The Burgenstrasse is a well-known historic autoroute through southern Germany. This beautiful route from Mannheim to Bayreuth goes for almost 1000 km through (mainly) the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The route passes by more than 80 castles, fortresses and aristocratic residences and more places of interest. The route once continued for another 400 kilometers in the Czech Republic.

The star ratings (4.4*) of the sights are taken from Google Maps. This allows you to decide for yourself what you want to watch and what not. Suggestions for other points of interest along the route are also provided. Some castles are in use as a hotel or as a residence and cannot be visited. Or rather: you can sleep there for a night.

The route starts in front of Mannheim Palace, a large Baroque palace. Originally it was the main residence of the Electorate of the Palatinate Electors of the House of Wittelsbach. The castle with tapestries, furniture, paintings, porcelain and silverware can be visited for free with audio guides. 4.5*

We follow the Rhine for a while and drive to Schwetzingen Castle. Opulent antiquities in a grand 17th-century palace with a Rococo theater and huge ornamental gardens. 4.7*

We leave the Rhine and drive to the river Neckar, which we will follow for a while. We soon arrive in Heidelberg with its historic city center and castle. The lively Altstadt is the historic heart of the city of Heidelberg, with cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and bustling market squares overlooking Heidelberg Castle and its hilltop gardens. Studentenkarzer is a graffiti-strewn former university prison, and the Deutsches Verpackungs-Museum showcases product packaging and brand design. The old bridge over the Neckar has beautiful towers. The main shopping street, Hauptstrasse, has bookshops, casual cafes and traditional restaurants. Have a cup of coffee on Marktplatz with a view of the Heiliggeistkirche. From Scheffelterasse (which is quite a walk) you have a beautiful view of the old town and the castle. It is located in a nice park. 4.6*

Heidelberg Castle is a ruined 16th-century red sandstone castle on a hill, with guided tours and a huge wine barrel. 4.7*

We have lunch in Neckargemünd. In the center on the water of the Neckar there are many nice places. Gasthaus Zum Schiff is an example of this. 4.7*

In Neckargemünd lies the ruins of the castle Reichenstein. Some remains of this castle from the 12th century can still be seen in a beautiful park. Worth walking through. 4.2*

We take a trip to Dilsberg, an old town with a famous mountain castle from the 1100s, with a tunnel and a picturesque view of the Neckar Valley. Well worth it! 4.5*

Back to Neckargemünd to cross the Neckar and drive to Neckarsteinach. The walls and towers of Schadeck Castle there (also known as Schwalbennest) are still there. The beautiful spot with a view over the River Neckar makes a visit worthwhile. 4.7* A little further on, the Hinterburg Castle is still accessible. 4, 6* The Mittelburg and Vorderburg are private property and not accessible, but you can walk past them 4.4* 4.3* After this we drive further along the Neckar. Between the trees you can still see the castle Dilsberg on the other side and in the river the lock of Neckarsteinach 4,5*

In Hirschhorn you can visit the castle of the same name. A part is used as a hotel and restaurant. The rest is freely accessible. 4.4* In the village you can also visit a very beautiful church. 4.6* Both are located on the hills above the Neckar and offer a beautiful view. The NeckarSchleife is also located near Hirschhorn: a sharp bend in the Neckar that offers a beautiful view.

Further along the Neckar in Eberbach are the remains of the three castles of Eberbach. Not much of it left and it's quite a walk. This route will not take you there either. You will have to get off the route and find the way. 4.5* A little further on the other side of the Neckar lies the ruins of Stolzeneck Castle 4.4*. If you want to go there, you have to cross the Neckar in Eberbach and follow the road on the other side until past the locks.

It's time for a visit to Zwingenberg Castle. 4.6* According to the website, guided tours are possible here and there are many festivities in the summer. Before your visit, check the website to see what there is to see and do that day. Parts of the castle are inhabited and other parts are rented out. So there's a chance you won't be able to get in.

After Zwingenberg you can still go to the ruins of Minneburg. Fairly well preserved and freely accessible. Determine your own route there. 4.6*

Time for a bed and a nice dinner even though we have only just driven 100 kilometers: we have already been able to see and visit a lot. You can also continue to Binau and find a spot there. Binau has two castles, one of which is a ruin (3.8*) and the other a home for the elderly (Schloss Binau, 3.1*).

You can eat and stay overnight in Zur Wolfsschlucht (€ 70, price level 2021) in Zwingenberg with good food (4.3*)