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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGermanyCastle Route
Bamberg

Castle Route Road Trip

Mannheim - Heidelberg - Heilbronn - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Nuremberg - Bamberg - Bayreuth

Expect on your itinerary

Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Landscape Landscape
Castle Route Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km533 h/stage1.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Castle Route Road Trip in Germany?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 297EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 732EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,002EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 540EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,102EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,417EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 405EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 825EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,670EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,075EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,125EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 785EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,910EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Castle Route Road Trip Itinerary

The Castle Route Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of Germany's most beautiful and historical towns. Starting in Mannheim, the 533km route winds through Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Bamberg before ending in Bayreuth. Along the way, visitors can experience the architectural beauty of Heidelberg Castle, explore the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and marvel at the stunning architecture of Bamberg's old town. This road trip is best enjoyed in the spring or summer months to take advantage of the pleasant weather and longer days. The route is well maintained, with mostly straight roads and only a few curves. The overall excellent road conditions make this road trip suitable for every driver. UNESCO Heritage Monuments line the route, making it an ideal opportunity for history buffs and those looking for an unforgettable experience. With a moderate budget, travelers can enjoy all the sights and attractions along the way. This five-day road trip is sure to provide amazing memories and a high level of experience. With its combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and unique architecture, the Castle Route Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of Germany's most beautiful and captivating regions.
number of days 5 number of days
route length 533 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Mannheim

Distance 533 km Driving time 11.6 h Pace: modest 138.6 kWh Airports FRA
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Mannheim, Germany is the ideal starting point for the Castle Route Road Trip. Located in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, Mannheim is a thriving city with a rich history and culture to explore. Visitors can take in the panoramic views of the city from atop the Mannheim Water Tower, or journey through history at the Technoseum, a museum of technology and industry. For a dose of nature, Mannheim is home to the Luisenpark, a sprawling park and garden with lush greenery and plenty of wildlife. For international travelers, Mannheim is located a short distance from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). There are numerous car rental options available at the airport, making it easy to begin your journey and explore the surrounding area. Once you’re ready to hit the road, the Castle Route Road Trip will take you through some of Germany’s most beautiful scenery. You’ll make stops along the way to visit the many castles that line the route, such as Heidelberg Castle, the ruins of Schloss Drachenfels, and the Schloss Neuschwanstein. Along the way, you can also explore some of the charming villages and towns that line the route, such as Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Whether you’re looking for a cultural adventure or a scenic road trip, Mannheim is the perfect place to start your journey. With its many attractions and easy access to car rentals, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and enjoyable Castle Route Road Trip.

1 Mannheim - Heidelberg

Distance 21 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: modest 5.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road accommodation options camper parking available junction of road trips interesting  historic site
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Welcome to the Mannheim-Heidelberg road-trip stage! This stage of your tour is a great opportunity to explore the historical cities of Germany. The drive is only 21 km and it will take you less than an hour to reach Heidelberg from Mannheim. On your way, make sure to take some time to enjoy the scenic views of the countryside. Once you reach Mannheim, visit the Baroque style palace and the beautiful gardens that surround it. Don't forget to take a stroll in the old town and admire the historical buildings. In Heidelberg, you can explore the ruins of the famous Heidelberg Castle and the old bridge. Take a boat ride on the Neckar River and enjoy the stunning views of the city. You can also visit the Philosophers' Walk, a scenic path along the river. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, you can check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the best of Mannheim and Heidelberg!

2 Heidelberg - Hirschhorn - Heilbronn

Distance 96 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: slow 22.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Heidelberg to Heilbronn? This 96km journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will get to experience some of the most picturesque roads in Germany. You will start in Heidelberg and drive through Hirschhorn, where you can visit the castle and its beautiful gardens. You will also have to be careful as some sections of the road are winding. Along the way, you can take in the stunning views of the countryside. Once you reach Heilbronn, you can explore its old town, see the old market square, and visit the Heilbronn Cathedral. Don't forget to take a break to enjoy some of the local delicacies! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip!

3 Heilbronn - Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance 105 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 31.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Starting in Heilbronn, Germany and ending in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this 105km journey will take you less than two hours. Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning scenery and take in the beauty of the countryside. Your first stop should be the Heilbronn Zoo, where you can learn about the local wildlife and explore the lush gardens. After that, you can continue on to the Tauber Valley, a stunning area of rolling hills and lush greenery. From there, you can stop at some of the charming villages and towns, such as Bad Mergentheim and Weikersheim, before arriving in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Once you reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can explore the picturesque cobblestone streets and take in the medieval architecture. Don't forget to visit the town's famous castle, the Burg Rothenburg, or the beautiful Church of Our Lady. As you drive through this stage of your road trip, don't forget to take in the stunning views of the countryside. This is one of the most beautiful routes in Germany, so make sure to take some time to admire the scenery and take lots of pictures. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Nuremberg

