Germany Trip Plan:
14 Day Germany Vacation along the Castle Road

View from the Neckar’s south bank of the historic town centre and Hirschhorn castle
[ source: wikipedia]

Day 1: Arrive at Castle-Hotel Hirschhorn

Arrive at the Schlosshotel Hirschhorn and get settled in. This town is known as the "pearl of the Neckar valley" and soon you will see why. The castle hotel is situated at Hirschhorn Castle high above the romantic Neckar. It is part of a well-preserved, 12th-century medieval castle where the dynasty of the distinguished knights "von und zu Hirschhorn" had lived and worked for more than 400 years. Today the former Great Hall houses 8 stylish bedrooms, restaurants and a beautiful terrace; all in all a perfect place to stay. The castle restaurant offers a cuisine made from regional and seasonal fresh products. Treat yourself to a large variety of home-made cakes and pies and the popular apple strudel.

Schloss Heidelberg
[ source: Flickr]

Day 2: Boat Tour to Heidelberg

Heidelberg is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Germany. It is steeped in rich history and an eye-catching palace. There are a number of things to see and do while visiting the town. There are over 20 museums including the Museum of Ancient Art. There is also a sculpture park where you can take an outdoor walking tour on your own admiring the beautiful sculpture art. If you're traveling with children try heading over to the Technologiepark-Heidelberg where they can get hands-on experience doing science projects! After you've had your fill all you have to do is get on the s-bahn and take the 20km train ride back to Hirschhorn.

Eutersee in the Naturpark
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 3: Day Hike through Geo-Naturpark

Since the castle you will be staying in is located in the South East part of Odenwald forest hikes are coordinated daily. Ask the reception at the hotel desk what time they are leaving and take a hike! If you're up for it afterward take a tour of the middle-town of Hirschhorn. When you've done all you can in the daylight hours enjoy a romantic, candle-lit dinner at the hotel restaurant (which has beautiful views of the town).

Eberbach town Church
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 4: Coach Ride to Eberbach

Take a carriage ride to Eberbach! Eberbach is located on the Neckar River and is known for its well maintained timber-frame houses and four main towers. There are still town-wall remnants scattered around the city that date back hundreds of years. the Eberbach castle ruins, which stand above the town on one of the mountains in the Odenwald range that surrounds the town, are worthy of sightseeing as part of the string of castles along the river Neckar. There are also three interesting museums in the town: the Cooperage Museum (Küfereimuseum), the Local History Museum, and then Tin Figure Museum (Zinnfiguren-Kabinett).

Mosbach
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 5: Trip to Mosbach

This lovely city is home to the Salzhaus, which is the oldest timber-framed house. The town is part of the conservation area Naturpark Neckartal-Odenwald and the UNESCO Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald. Take a leisurely stroll through the pedestrian area of the town and go on a shopping spree. There are many authentic shops and unique antique stores to choose from. Follow that up with a coffee in one of the delightful old cafés.

Schloss Neckarbischofsheim
[ source: ]

Day 6: Moving Day

Leave Hirschhorn and drive to Schloss Neckarbischofsheim for a tour of the beautiful castle. After drive for lunch or early dinner to the restaurant Burg Steinberg in Sinsheim. This Castle restaurant is located in the Stone Mountain Kraichgau and is a most impressive site. When you are finished with your meal drive to your new accomodations in Schloss Lehen in Bad Friedrichshall.

Guttenberg Castle
[ source: Official Web site for Guttenberg Castle]

Day 7: Guttenberg Castle

Guttenberg Castle or the "Knights Castle" was built in the middle ages and still stands relatively unharmed today. After taking a tour through the mysterious and secretive castle there is an exciting museum in the oldest preserved section of the castle which narrates the story of the fortress and describes the life of its original inhabitants across the centuries. In the shadow of the tower the old tavern invites you to enjoy a knights fare. "Sir Uwe and his band of knights" are well known for their exciting medieval banquets.

view from the Roter Turm (Red Tower) onto the castle quarter and the river bow
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 8: Bad Wimpfen - Kaiserpfalz

The iconic town of Bad Wimpfen is home to spa institutions and its valuable existence of building monuments. The historical old part of the town is completely protected. Since 1976 a comprehensive program of redevelopment resulted in an important revaluation of the most buildings. After taking a tour of the old castle go and relax in the heated saltwater pool at the local spa then head to dinner in one of the cozy German restaurants serving authentic cuisine.

View of the Heilbronn centre of town toward the Wartberg
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 9: Heilbronn

Emperor Maximilian I dubbed this town as "wine city" because he considered it to have the best wine in the Neckar Valley. After touring the castle, take another tour of the vineyards an see the romanticism come alive. There is a brochure you can ask for at the tourist office called "A Walk Through Historic Heilbronn" that will show you a walking tour of the most interesting sites in and around the city.

Bad Friedrichshall
[ source: Flickr]

Day 10: Bad Friedrichshall

The moated castle that you are staying at was built in the 13th century and the media praise it as "the gem of Baden Württemberg." There is much to scout out in the small town. Go shopping the the town center and search for relics and antiques to send home. Take a tour of the castle itself and marvel at the beauty you have been sleeping under. Bad Friedrichshall is also known for its salt mines, if you feel like it, take a tour through these and discover the underworld of salt mining.

Castle Hornberg
[ source: Flickr]

Day 11: Neckarzimmern & Castle Hornberg

Stay for the duration of the time in Castle Hornberg. This castle is home to a spectacular restaurant with sweeping panoramic views of Neckar Valley. They serve classic German cuisine cooking with local vegetables that are in season. After you wake up and eat breakfast meal head to the Neckarzimmern "Kaspar" crystal and glass-blowing works where guided tours of the factory are possible. "The Forest and Grapevine" provide for an an attractive walk through local vineyards, describing the history of wine growing.

View of Gundelsheim from Michaelsberg
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 12: Walk to Gundelsheim

From Neckarzimmern take the scenic 9km walk to neighboring Gundelsheim. It is here that you will find the home of the Teutonic Knights. The castle was built in 1420 and was given to the Teutonic Order by Konrad von Horneck in 1438, thereby making it the seat of the "Deutschmeister" (German Order of Chivalry) until it was destroyed in 1525 by fire during the Peasants' War.

A famous street in Rothenburg called Plönlein with Koboldzellersteig and Spitalgasse
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 13: Coach Tour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Neckarzimmern gives you access to take a coach tour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Once you get to this extremely well-preserved medieval village your breath will surely be taken away. There are lots of things to do in the town, so it would be wise to make your first stop be tourist office. From there they will be able to give you detailed information about sites to visit and things to do. One thing we suggest is going to the Plonlein (Little Square), a few blocks south of the Market Square. This spot offers a charming medieval sight. Standing at the right point, you can see two towers: on the left, more or less straight is the Siebers Tower (Siebersturm) dating from 1385; and down on the right, from the Tauber valley, is the Kobolzell Gate (Kobolzeller Tor) dating from 1360. These two access roads form a small triangular square, which is Plonlein. The Plonlein is often referred to as one of the most photographed spots in Germany.

Flying Home

Day 14: Trip Home

After having a healthy breakfast and preparing yourself for your trip back, it is time to pack up and begin your next journey. Hopefully you will arrive back to your homes well-equipped with history and stories about Germany's Castle Road. Tschüss!

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