Burgenstraße

The Burgenstraße, or Castle Road, is a historic scenic route in Central Europe that links a wide array of castles, palaces, fortifications, and historic towns. It is one of the long-standing themed tourist routes in the German-speaking world and serves as a framework for cultural heritage travel in the region.

Geography and route idea: The Burgenstraße runs primarily through southern Germany and extends into the Czech Republic, connecting Mannheim in the Rhine-Neckar region with Prague. The corridor passes through parts of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia, offering a concentration of fortifications from the medieval and early modern periods. Along the way travelers encounter towns and landscapes shaped by fortress architecture, noble residences, and centuries of regional history.

History and development: The route was developed in the postwar period as a promotional concept to boost tourism by highlighting castle heritage. It was organized and promoted by national and regional tourism authorities, and over time a network of municipalities, museums, and cultural institutions joined the project. The Burgenstraße is signposted and marketed with promotional materials, maps, and guided itineraries.

Significance and use: Today the Burgenstraße remains a popular itinerary for cultural and heritage tourism. Visitors typically explore multiple castles and historic sites in a single trip, often combining a scenic drive with visits to museums, gardens, and castles openings or special events. The route continues to be supported by local tourism offices and regional associations as a cross-border cultural corridor.