The Legendary Rhine-Romantic Route: Rhine Romanticism – the mythical swirling river
The Legendary Rhine-Romantic Route stretches for approximately 586 kilometres on both riverbanks between Düsseldorf and Mainz, linking over 100 places where Germany's best-loved, most delightful tales and legends are set. The route leads through breathtaking scenery to gorgeous locations that inspired the works of the Rhine Romantics as long ago as the early 19th century. Old sagas, myths and legends come back to life as you follow Germany's biggest river: the elves of Cologne, the baker's boys of Andernach, Siegfried's dragon fight on Drachenfels cliff, the treasure of the Nibelungs and the blond mermaid Loreley. The Loreley valley is especially enchanting, with the Mouse Tower at Bingen, the 'eye roller' at Koblenz and the legend of how Marksburg Castle at Braubach got its name. Between the Rhine and the Nahe river, you can delve into the origins of Michel, the national personification of Germany, or discover how many grains of truth the Trübenbach saga contains in Kirn. The Rheingau is a rich source of discovery, with Eberbach Abbey and the spring waters at Wiesbaden, and in Mainz you can explore the legend behind the city's coat of arms. But don't let your thirst for unravelling mysteries and legends distract you from the many other places of interest. Here, where the Rhine carves its way through the slate mountains between Bingen and Koblenz, you're also in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, an area full of castles that embody the German Romantic tradition. The settings featured in the Rhine's myths, tales and legends are perfect for discovering on foot or by bike – you're sure to be impressed!
The German Fairytale Route
Let the 600km German Fairytale Route transport you to the magical world of the Brothers Grimm, from their birthplace in Hanau to Bremen and its famous four-legged town musicians. Many fairy tailes begin with "Once upon a time…" Now, you can create your own fairytale adventure as you follow in the footsteps of these two master storytellers. You might want to borrow some seven league boots – but if a nasty witch has stolen them, a bicycle or a car will do instead. The German Fairytale Route offers culture and history, enchanting medieval towns, bewitched castles, fairytale palaces, grottos and museums. Lose yourself in a realm of fairytales, sagas, myths and legends, where the festivities never stop: open-air plays, puppet theatres, fairytale festivals, themed meals and medieval Tafeleyen feasts – and there's even the chance to bump into some of your favourite fairytale characters. The route is a place where childhood dreams spring into life. Where the seven dwarfs and their seven mountains live side by side with daring princes, and fairies will cast a spell on you (unless the Pied Piper whisks you away first). Bump into Little Red Riding Hood, who still hasn't got to her granny. Or Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and Mother Hulda (still shaking out her featherbeds). Live the dream in Sababurg Castle, where Sleeping Beauty's prince woke her from her enchanted sleep. And experience what it feels like to be Hans in Luck. Who can resist going in search of these beloved characters from our childhood days?
The German Alpine Road – a fairytale tour of the Alps
Driving along the German Alpine Road is an amazing movie-style experience. Welcome to a 450km winding tour through the majestic panorama of the Bavarian Alps, from Lindau on Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden on Lake Königssee. This grande dame of Germany's scenic routes runs through the spectacular Alpine foothills of southern Bavaria. With Mother Nature acting both as stage designer and director, the slogan 'every mile – a smile' couldn't be more apt. This stunningly scenic Alpine Road is simply littered with treasures: 21 mountain lakes, 25 castles, palaces and abbeys, more than 60 spa resorts and several hundred peaks – not to mention the charming villages with their baroque, onion-domed churches, and a host of bridges, viaducts, tunnels and mountain passes. The panoramic Alpine views are shown to their best advantage in this region bustling with merry musicians, where beer gardens and traditional inns serve tankards of Bavaria's finest and customs are woven into the very fabric of local life. The route also makes for some fantastic drives. You don't have to be a mountaineer to be passionate about the Alps. They are also a paradise for active holidaymakers or for those simply seeking a relaxing break. Winter sports enthusiasts, culture aficionados and wellness fans will also be in their element, along with nature-loving hikers. The route boasts an exhilarating palette of sights, scenery and places to visit, with a myriad of tempting stopping-off points.