Dear travelers,
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
First stop: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. If Disney ever needed a backup plan for its castle towns, this is it. It’s the kind of place that makes you check your phone to confirm it’s still the 21st century.
I ended up in Rothenburg one spring while road-tripping down the Romantic Road (yep, that’s really its name—and honestly, it lives up to it). The moment I rolled into town and saw those red rooftops and half-timbered houses, I felt like I’d stumbled onto a movie set. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect a knight to trot by on horseback. Overflowing flower boxes, not a billboard in sight—just pure, storybook charm.
What to see (aka how to time-travel):
The Plönlein – The most Instagrammed corner in town. It’s a fork in the road that somehow became the medieval money shot.
City Walls Walk – You can actually walk the old walls and pretend you’re a lookout for invading forces… or just take in the view.
Christmas Museum – Even if it’s July, this place gives strong December energy. I left wanting to put up a tree.
Oh—and don’t leave without trying a Schneeball (translation: snowball). It’s a fried dough ball covered in chocolate, sugar, or other goodness. Messy, a little confusing, but totally worth it.
2. Nuremberg
I visited Nuremberg on a chilly December weekend, mostly because I’d heard rumors of a magical Christmas market. Spoiler: the rumors were true. But what I didn’t expect was how much this city, with all its weighty history, would stick with me.
My highlights:
Imperial Castle – Overlooks the whole city and feels like walking into a medieval RPG.
Old Town (Altstadt) – Gingerbread-style buildings, bratwurst stands, and the best mulled wine I’ve ever had.
Nuremberg Christmas Market – If you visit in December, don’t miss the Christkindlesmarkt. It’s one of the oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in Europe.
Albrecht Dürer’s House – The home of the famous Renaissance artist is now a museum and gives insight into both his work and the city’s artistic legacy.
Nuremberg is a great example of how a city can preserve its past while actively moving forward. It’s also a great base if you’re exploring Franconia or northern Bavaria.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
Even if you’ve never heard the name “Neuschwanstein,” you’ve likely seen the image—it was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, this castle wasn’t meant for defense or politics. It was built purely out of imagination and romance.
Visiting Tips:
Tickets: You must book a timed ticket in advance, especially in high season. The tour is short but informative.
Best Viewpoint: The Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) offers the best view of the castle with the valley behind it. It’s worth the short hike.
Combine with Hohenschwangau: This is the neighboring castle where Ludwig grew up. If you have time, visiting both adds historical context.
Getting There: You can reach the area from Munich by train and bus, or rent a car for more flexibility.
Stuttgart
Let’s talk about Stuttgart. Specifically, the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. I’m not even a massive car person, and I still geeked out. It’s less “look at these cars” and more “look at these pieces of design history and human achievement.”
First stop: Porsche Museum
It’s sleek, modern, and the curation is stunning. You’ll see everything from early racing models to today’s electric dreams.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: €12
Children under 14: Free (when accompanied by an adult)
Reduced (students, seniors, disabled): €6
Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children under 18): €24
Groups (10+ people): €8 per person
Evening Ticket (from 5 p.m.): €6
Early Bird Ticket (until 10 a.m.): €6
Then: Mercedes-Benz Museum
Just a short drive away, the Mercedes-Benz Museum offers a deep dive into over 130 years of automotive history. The building itself is an architectural marvel, spiraling through time with each floor dedicated to a different era.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: €16
Reduced (students, seniors 64+, teenagers 13–17): €8
Children under 13: Free
Small Family Ticket (1 adult + up to 3 children): €24
Large Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): €40
Evening Ticket (from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.): €8 for adults, €4 for reduced categories
Munich
I’ve spent a lot of time in Munich, and it’s always full of surprises. Beyond its famous beer gardens and Oktoberfest fame, Munich is a city of culture and contrasts.
Two Must-See Sights Beyond the Usual Tour Stops:
Asamkirche (Asam Church)
Tucked away on Sendlinger Straße, this small Baroque church is easily missed—until you step inside. It’s only one nave wide, but the decoration is extravagant and dramatic, created by the Asam brothers as their private chapel.
What Makes It Special:
The ceiling fresco is stunning.
The church is a masterpiece of high Baroque, crammed with detail and symbolism.
Entry is free, and it’s rarely crowded.
Deutsches Museum
Imagine a museum the size of a department store, filled with everything from vintage airplanes to interactive electricity demos. That’s the Deutsches Museum.
I may or may not have lost track of time in the physics section. It’s kid-friendly, adult-awesome, and a solid rainy day activity.
Plan Your Visit:
It’s massive—map out the exhibits you care about most.
Ideal for families, but also fascinating for adults.
Their aviation and energy sections are particularly well done.
Munich is like your sophisticated friend who can debate philosophy, throw a beer-fueled party, and then show you around a museum the next morning.
Germany isn’t just one type of trip. It’s romantic towns, heavy history, castles from dreams, and surprisingly emotional car museums. Each time I go back, I uncover something new—whether it’s a tiny alley café in Nuremberg or a centuries-old organ concert in Munich.
If you’re planning a trip, I hope this gives you some inspiration and ideas. And if you’ve already been to any of these spots—tell me what you loved most. Did you try a Schneeball? Get goosebumps at Neuschwanstein? Tear up at the Mercedes Museum? (Just me?)
Until next time, happy wandering.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