Distance 95 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: modest 24.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips camper parking available
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Welcome to the amazing road trip from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Nuremberg! This journey of 95 km will take you less than two hours, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Germany. Start your journey in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a beautiful medieval town with a walled old town and the iconic Ploenlein Square. Don’t forget to visit the Imperial City Museum, the Town Hall, and the St. Jakob's Church. On the way, you can make a stop in Ansbach, a city known for its baroque palaces and gardens. Here you can visit the Markgrafenschloss Palace, the Orangery, and the St. Gumbertus Church. Continue your journey to Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria. Here you can explore the old town with its cobblestone streets, the Imperial Castle, the German National Museum, and the Albrecht Dürer House. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Nuremberg - Bamberg

Distance 68 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 20.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Nuremberg and ending in Bamberg? This 68km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so make sure to enjoy every minute of it! Along the way, you'll discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. Take some time to explore the city of Nuremberg, a charming city full of history, culture and architecture. Don't forget to visit the impressive Nuremberg Castle and the Old Town Hall. Then, continue your journey to Bamberg, a city with a unique medieval charm. There, you can admire the Imperial Cathedral and the Old Town Hall, and take a stroll along the beautiful Regnitz River. Don't forget to try the local beer and traditional Bavarian food. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Bamberg - Coburg - Bayreuth

Distance 147 km Driving time 3.9 h Pace: slow 33.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Embark on a road trip from Bamberg to Bayreuth, and discover the beauty of the Franconian region. This 147km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours to complete, and you will travel through the stunning towns of Coburg and Bayreuth. Along the way, you will find plenty of UNESCO Heritage sites, winding roads and beautiful scenery. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the rich history of the region. In Coburg, you will find the famous Veste Coburg, a fortress that has been around since the 16th century. Here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the cobblestone streets of the old town and visit the many shops and restaurants. Finally, you will arrive in Bayreuth, where you can explore the many historical sites and monuments. The Markgräfliches Opernhaus, built in 1748, is a must-see. The Bayreuth Festival Hall, built in 1876, is also a great place to visit. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the beauty of the Franconian region!

  Bayreuth

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End your Castle Route Road Trip in Bayreuth, Germany and enjoy the sights and attractions of this enchanting city. Located in the Franconian region of Bavaria, Bayreuth is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors. Start your visit with a trip to the Margravial Opera House, a stunning 18th Century Baroque theater. This architectural masterpiece is considered one of the finest baroque theaters in the world and is a must-see for any traveler to Bayreuth. Afterward, take a stroll through the bustling city center, admiring its many historic buildings and monuments. For a break from the city, head to the Bayreuth Festival Park, a sprawling public park with a variety of attractions. Here, you can take a boat ride on the lake, explore the beautiful gardens, and even visit the Bayreuth Festival Museum, which celebrates the city’s annual music and theater festival. After a day exploring, relax in one of Bayreuth’s many restaurants and cafes. Sample the local cuisine, including the renowned Franconian sausages, or sit down for a glass of beer at one of the city’s many beer gardens. Bayreuth is easily accessible by car, and is located just a few hours from Munich and Nuremberg. The closest international airport is Nuremberg Airport (NUE). So why not end your Castle Route Road Trip in Bayreuth and explore all that this beautiful city has to offer?

Castle Route Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, our journey idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future holidays.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Germany, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of things to be mindful of to make your journey smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are considering hiring a car or camper hire.
There are a number of traffic rules to be kept in mind while travelling around Germany. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense while sightseeing in a vehicle. Drivers ought to remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is low and is only 0.5‰. When driving around the city streets, the maximum allowed speed is 50km/h. If you are aiming for rural areas, you should bear in mind that the maximum permissible speed is 100km/h. Avoid driving faster than the allowed speed of 130km/h while on motorways. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole road trip may vary depending on the budget option that you go for. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest option to cover the planned 7 stages while travelling around Germany, it can equal as much as 75 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy accommodation will cost up to approximately 297 EUR. Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend roughly 360 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 270 EUR if they opt for the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 732 EUR to about 1,002 EUR.
Travellers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 100 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Cost amounting to 462 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are considering standard overnight stays. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost about 540 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 315 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 1,417 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle rental and 1,102 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Holidaymakers who would like to benefit from the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 2,075 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 1,102 EUR for those who do not want to rent. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 405 EUR. If you are interested in the highest comfort of the trip, the fuel cost will be up to approximately 125 EUR. Drivers who are considering top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay about 825 EUR for hotels and approximately 720 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our tour will also be perfect for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this means of transport, the expenses may amount to roughly 1,125 EUR. Camper fans will spend approximately 150 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Drivers who choose camper rental should expect to pay about 275 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 360 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above-mentioned costs in detail.
The part of Germany showed in our Castle Route Road Trip is great to be visited between May and September. Check out other exciting road trips and scenic drives that we offer on our website. We hope that the great versatility of travel opportunities will definitely match up the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Germany

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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