7 Beautiful Places on Germany's Romantic Road

From mountain peaks to pastoral meadows to lush river valleys, there’s no better way to experience the beauty and variety of the German landscape than a drive along the Romantic Road. This 220-mile route starts at the foot of the towering Alps, winds north through the forests and hills of Bavarian countryside, and ends at the River Main in the historic city of Würzburg. Along the way, you’ll pass perfectly preserved medieval villages, Gothic castles, quaint churches, and grand palaces—a living history lesson of German architecture and culture. Here are the eight stops not to miss on your journey.—Jennifer Ceaser