Romantic Road to a Munich Surprise, June 20, 2010

Today the plan is to travel the "Romantic Road" from Rothenburg to Munich, a 235 km drive into Germany's medieval heartland. The name was created in the 1950's by the dozens of towns in the region to promote themselves. The Romantic Road is the oldest and most famous of Germany's two dozen signposted scenic routes. After going over the maps from the Travel Info Centre and recommendations from Rick Steves "Germany" travel book we are planning on stopping at Dinkelsbuhl, Noerdlingen and the Walled Fortress of Harburg before reaching Munich.

We left Rothenburg under sunny skies but storm clouds were forming on the horizon. Dinkelsbuhl is a smaller version of Rothenburg with a beautifully restored Old Town surrounded by a medieval wall with 18 watchtowers including four entry gates. We arrived in the middle of their Sunday Flea Market that takes over the main square and it seemed the whole town and there neighbors were there so we spent our time following the tourist walking tour route which included walking part of the ramparts of the old wall. It was definitely worth the stop.

Noerdlingen is the only town in Germany with walls and battlements that you can walk all the way around. So, we had to do the 2.6 km walk. The other big attraction in town is St. George's Church which was completed in 1505. You can climb up the 350 steps inside its bell tower and so we had to do that as well. Its a steep climb climb but you are rewarded with incredible views. After the climb we stopped for coffee and cake before departing for Harburg.

The walled fortress of Harburg is one of Germany's best preserved castles. The Castle is on a high hill overlooking the town and river valley below. There is a steep trail down to the town and the Woernitz River, so off course we had to take the walk down and back up again. We had definitely got a workout today.

Heavy rainfall started as we made our way into Munich but our TomTom guided us to our apartment without any problems. Rita found the keys and we entered the apartment. After about 30 seconds we both looked at each and knew we could not stay here. We put the keys back, got into the car and had to come up with another plan.

To Be Continued......


Dinkelsbuhl's Sunday Flea Market along its main street
The Baroque Style Segringer Gate along the Dinkelsbuhl medieval wall

Rita at the door of a Nordlingen medieval home in need of a complete rennovation

Rita stopping on the St. George tower stairs to look at a medieval pully used for hauling up timbers and stones. Prisoners were put inside the wheel to create the manpower required to lift the timbers and stones, similar to a hampster wheel. The wheel moved up the tower as it got higher. They left it in place at the top in case reparis where required.

Geoff at the top of St. Georges Tower with Nordlingen 90 meters below.

The inner courtyard of Harburg Catstle