At the foot of these mountains lie Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle, two spectacular castles dating from the 19th century. These famous fairytale castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Maximilian, the Crown Prince, mark the end of the Romantic Road in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Right on the edge of the Alps, on the border with the Tyrol, lies Füssen, Bavaria's highest town (800-1200m above sea level). Its fully preserved late-medieval town centre is home to a wealth of art treasures and architectural monuments. High above the town, the church, the monastery of St. Mang and Hohes Schloss Castle - formerly the summer residence of the prince bishops of Augsburg - form a remarkable ensemble. While you're here we recommend a trip up the Zugspitze: at 2,964 metres, this is Germany's highest mountain. Once you reach the peak, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Alps that stretches from Germany and Austria as far as Italy and Switzerland.
But the best way to see absolutely everything on offer is on the well-marked Romantic Road Cycling Route (cycling maps and special cycling packages are available). All the way along this route from the Main to the Alps there are inns serving delicious food and drink, where you can stop off for a while and have a bite to eat before setting out again on your way. A fascinating journey of discovery along the Romantic Road is ideal for those on a driving or coach tour, as well as cycling and camping enthusiasts, festival-goers and connoisseurs. On this tour, you'll learn about geological history, 2,000 years of culture and, of course, the Age of Romanticism. The many castles, palaces and monasteries are not only a reminder of feudal times, they also provide the delightful setting for a variety of spectacular concerts. In fact, there are a number of lively festivals, concerts and cultural events taking place along the route all year round. So what are you waiting for!
