The Fantastic Road in Southwest Germany is the perfect road trip for North Americans because it gives you a taste of some of the most charming towns, spectacular castles and gardens, an introduction to the wines and a sense of the intricate history of the state. So, visitors get a lot of relaxation, information and beautiful scenery in a well-organized route. The stops along the way are beautiful, charming and historic and easily reachable by train or car from the Frankfurt and Stuttgart Airports.
Also, the time between each destination is short and scenic so the drive itself is pleasant and becomes part of the overall experience. It is a fantastic way to capture some of Southwest Germany’s highlights, including Weinheim, Baden-Baden, Gengenbach, Breisach am Rhine, Mainau Island, Hohenzollern Castle, and the university town of Tübingen. So let’s begin!
After landing at Frankfurt Airport, you can pick up a rental car and head south on the A5 and forty minutes later, you will find yourself in the charming town of Weinheim. Known as the ‘Zweiburgenstadt’ (city of two castles), Weinheim boasts a historic old town, a Mediterranean-style market square and exceptional parks and gardens. The Mediterranean climate allows the almond trees to blossom early in the year. The Exotenwald (exotic forest) is unique in Europe and is home to more than 150 species of exotic trees on an area of 148 acres. The history of the park begins in 1872 when Christian Freiherr zu Berckheim planted the first trees. Species of trees and shrubs come from Africa, Asia and America.
Approximately 70 beautiful miles south down the A5 from Weinheim, you will find yourself in the spa town of Baden-Baden in the northern Black Forest and part of the UNESCO World Heritage spa sites in Europe. This year, Baden-Baden is already preparing for its food and wine festival 2025 where you can meet the region’s winegrowers in person, From June 13 to June, the city will be transformed into a paradise for wine and food lovers. Baden-Baden’s vineyards are one of Germany’s most famous Riesling-producing regions but also produce a Burgundy, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Kerner and Scheurebe: the local wines go perfectly with Baden-Baden’s cuisine, which is characterized by its proximity to Alsace, and include seasonal ingredients from the Rhine Valley.
Gengenbach is a picturesque town in the Black Forest, famous for its Town Hall that turns into an Advent calendar every December, and offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails that are easily accessible from the middle of the old town. The trails wind through dense forests, vineyards and hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views. One of the most popular trails is the path to the Jakob Tower, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kinzig valley. In addition, the Watermill Trail takes hikers past old mills and picturesque streams. Another outstanding route is the Ortenauer Wine Trail that runs through the Ortenau wine region allowing hikers the beauty of the vineyards and places to taste local wines in the wineries along the way.
The Münsterberg in Breisach has been inhabited for about 4,000 years. This makes Breisach one of the most historic towns in the world. St. Stephen’s Cathedral towers above the Black Forest, across the Rhine to Alsace and the Vosges. The Pinot & Rock Festival from July 2 to July 6 this year offers a fantastic combination of food, wine and great music. Then the Breisach Wine Festival takes place from August 29 to September 1. It is one of the largest on the Baden Wine Route. Wineries and sparkling wine producers from Kaiserstuhl and Tuniberg offer a wide range of local wines. Boat trips on the Rhine run from mid-April to the end of December and can be combined with a culinary experience or day trips to Colmar.
The trip from Breisach to Lake Constance is stunning as you drive for two hours on the B31 through the Black Forest Highlands and come down from the mountains through charming towns to the beautiful farmlands and vineyards around Lake Constance.
And here is where you will fine the island of Mainau, a botanical garden and horticultural paradise for families and flower experts. It offers a variety of activities and facilities for families looking for an unforgettable day out in a floral paradise. Among the main attractions are the Butterfly House, the adventure park and the petting zoos. Children up to 12 years old have free admission, and there is a free scavenger hunt that invites families to explore the island together. Children’s birthday parties can also be organized and there are guided tours specially designed for children. The island of Mainau is the perfect and elegant destination for a family getaway full of fun and discovery.
Only 65 miles south of Stuttgart, the Hohenzollern Castle was the ancestral seat from which the dynasty took its name. When you come here, you will learn about a famous family, the House of Hohenzollern, which ruled the Hohenzollern state (now part of Southwest Germany) for 500 years. Kaiser Wilhelm II said: ‘The view from Hohenzollern Castle is really worth the trip’ referring to the scenic Swabian mountains. Inside is the Kaiser’s famous crown from 1888. Beneath a diamond-encrusted cross is a huge sapphire, and there are also 142 rose-cut diamonds, 18 more diamonds and 8 large pearls. It is a historical and entertaining place to visit for the entire family.
On your back to Stuttgart from Hohenzollern, you will drive past Tübingen, which is one of the most picturesque of the university towns in Southwest Germany, fully encircled by the original medieval walls. It has a lively student population but is also enjoyed by many others. One of the most charming activities is punting on the river Neckar. The traditional boats offer a unique way to explore the city from the water, passing landmarks such as the Stiftskirche (Foundation Church), the Hölderlinturm, the former home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, and Palace Hohentübingen. The exciting Punting Race in Tübingen takes place every year on Corpus Christi (June 19, 2025) and is one of the wildest competitions in the region. Participants sail in traditional wooden boats around the Neckar island, creating a spectacle full of energy and excitement.