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 first makes a detour off the Neckar, via the Jagst River, before rejoining the Neckar at Neckarsulm. If you feel like making a detour and haven't done so yesterday, you can still visit the following castles: Heuchlingen (from the 12th century, privately owned and not accessible, 4.4*), Burg Herbolzheim / Heriboldisburg ( ruin, remains of a high medieval castle above the Jagst valley. Apart from the reconstructed round tower and some remains of the kennel and wall, nothing of the complex has survived today. You can walk to it if you wish. 3.0*) Neudenau Castle (built in the 13th century. Until 1802 it served as the seat of the Mainz cellar. From 1803 to 1869 it belonged to the Counts of Leiningen-Neudenau until it became private property in 1869. The city bought it in 1871 and converted it into a school building, which has housed the Josefine-Weihrauch-Heimatmuseum since 1961. 4.3*) and the half-timbered houses in the town of Presteneck (water castle, not accessible 4.0*) and Lautenbacherhof (beautiful but dilapidated private property, not accessible).

The next stop is the city of Heilbronn. The center is not very special, although there are some sights such as the town hall and the market tower. Outside the center is an old railway yard that now houses a museum with steam trains. 4.3 * Plan your route there yourself, because this route does not run along it.

We now say goodbye to the Neckar, which goes further south (or actually comes from there). We are going east, making kilometers, towards Weinsberg and the wine regions. In Weinsberg we find the castle Weibertreu on top of a mountain with vineyards all around. It is in ruins, but there is still enough left for a visit. It is still a place where wine making is taught. 4.5* Next door is another castle museum. 4.1 * and the town of Weinsberg itself is also nice to have a look around.

Now we're going to do some miles. We drive 30 kilometers northeast to the town of Öhringen with the castle of the same name. The castle is located in the heart of the city right on the market square. Today, the beautiful Renaissance building serves as the seat of the city council. The tourist information is also located there. Visitors can take a look inside the castle's rooms during working hours. 4.4* Opposite the castle on the market is a large church with several buildings that are worth a visit. Afterwards you can relax in the castle gardens. Time for lunch perhaps. Tips: Cafe am Markt and Schlosscafé Nussknacker. In the suburbs you can visit a small motorcycle museum. It doesn't seem to be open on weekends. The route does not pass by, plan the way there yourself if you want to view it.

In the next village Neuenstein we find the water castle Neuenstein. An impressive building, in all its glory and in use as a museum and archive. You can look around in the original kitchen, which is still ready to use. We now leave the plain and drive into the woods. There we soon come across castle Waldenburg. A walled castle on top of a hill, from where you have a great view of the area. The castle itself is not accessible, but the castle gardens are. 4.5* The town itself is also nice to have a look around.

We continue through the woods to Schwäbisch Hall. Just before we arrive in that city, we drive past the Grosscomburg monastery. Comburg Monastery overlooks the town of Schwäbisch Hall, which is surrounded by the Kocher River. The wide castle-like complex with its churches, towers and chapels attracts visitors. 4.6* Around the Comburg is a 420 meter long accessible wall walk that offers a beautiful view over the landscape and the city. There is a café with an exhibition about the history of the Comburg. The outdoor area is freely accessible. There is also plenty to see in Schwäbisch Hall itself. We drive to the Kocher River that flows through the city. From there you can explore the old town well. Don't forget to walk to the town hall and the enormous church of St. Michael on the same square. 4.7* There is also a charming museum (Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum) with local art and cultural antiques from the Middle Ages to the present day. 4.6*

We drive past Eltershofen Castle, a water castle. Not accessible. 4.0* Via a beautiful, winding road we continue to Langenburg to the very beautiful castle of the same name. This is also private property, but partly accessible. There is a museum about the castle and a museum with German cars. Both not very big, but well worth it. A walk over the large grounds is definitely recommended. 4.5* We take the inland road along the river Jagst to the ruins of Burg Leofels. The structure of the castle can still be seen and visited. Sometimes there are theater performances. 4.7*

After this we drive to Kirchberg an der Jagst, where we can find the castle Kirchberg. This is a large complex with several buildings, including a luxury hotel and a cafe. A farmer's school and a culture company are also located here. From time to time there are performances to watch. 4.4* We drive a little further to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. First we pass Hornberg Castle, which is not accessible and not so special to make a detour for it. You can see it. 4.5*

Because there is so much to do and see in Rothenburg, we spend the night there. Rothenburg is a beautiful city with a rich history. Unfortunately, little is left of the castle, but the view from that place is great. The city itself still has many beautiful buildings. You can take a walk around it to see everything. There is also plenty to eat and drink. A great place for an overnight stay. For example, choose Kreuzerhof Hotel Garni (€ 110, price level 2021) 4.7* or the Burg Hotel (€ 155, price level 2021) 4.7*.

Instead of driving part 4 of the Burgenstrasse, you can also choose to follow the Romantic Road, which goes south from Rothenburg to Füssen. You may have missed the first part of it, because the route starts in Würzburg.