Harburg

The basics

Harburg is an important stop on full-day tours that showcase the highlights of the Romantic Road. These typically begin in Munich and stop at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its half-timbered houses and medieval Old Town; Dinkelsbuhl, famous for its beautifully preserved city walls; and Nuremberg, known for its Imperial Castle and World War II sites. If you’re already in Harburg, you can see the castle on a private walking tour.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re traveling by train, there’s a barrier-free train station in Harburg.

• Harburg is a great pick for cycling fans; check out the Romantic Road Cycle Path and also the Wornitz Cycle Path.

• There are plenty of places to hike near Harburg, such as the Via Romea Pilgrimage Route or the Frankenweg Route.

How to get there

Many travelers choose to visit Harburg on a self-drive tour of the Romantic Road; however, the town also has a small train station. Once in the city, you won’t need to take public transport as it’s easy to get around on foot. There are also ample long-distance cycling paths that run through Harburg.

When to get there

Harburg is beautiful throughout the year—but it tends to attract the biggest crowds during the summer months (from July through August). If you’re there during this time, it’s worth checking the events schedule at Harburg Castle; a popular event is “Serenade in the castle courtyard”. The town also hosts Harburger Kulturherbst (usually September through October) with concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.

Visiting Harburg Castle

An essential stop if you’re spending time in Harburg—the city’s castle is one of Bavaria’s oldest castles. Dating back to 1150, the castle has survived multiple wars and battles, and is a beautiful example of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. It offers day and night-time castle tours, as well as concerts and events throughout the year.