Roadtrip Germany day 2: A Journey through the history and culture of Southern Germany
After a good night's sleep at the ACHAT Hotel Stuttgart Zuffenhausen, we start our second day of our Roadtrip Germany with a walk through the city center of Stuttgart. We start our exploration at the central station, Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof , a beautiful example of German station architecture with its imposing façade and modern amenities. From there, we walk to the Königstraße , Stuttgart's main shopping street, where we enjoy the many shops, cafés and the vibrant atmosphere.
We also decide to walk past the Schloss Stuttgart , Stuttgart's old castle that now serves as a museum and cultural center. The historic buildings and surrounding gardens offer a beautiful view of the city. Our walk takes us further to the Markthalle Stuttgart , a covered market where we can taste local delicacies and enjoy the colorful market stalls. This exploration of Stuttgart gives us a good feel for the city before we continue to the castles that are on our program today.
After our adventure in Stuttgart we drive to our first destination of the day, Lichtenstein Castle . After a quick stop in the city to recharge and have breakfast, we set off towards the fairytale castle which is about 60 kilometers away, with a travel time of about an hour.
Stop 1: Lichtenstein Castle (Distance: ~60 km, Travel time: ~1 hour)
Our first stop of the day is the fairytale
Lichtenstein Castle , located about 60 kilometers from Stuttgart, with a travel time of about an hour. This castle, also called the “Württemberg fairytale castle”, is one of the most picturesque castles in Germany. It stands on a steep rock and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Lichtenstein Castle was built in the 19th century by Count Wilhelm von Urach, inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's novel "Lichtenstein". The castle is a perfect example of neo-Gothic architecture and is impressive both inside and out.
Although the entrance fee for a guided tour of the castle is a little higher, it is possible to gain access to the courtyard for just €4, which is a great way to see the castle up close without taking an extensive tour. The castle itself may not be immediately impressive from the outside, but inside it is truly one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, with stunning architecture and historic rooms.
Website : Lichtenstein Castle
Entrance fee : €10 for adults and €7 for children (6-17 years). A visit to the courtyard costs only €4.
Stop 2: Burg Hohenzollern (Distance: ~45 km, Travel time: ~45 minutes)
After our visit to Lichtenstein Castle we continue to the impressive
Hohenzollern Castle , located approximately 45 kilometers away,
with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes. Burg Hohenzollern is one of Germany’s most iconic castles and plays an important role in German history. The castle, which sits high atop Mount Hohenzollern, is the seat of the House of Hohenzollern, which played a crucial role in German history, including Prussian kings and German emperors.
The current castle is the third version built on this site and dates back to the 19th century. It is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, with towers, battlements and beautifully decorated rooms. During our tour of the castle, we will learn about the history of the Hohenzollern dynasty and admire an impressive collection of art treasures, crown jewels and other historical objects. The castle also offers panoramic views of the Swabian Jura, a perfect setting for a piece of living history.
Website : Burg Hohenzollern
Entrance fee : €23 for adults and €10 for children (6-17 years)
Stop 3: Sigmaringen Castle (Distance: ~30 km, Travel time: ~30 minutes)
After exploring Burg Hohenzollern, we continue to Sigmaringen Castle , which is approximately 30 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. Here we take a break for lunch and to discover the history of this impressive castle. Sigmaringen Castle sits majestically on a cliff above the Danube and is closely linked to the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, a branch of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
Sigmaringen Castle has a rich and complex history and has played a role in various European conflicts and political developments. During our visit, we will explore the castle’s many halls and rooms, which are richly decorated with art, antiques and historical memorabilia. The castle also offers a magnificent view of the Danube and the surrounding city.
Website : Sigmaringen Castle
Entrance fee : €12 for adults and €8 for children (6-15 years) for a full tour.
Evening stop: Füssen (Distance: ~110 km, Travel time: ~1.5 hours)
After our visit to Sigmaringen Castle we set course for Füssen, which is approximately 110 kilometres away, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.
We arrive around 7pm and discover that there is a party going on in the city. It is a fantastic experience, with a lively atmosphere and lots of people out and about. The city is filled with music, markets and performances, ranging from medieval knights and damsels in costume to stilt walkers and a Brazilian brass band marching through the streets. We enjoy the festivities to the fullest, eat a delicious ice cream and make a memory for life.
We park our car in one of the narrowest garages we have ever seen, which gives us one last adventure of the day.
Final destination: Alpenhotel Ammerwald (Distance: ~30 km, Travel time: ~30 minutes)
After a day of exploring, we continue to our hotel in Austria, the Alpenhotel Ammerwald , which is located about 30 kilometers from Füssen, with a travel time of about 30 minutes. This hotel is located in the middle of nature, far away from the hustle and bustle, and offers a quiet and relaxing environment. The building is sustainably built mainly from wood, which gives it a warm and cozy atmosphere. In addition, we can charge our BMW iX1 here for free, which makes it ideal for an environmentally friendly trip.
After a day full of adventure and new experiences, we enjoy the peace and quiet of the Alps and prepare for the next day of our road trip.
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