Romantic Road Germany

Last summer, I was lucky enough to journey around the beautiful land of Germany for around ten days (21st of August to the 28th of August 2015). It was filled with cobblestone pavements and air that felt husky and crisp. Skies were beautifully blue with clouds that were fluffy and light as if it was a silvery dream. The water even tasted different, a good kind of different. Germany was filled with colours, beauty and serendipity; I loved it. We went on the 'Romantic Road' journey and ended in Munich.

I made a long video diary vlog capturing every aspect of our journey, which brings back subtle memories whilst I was there, but I thought I'd write about it too and share the photos I took with my little camera and sometimes phone. 

Day 1

The journey started with us landing at Frankfurt airport and having a quick bite at the restaurant nearby; we had this pizza like pastry and it was very unique, something I've never tried before. We then took a pleasant train ride, which I fell asleep on, to Wüzburg. The first two days were slightly challenging as the raging summer sun made it slightly difficult to enjoy the outdoors, but there was still a slight breeze for us to enjoy. We didn't let that stop us though, we went around to cafes and did a little bit of sightseeing and walking around. We crossed a bridge which had statues along it and a lovely view of a river. We then went up the fortress and the view was spectacular. Once we headed down the Fortress, we went back to the hotel to get some rest as we felt jet-lagged and the weather was quite hot. We ended the day with a classic pizza dinner at the pizza store down the road.

Day 2

The next day, we woke up feeling more revived and started the day by eating the breakfast at the hotel. We sat outside as the weather was great. We did however move inside as we were greeted by a group of bees that wanted our food too! We had rented a rather cosy car, the perfect car to start our road trip!

The road trip there was incredibly breathtaking; one of my favourite feelings, especially when we rolled down the car windows and felt the breeze coming it, free as can be. The landscape was tremendous, with aches of green grass, coniferous trees and sunflowers stretching across the land. I felt as if we were manoeuvring our way through that thin asphalt road in a land of greenery and beauty.

We explored and did many things. Our first stop was at residence at Wüzburg, a diachronic castle that significant historical memories to it. The weather was still hot but we would drive around in the car, making everything rather fun. We stopped by Markplatz for lunch followed by Bad Mergeentheim. Before we arrived at our next destination, Rottenberg, we had to battle and make our ways through very tight lanes with a big (rental) car! It was challenging and quite fun. We were so relieved when we made it to the hotel with not only the massive car in one piece, but no a single scratch! We stayed at a hotel in the lanes and it was definitely beyond our expectations. I think at one point, it made my jaw drop. It gave off a rather eerie feel as all the furnitures were ancient, it was as if we were living in the 18th century again. It was beautifully decorated though; velvety curtains and carpeted flooring. It wasn't particularly my cup of tea, but it was an interesting experience. As we were exploring the town hall, we found the cutest shops (One that was completely christmas! During summer time!) and explored about Buggarten near our hotel.

Day 3

The scenic view felt even more magical during the early hours of the day. I was awake at the crack of dawn on one of the days as I felt jetlagged so I took upon that opportunity to breathe in the beauty of Germany itself by going on a stroll down the streets in the early hours. Our next stop was to Dinklebuhl, another small town along the romantic road. We also visited Münster St Georg and Vine Market. Our meals were mostly pastry but I also tried one of the best cups of tea I've ever tried. Augsburg was our final destination for the day and the hotel was like a little modern shoebox, super cute. City Galerie Shopping Mall was a short walk away so we paid it a visit and picked up some grocery. I got chocolate, I love chocolate. Maximilian Strabe was where we had kebabs for dinner (yes, kebabs!) 

Day 4 

We started the day bright and early at Fuggerei. It was a little museum like village that highlighted the way of life of certain villages (I could be mistaken). The building were painted a gentle yellow, with narrow walking lanes in between. Rathausplatz was our next stop and it was another little town with subtle pastel painting buildings all around. I honestly loved the colours of Germany so much! Fussen was where our next hotel was located and the room was spacious and brought absolute comfort. In the evening, we ventured around once again to Lech which had a bridge with glistening water below. Chinese takeout soothed our hunger for that night.

Day 5 

Marienbucke was our next stop after breakfast at the hotel. It had a mountainous view as we stood on this bridge that overviewed several little castles. We then went to Zugspitze, also known as the top of Germany. Cable car rides to the top next fail to impress me. Unfortunately it began to drizzle and everything was just mist. It felt magical, though. As if we were walking through Narnia. Once we got down from the top of the mountain, exhaustion ran through our veins so we stopped by a gas station and had a what I like to call "classic gas station meal". We then drove to our last pitstop of the Romantic Road at Courtyard Marriot in Munich which was extremely comfortable.

Day 6 

Day six was probably my favourite day during the drip. We took a train to Salzburg, Austria. Man, it was such an unforgettable adventure that causes a little grin at the corner of my lip every time I think of it. We visited Mozart's birthplace and it was beyond amazing. I got to witness little aspects of his life, like the original sheet music he wrote his best pieces on and even his violin! (Also, a chunk of his hair that was in a glass box). I remember it all so vividly, as if I was there yesterday. Altermarkt was where I picked up this street art (one of the funniest recollection of thought because the artist was hilarious) and where we had lunch. I had a mozart signature drink and the cafe we sat in was where Mozart and Beethoven used to go to brainstorm ideas for their pieces. Then we popped by the garden where The Sound of Music was filmed. Insane.

Day 7 

We spent the next day shopping and really experiencing the heart of Munich. Neuesrathaus was simply wondrous! It was a massive building with little red roses accompanying it. One of my favourite architectures ever. We had lunch at the famous Viktualien Markt which had the BEST street mustard sauce I've ever tried, haha. The cakes and pastries in Germany are absolutely divine. We ended the day at Hofbrauhaus for dinner and it was a proper German meal. There was also a lovely live band playing German music. Everything was super welcoming there.

Day 8 

This was our last full day and it was pretty relaxed. Breakfast was served at this adorable little cafe that made me feel all warm inside. I had the best chocolate croissant, the flavours blended so well together has I could taste the melted chocolate oozing out from the centre, mmm. The tea was accompanied it really well. There was also an abundance of pink toned flowers surrounding the water fountain that was located near the cafe. We then walked around once again and stopped by this massive pet shop. It was like pet heaven and I picked up a new tag and a few toys for my dog.

In the afternoon we visited this BMW vault that left me astound and fascinated. It was massive and incredibly modern. People who purchased BMWs there would be allowed to drive across this beautiful ramp, out of the vault. During the tour around, they mentioned that lots of marriage proposals occur there and it made me giggle quite a bit. We also had a quick peep of the Olympic park nearby. Lunch was at an English Garden. The weather was lovely and I had a delicious cone of ice cream that made my mouth water. We had another proper German dinner down the road to end the night.

Day 9 

Cafe Rischart in the Viktualien Markt was where we had our little meal consisting of cakes and we walked around the streets for the last time during that trip. I picked up a couple bags of candy at Dall mayr. We then headed to the airport to go home.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed and maybe even felt a small glimpse of Germany from my travels.

Cheryl x