Donauworth
Donauwörth, Bavaria, 86609
Located at the confluence of the Danube and Wornitz rivers, the Bavarian beauty of Donauworth is famous for its colorful townhouses, which were carefully restored after World War II. It’s also home to the quirky Käthe-Kruse-Puppen-Museum, dedicated to the life and creations of dollmaker Käthe Kruse.
The basics
Time-tight travelers typically come to Donauworth on day trips that showcase the best of the Romantic Road. These tend to start and end in Munich, around 1.5 hours away. Typical stops include medieval towns and magnificent architecture, such as the 11th-century Harburg Castle, historic St. Jacob's Church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and ancient fortifications of Dinkelsbuhl. Donauworth is often also a stop on Christmas market tours that highlight Bavaria’s best festive markets.
Things to know before you go
Donauworth’s city center is wheelchair-accessible.
There’s a wheelchair-accessible toilet in multistory car park P4 Wörnitzparkhaus.
Walkers, joggers, and nature lovers can find brochures of recommended walks at the Donauworth tourist office—try the Small Historical Walk or Little Green Walk.
How to get there
It’s easy to get to Donauworth by train or you can travel by car along the B16, B2, and B25 roads to discover other Romantic Road highlights. Once in Donauworth, it’s best to explore the area’s beauty on foot. There are also plenty of long-distance bike paths to enjoy, such as the Danube Cycle Path and the Wornitz Cycle Path.
When to get there
The city is arguably at its most beautiful in summer, when it’s possible to hike and enjoy the great outdoors. There are also events throughout the warmer months, such as the Donauwörther Reichsstraße Festival, which typically happens in July. This festival includes music performances, cultural events, activities for children, beer gardens, and a full entertainment schedule.
Romantic Road highlights near Donauworth
If you’re visiting Donauworth, make time to venture further afield and see more of the Romantic Road. Other must-see highlights include Harburg, which is famous for its 11th-century castle; Nordlingen, a town built on a crater; and the fairy-tale towns of Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, renowned for their picture-perfect historical centers.
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