German Toy Road
Where childhood dreams come true

The German Toy Road runs for around 300 kilometres through the magnificent towns and hilly countryside of Franconia and Thuringia, taking visitors back to the world of their childhood. There are toys to see of all descriptions - at toy factories and workshops, museums and adventure parks. If you think one toy museum is much like any other, you're in for a pleasant surprise. They are all unique and have their own particular specialism. People of all ages enjoy watching teddy bear/dolly doctors tending to their patients. A look behind the scenes at a doll factory quickly confirms the quality of German craftsmanship. There are glassworks where visitors can see Christmas baubles, glass marbles and dolls eyes being produced. And teddy bear fairs are great hunting grounds for collectors of teddy bears.

When you've looked at and admired so many toys, you'll probably want to buy some to take home. The German Toy Road offers lots of shopping opportunities, whether at toy shops or museums. You can sometimes buy direct from the manufacturer and at special prices too. At adventure parks along the route, there are gnomes, toy figures, live animals, knights and American Indians waiting to whisk you off to a wonderful world of fun. The historical city of Nuremberg in the heart of Franconia and host of the annual international toy fair is the first stop on the German Toy Road. All year round Nuremberg offers a range of attractive events for people of all age groups. Every family's Toy Road itinerary should also include an excursion to the 70,000m˛ Playmobil Fun Park in Zirndorf. Children will love the "clover leaf town" of Fürth, which has a variety of creative activities to choose from and is home to several major toy manufacturers. Coburg is a "nostalgic dukedom" set in delightful hills on the edge of the Thuringian Forest. It is a real doll and toy land with an exclusive doll museum - paradise for doll and toy enthusiasts.