A Fantastic Road in Southwest Germany for Americans

The Fantastic Road connects some of the most beautiful cities and sights in Baden-Württemberg, also known as Southwest Germany. Starting in the north is the town of Weinheim on the Bergstrasse between Darmstadt and Heidelberg and only about 45 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, the road winds its way over 250 miles south to Lake Constance, on the border with Switzerland and Austria. All together, seven towns, each with their own character, make a trip along the "Fantastic Road" an experience worth driving, or even going by rail, especially for Americans who are seeking a highlight tour but also want history, excellent food, wine and beer, and local experiences. 

Another reason this route is a great way to organize your trip is that each of the towns, including Weinheim, Baden-Baden, Gengenbach, Breisach am Rhein, Mainau Island, Hohenzollern Castle and Tübingen, is so completely different from one another but equally entertaining, historic and beautiful. Gengenbach is a traditional town in the Black Forest, Breisach am Rhein is a part of the great life along the River Rhine, Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty, Tübingen is a lively university town not far from Stuttgart, Baden-Baden also in the Black Forest is an elegant baroque town dedicated to the luxurious resort seekers, and last but not least, Mainau is an extraordinary botanical island where there are thousands of species of flowers, plants and elegant allees. 

Ulm and the new museum: the Einsteins

For centuries, the Ulm Minster has dominated the town of Ulm and the region and has become synonymous with Ulm both at home and abroad. This prominence is mainly attributable to its spire, which, at 486 feet, is the highest church spire in the world. In the mid1800s, Ulm also had a lively Jewish community and there was a magnificent synagogue at Ulm's Weinhof. Just a few years after this synagogue was built, Albert Einstein, world-famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, was born in Ulm in 1879. In July 2024, the city of Ulm dedicated its own museum to the Einstein family. It is located in the immediate vicinity of where the synagogue was located. The new museum, “Die Einsteins,” is housed in the historic "Engländer" building, where Einstein's grandparents once lived. Using modern exhibition technology, it shows the moving individual fates of family members, who were also strongly influenced by the dark events of the Nazi era.

Nagold Nestled in the Black Forest

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Black Forest, Nagold is a hidden gem that combines the charm of a historic town with the beauty of its natural surroundings. This quaint town is famous for its stunning half-timbered architecture, which invites visitors to stroll through its winding streets and step back in time. Nagold’s picturesque old town, with its vibrant buildings and meticulously preserved structures, stands as a testament to centuries of history. Whether you're wandering through the narrow alleys or admiring the details of each building, the town offers a feast for the eyes that lovers of European architecture will truly appreciate.

Situated at the gateway to the Black Forest, Nagold offers an excellent starting point for exploring one of Germany’s most famous and storied landscapes. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Hohennagold Castle, or rather, its ruins. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, these castle ruins date back to the early Middle Ages and provide a captivating glimpse into Nagold's past. A hike to the top is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests, making it a favorite spot for both history buffs and nature lovers. Every year, Nagold’s traditional Christmas market draws in crowds from near and far, who come to experience the festive spirit in this magical setting in the middle of the old town.

Heidelberg's Romantic Castle Graces the Town

Heidelberg Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. And rightly so: it is the epitome of German romanticism. Anyone who has taken a tour (available in English on a regular basis) through the interior of Heidelberg Castle knows why the impressive ruins delight so many visitors. You are invited to experience the former residence of the Electors of the Palatinate - one of the most magnificent castles in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, world-famous at the beginning of the 19th century as a ruin and a place of longing for romantic poets. Highlights include the enormous wine barrel in the King’s Hall, the gardens, and across the river, the remaining vineyards of old Heidelberg maintained by two regional wineries. A free App, “Monument BW,” offers impressive images, videos and audio that bring the ruins to life. The world of rulers and nobility awaits and enchants with its unique atmosphere. An unforgettable experience for every visitor!