In this guide we include tips on what to do, accommodation, tourist attractions, restaurants and other information for your best visit to Rain in Bavaria, state of Germany.
A travel itinerary for Rain can be part of the planning to get to know the entire Romantic Road in Germany, the best known tourist route in the country, or even a weekend or holiday day trip.
We write about 8 of the best attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany with up-to-date tips, be sure to check it out.
Where is the city of Rain in Germany
Rain is a city in Germany, located in the district of Donau-Ries, in the state of Bavaria.
Rain is located on the banks of the River Lech, close to its confluence with the Danube, 11 km east of Donauwörth. The city can be accessed via the B16 road and also via the Ingolstadt–Neuoffingen railway (part of the Danube Valley Railway – Donautalbahn), both between Ulm and Regensburg.
Rain is 114 km from Munich (approx. 1h30min). I haven’t taken the train to the city yet, but you can search for an option on the Deutsch Bahn. Taking the capital of the country as a reference, it is 536 km from Berlin and even though it is far away, it is possible to go by car (approx. 5h50min), in relation to other cities, it is 193 km from Stuttgart (approx. 2h) and 304 km from Munich (approx. 3h30min).
As you can see, we are getting closer to the city of Munich, which becomes the best option in terms of origin and stay for your visit. If you want to go by train from Munich, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 min (see route on Google Maps).
How to go to Rain in Germany
The best way to travel in Germany is very much up to you. We alternated a lot between using the country’s excellent railway network and also taking advantage of the no less excellent German roads and highways (who has never heard of the Autobahns with no speed limit, right?).
Find the best deals and options for flights and airport transfers to your hotel.
If you want to go by train from Munich, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Read our Best travel tips for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Romantic Road in Germany (Romantische Straße)
The German Romantic Route is the name given to a travel itinerary in southern Germany that crosses the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It passes through 460 kilometers and 29 cities, starting in Würzburg to Füssen (where the famous Neuschwanstein Castle) linking various historic attractions and picturesque castles.
Rain is part of the suggested itinerary and we have a complete and well-detailed travel guide with tips on how to get to know Germany’s Romantic Road, be sure to check it out.
Suggestions for activities and tours in the city of Rain and other destinations on the German Romantic Road:
Travel all Germany with the €49 transport pass
Be sure to read our complete guide on how to buy and use the 49 Euro transport ticket in Germany:
We answer questions like:
- Where and how to buy the €49 Ticket in Germany?
- How long is the €49 ticket valid for?
- Where can the €49 ticket be used in Germany?
- How can I see which trips I can take with my “Deutschland Ticket”?
We show you a step-by-step example on how to buy a ticket from Frankfurt to Munich.
Where to stay in Rain in Germany – Hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast
Although it is not very common to choose the city of Rain as a base to visit the Romantic Route (it is much more common for example staying in Munich and make a day trip), there are some good options for accommodation.
The best rated hotels in Rain that you can review to choose where to stay are:
- Hotel Lutz
- Hauptstr. 52, 86641 Rain, Germany
- 8.6 – Fabulous out of 282 reviews
- Guest comments: The new rooms were very comfortable also the breakfast more than expected, great variety. Very reasonable price. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
- Downtown
- 53 Hauptstraße, 86641 Rain, Germany
- 7.8 – Good out of 10 ratings
- Guest comments: Excellent service, great atmosphere, contact with other guests.
As you can see, there are only 2 options in the city, but there are options nearby that might be interesting.
Be sure to check it out at Booking.com page other options.
What to do in Rain in Germany
The first reference to Rain is in a document from the monastery of Niederschönenfeld dated July 4, 1257, in which it is described as a “civitas nostra” or ducal city. It is more likely that Rain was founded during the reign of Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria (1248–1253) or, at the latest, in the reign of Louis II, Duke of Bavaria (1253–1294) before 1257.
The city of Rain was founded for economic and strategic reasons, as it protected Bavaria from the northwest and collected taxes on its bridge over the river Lech.
On April 15, 1632, during the Thirty Years’ War, the Battle of Rain took place. The Protestant army of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden defeated the Catholic League army under Johann Tserclaes von Tilly, who withdrew his troops to Ingolstadt, where he died of tetanus from an infected gunshot wound in the thigh.
At the Battle of Rain am Lech, during the Thirty Years’ War, on April 15, 1632, Count von Tilly tried in vain to command the Catholic League army to prevent King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden from crossing the Lech into to Bavaria. During the engagement, the Count was seriously wounded and transported to Ingolstadt at the start of the battle, where he died on 30 April 1632 from a bullet wound in the leg. The defeated army also had to retreat to Ingolstadt, losing its artillery, and the Swedish army devastated Bavaria on its way to Munich.
In 1914, a monument commemorating Tilly was erected in front of Rain City Hall. Rain’s architectural heritage also includes the Roman Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist, which features late Gothic frescoes dating from around 1480. There is also the Swabian Gate, the historic Spital with the chapel of All Saints and the ancient castle .
Rain has three museums: the Lachner Brothers Museum, the Homeland Museum and the Jean-Duprai Museum. The four Lachner brothers, Theodor, Franz, Ignaz and Vinzenz, were 19th century German composers, all born in the city.
Top tourist attractions
Marvel at the gardens in the Dehner Flower Park, have a lakeside picnic in the city park, admire the brightness of colors in the Freche Garden or take a stroll among the picturesque flower beds around the palace.
