Top 5 Driving Roads In Germany

When travelers talk about driving in Germany, the image that immediately comes to mind for most of us is zipping down the Autobahn, and for good reason. Driving throughout Germany is a wonderful experience, in large part because of the excellent roads and the scenic routes they transport you over. Many people envision the Autobahn as one great, multi-lane freeway where cars travel at supersonic speeds, cutting a wide swath through the country with little regard to rules.

 

However, driving on the German Autobahn is similar to the freeways in other countries, with speed limits in urbanized areas and rules to be heeded. If there is one rule that remains universally true (home and abroad) which we like to emphasize even more on the Autobahn, it's that the left lane is a “dilly dally” free zone and you should only be in it very briefly when passing a fellow traveler. Stick to that rule, and you're golden. So the next time you’re headed to Germany, consider renting a car and taking one or more of these nice drives, either on the Autobahn or one of Germany’s other scenic routes: 

 

The Romantic Road

The best known and most popular holiday route while driving in Germany is the Romantic Road, which runs 400 km (261 miles) through Bavaria, beginning in the vineyards of Wurzburg and ending at the foot of the Alps, where you’ll find Ludwig II’s crazy castles. Along the way you’ll enjoy vast expanses of the Bavarian countryside and be able to visit picturesque towns, romantic hotels and hidden monasteries. Due to its popularity, consider making this drive off-season. 

 

Suggested Auto France Locations: Frankfurt, Munich

 

The Castle Road

If you love medieval architecture and hidden romantic delights, then driving Germany’s Castle Road is sure to please. The road, which is 975 km (625 miles) long, actually ends in Prague, but if you want to keep your trip limited to Germany, you can begin in Mannheim and end at Weinsberg. Mark Twain traveled this route, which takes you past more than 70 castles, some of which are hotels. You’ll also see well-preserved medieval villages and fortresses, and some of the towns you’ll pass along the way include Heidelberg and Nuremberg. 

 

Suggested Auto France Locations: Frankfurt, Munich

 

The Wine Road

Begin this driving trip in Bockenhim, about an hour’s drive south of Frankfurt, and follow the yellow signposts that say “Deutsche Weinstrasse,” traveling 85km (50 miles) to the French border at Schweigen-Rechtenbach. The best time of year for this journey is the autumn, when the foliage is spectacular and many local wine and harvest festivals take place. As you make your way south on the Wine Road you’ll pass through locales such as the spa town Bad Duerkheim, the “capital,” Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Bad Bergzabern, and many other small villages. Much of the wine produced in this region is made with Riesling grapes, though recently pinot noirs are earning praise. You can visit the 300-year old vineyard Traminer, and for wonderful views of the region, take a cable car up to the Rietburg near Edenkoben. 

 

Suggested Auto France Location: Frankfurt

 

Route 500 Schwarzwald Hochstrasse

The Black Forest route known as the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse is one of the most beautiful elevated sections of highway in the region. This fast and sweeping stretch of highway, which begins in Baden-Baden, is lined with fantastic views, and there are plenty of areas to pull over and take them in. Early in the day is the best time to travel this route, as it is a major roadway and can get quite busy. Don’t let that stop you, however, as this 60km (38 miles) drive offers up an incredibly idyllic blend of meadows, valleys and peaks. Though the route is short, give yourself at least half a day to traverse it in order to take in all its beauty. 

 

Suggested Auto France Location: Frankfurt

 

The European Route Of Brick Gothic Architecture

This 1500km (930 miles) route passes through three Baltic coast countries: Denmark, Poland, and Germany, and the towns you pass through feature Gothic architecture, a legacy of the countries’ link during the Middle Age’s Hanseatic period. A good starting place in Germany is Buxtehunde, where the 13th century Stadtmauer gives the town a strong medieval feel. Continue on through Luneburg, visiting the Rathaus and the Alte Kanzlei. As you drive on, think about stopping in Schwerin to view the Gothic Cathedral, in Parchim for a visit to the St. George Church, and then on to Stendal. The route ends in the grand city of Wismar, where you can marvel at the St. Mary Church 80-meter high tower. Between Stendal and Wismar there are many villages and towns that beckon, making it difficult to decide where to spend your available time on this not-to-be-missed drive. 

 

Suggested Auto France Location: Frankfurt

 

Auto France has a few options to get you on the road at either end of this journey whether you decide to have a vehicle delivered to a location in Germany or one of our other European sites. Remember, you can (and probably should) pickup in one location and return to another; our super flexible one way car rental policy is just one more benefit our program has over the traditional car rental experience in Europe.

 

Driving in Germany can result in some of the most delightful road trips you'll ever take. Resist the temptation to see the country at the speed of sound and you'll treasure the memories for a lifetime.