, featuring beer gardens, streams, and even surfers on the Eisbach wave.

Hofbräuhaus:The world’s most famous beer hall, offering a quintessential Bavarian experience.

Nymphenburg Palace:A magnificent Baroque palace with extensive gardens.

Deutsches Museum:One of the world’s largest and oldest museums of science and technology.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site:A sobering and important day trip from the city.

Practical Information for the Entire Journey