The paradisiacal places are countless along the way to the lively center of the city.
Then under a fruit tree, now having a coffee in the shade of the Tilly monument, surrounded by historic houses and overlooking the Rococo town hall. Rain’s travel mix is wonderful!
Rain, the city of flowers, was founded over 750 years ago as the northwest stronghold of ancient Bavaria and was endowed with many privileges, such as city and market rights and the collection of customs duties. Remains of the city wall and the old city fortifications are still visible as evidence of the former fortress. The Schwabtor, a former city gate, has also been rebuilt.
The main tourist attractions that can be included in your travel itinerary in Rain are:
- Dehner Blumenpark (Dehner Flower Park)
- The main attraction of the city, the 30,000 m² garden combines garden elements from Asia, the Mediterranean and England in a unique set. One of the main attractions is the Japanese landscaped garden with large bonsai trees, ponds and waterfalls. The rhododendron grove, a beautiful type of shrub that blooms from May onwards, is another highlight.
- In addition to the rock and rose gardens, there are also numerous dry stone walls made of slate and sandstone, which are planted with perennials in the crowns and joints. Bird lovers can enjoy the sight of exotic birds such as peacocks, flamingos and temple doves.
- Altstadt (Historic Old Town)
- As the heart of the old town, the main street fascinates for its unique cluster of listed townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. The lively street leads past the Marienbrunnen fountain and Tilly monument to the impressive town hall.
- Rathaus (City Hall)
- The Rococo Town Hall stands in the center of the city and was built between 1759 and 1762. It was renovated and expanded under the direction of Munich architect Erwin Schleich and local architect Anton Fuchs.
- Leutnantschanze and Ziegelschanze
- Nature on the walls testifies to the Rain fortifications, so important until the 18th century, and the beautiful green belt invites you to take a walk. The Schwabtor has been rebuilt according to historical aspects.
- Schloss (Old castle)
- The official ducal residence from the 15th century is a magnificent and majestic building, despite the loss of the defensive moat and modifications
- Mariengrotte (Mary’s Grotto)
- In a niche of this cave of stalactites stands the sublime and youthful figure of Mary as the central figure. The grotto is densely surrounded by bushes and trees and is one of the most idyllic places in the old town.
- Heimatmuseum (Local museum)
- In the permanent exhibition, the culture of clothing, care for the home and clothes, the guild and the craft of hatters and chimney sweeps, the history of the village with the salt trade and the Battle of the Rain in 1632 are on display , the works of the monastery and sacred art.
- Schwabtor
- The Schwabtor, mentioned in 1494, is one of the two main city gates. The northwest exit from the city was protected by a drawbridge and led through a gateway to the Lech and the non-Bavarian “outside” until the 17th century. In front of the round tower was a defensive bastion. Behind him stretched from the Heiliggeistmühle to the brick bastion a wide moat. The Schwabtor tower that stands today was rebuilt in 1973.
As you can see, although the city is not very big, there are several interesting places to visit that make the trip worthwhile.
Tips for a 1-day itinerary in Rain in Germany
Our suggestion in Rain is to divide your script into two parts:
- You can start your tour at Dehner Blumenpark, admiring the flowers, gardens and decorations (hoping of course that the day is sunny and beautiful).
Take a break for lunch at one of the restaurants suggested in our publication.
- End your day by strolling through the Historic City among its main buildings and discovering small beauties hidden in its streets.
After that you continue your journey to the next town on the German Romantic Road.
Where to eat in Rain in Germany – Tips for bars and restaurants
If you’re traveling in Germany, I believe you should look for restaurants specializing in the country’s traditional cuisine or even a Biergarten for a German beer.
In Rain there are the options:
- Hotel Gasthaus Zum Boarn
- Hauptstr. 26, 86641 Rain, Bavaria Germany
- Reviews: Simply great. Very typical atmosphere, super clean toilets, super kind waitress and huge, tasty and cheap dishes.
- Restaurant Rosenstube
- Bahnhofstr. 19 Dehner Blumen Hotel, 86641 Rain, Bavaria Germany
- Reviews: I chose the salad bar and an asparagus dinner. Paired with the excellent salvaner wine from Castell. Very large restaurant, but very quiet, with friendly staff.
- Dehner Blumenrestaurant
- Donauwoerther Str. 5 Blumenpark Gastronomie, 86641 Rain, Bavaria Germany
- Reviews: Good open restaurant overlooking the park and in the center of the city’s rain garden. Good choice of food and friendly service.
- Schlossstuben
- Schloßplatz 2, 94369 Rain, Bavaria Germany
- Comments: Super kitchen with some delicacies. Reliable very attentive service. It was a really cool night. We will be back 🙂
Watch a video with footage of Rain in Germany
Video description: View of the town of Rain in the State of Bavaria and part of the German Romantic Road.
Are you traveling to Germany?
Specifically about international travel by plane to Frankfurt Airport, we have the best post:
Where to stay near Frankfurt Airport Germany – FRA, Frankfurt/Main
Search for the best place to stay near Frankfurt Airport, including hotel and hostel at different prices.
For planning a trip to Germany, we have some publications that can help a lot:
- Berlin, Germany – Top 20 sights and things to do and visit
- The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
- The best region and the best hotel to stay in Cologne in Germany
- Best travel tips for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
*Photos from TripAdvisor, official website of Rain and Wikipedia.
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