In this guide we include tips on what to do, accommodation, tourist attractions, restaurants and other information for your best visit to Harburg. Including its main landmark and most visited attraction, Harburg Castle.
A trip to Harburg can be part of the plan 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 Harburg in Germany
Harburg is a city in Germany, located in the district of Donau-Ries, in the state of Bavaria (in German Bayern).
Harburg is 280 km from Frankfurt (approx. 3h15min). 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 518 Km from Berlin and even though it is far away, it is possible to go by car (approx. 5h30min), in relation to other cities, it is 130 Km from Stuttgart (approx. 2h) and 127 Km from Munich (approx. 1h15min).
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.
How to go to Harburg 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 2 hours 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.
Harburg 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 Harburg 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 Harburg in Germany – Hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast
Although it is not very common to choose the city of Harburg 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 Harburg that you can review to choose where to stay are:
- Hotel-Restaurant Straussen
- Marktplatz 2, 86655 Harburg
- 8.4 – Very good out of 1,045 ratings
- Guest Comments: Large, modern rooms. Good restaurant and parking available.
- Hotel Gasthof zum Goldenen Lamm
- Marktplatz 15, 86655 Harburg, Germany
- 8.3 – Very good out of 120 ratings
- Guest Comments: Good location, good breakfast. Room at the back was quiet with the sound of the river and screens on the windows! Friendly staff.
- Old Bavarian House on the Romantic Road
- 39 Egelseestraße, 86655 Harburg,
- 8.2 – Very good out of 216 ratings
- Guest Comments: Everything worked. Plenty of space, nice and helpful host, 1 minute walk from the center where you will find some good restaurants and Biergartens
In Harburg, you can also stay in a castle, see:
- Schlosshotel Harburg
- Burgstrasse 1 Burg Harburg, 86655
- 7.7 – Good out of 466 ratings
- Guest Reviews: Very beautiful and peaceful place. I feel very relaxed and the service is excellent. Breakfast was wonderful and the staff kept it full for everyone to enjoy.
Be sure to also check out Booking.com page other options.
What to do in Harburg in Germany
The name Harburg first appears in 1093, with Harburg Castle and surrounding area belonging to imperial property since 1150. In 1418, the city and castle finally came into the possession of the counts of Oettingen.
In 1806 Harburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria and in 1848 it was elevated to city status. Another important fact is that in this same year, the city was connected to the rail network with the Ludwig-Süd-Nord-Bahn.
Harburg Castle, but also the old town and Wörnitz are popular tourist destinations in Germany. Mainly because it is on the Romantic Road, and is the end point of the Franconian Way and a stage of the Camino de Santiago of Bavaria-Swabia and the Via Romea pilgrimage route.
Harburg Castle
Harburg Castle, which sits on a cliff overlooking the city, is the landmark of Harburg. It is an extensive medieval complex from the 11th and 12th centuries and the 18th century condition has been largely preserved.
Harburg Castle was first mentioned in 1150 as an imperial castle. During history, it has never been seriously damaged by war. Unlike many other German castles that were built in the last 200 years or rebuilt after WWII, Harburg Castle retains the feel of the Middle Ages.
Today the castle belongs to the Prince of Oettingen-Wallerstein Cultural Foundation. It offers daily guided tours of the castle from mid-March until the end of October. On foot, you can reach the castle from the old town via several signposted paths around the castle hill.
You have the options of visiting both the garden and the outside, as well as its interior. Visit the official website for up-to-date visiting hours and ticket prices.
Top tourist attractions
In addition to the Harburg Castle, which is its main attraction, the other sights to visit in Harburg are in the historic city (Altstadt) in particular.
The landmarks that can be included in your travel itinerary in Harburg are:
- Marktplatz
- From the five old city gates, the streets lead in a star shape to the Marktplatz, the market square that forms the center of the old town and slopes down slightly towards the Wörnitz River.
- Directly opposite is the bronze Marktplatzbrunnen (market fountain), which was designed by sculptor Fred Jansen from Oettingen and erected in 1996 as part of the renovation of the old town.
- Old City Gates
- Harburg already had five wooden city gates around 1500: the Brucktor (on the bridge), the Egelseetor (leads to the Egelsee), the Nördlinger Tor or Tiefen Tor, the Vesttor (leads to the Veste or Burg) and the Griestor or Donauwörther Tor .
- Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge)
- The bridge spanning the banks of the Wörnitz is the second main landmark of the city of Harburg. Its arched structure was built in 1729 and consists of stone blocks with seven spans and covered pillars.
- At the end of World War II, in 1945, two arches of the bridge were destroyed by explosions, but repaired after the end of the war.
- Major churches
- Schlosskirche St. Michael: The Castle Church of St. Michael in Harburg Castle, which has been Protestant since the Reformation, still serves the Protestant parish as a place of worship during the summer months. It is the oldest church in Harburg and dates back to Romanesque times.
- Stadtpfarrkirche St. Barbara: The evangelical parish church of St. Barbara was built in 1612 by Count Gottfried zu Oettingen-Oettingen and intended to offer the population more space for prayer and religious celebration. It is located at the foot of the castle hill next to the Town Hall.
- Stadtpfarrkirche Herz Jesu: The Catholic parish church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in 1903 in neo-Gothic style.
- Geopark Ries Infostelle Harburg (Geopark Ries de Harburg information point)
- The information point not only provides information about the formation of the Ries crater, its geology and its special features, but also about the connection of Geopark Ries to the space missions of ESA and NASA.
- Because it also tells the story of the city and sights of Harburg and because of its location directly on the Romantic Road and the specially designed Wörnitz river access, it is a good starting point and place to visit. rest for cyclists, hikers and visitors to the city.
- Read more information on official website such as location and opening hours.
1 Day Itinerary Tip in Harburg in Germany
Our suggestion in Harburg is to divide your itinerary into two parts:
- Arrive in the city and take the tour of Harburg Castle, both its garden and interior (be sure to check the guided tour times).
Take a break for lunch
- After lunch stroll through Altstadt, visiting the main houses and buildings of Harburg.
- End the day admiring the Wörnitz River and the hill of Harburg Castle from the Steinerne Brücke.
And after that you continue your journey to the next city on the German Romantic Road.
Where to eat in Harburg 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 Harburg there are the options:
- Hotel Gasthof Zum Goldenen Lamm
- Marktplatz 15, 86655
- Comments: The hotel’s location is quite unique on an old stone bridge under the Harburg castle. If the weather is good, you can have dinner or breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river. The staff and owner are very friendly, good food and beer.
- Hotel Restaurant Straussen
- Marktplatz 2, 86655
- Comments: The restaurant has wonderful food! By far the best potato I’ve had in Germany. I observed other diners’ dishes, all of which were beautifully presented.
- Landgasthof Weberhans
- Westenstr. 15, 86655
- Comments: The menu is small but quite varied. It allows the chef to have the freshest ingredients and the ability to give each dish close attention. The restaurant offers the best beers that Bavaria has to offer.
- Waldschanke Eisbrunn
- Eisbrunn 1, 86655
- Comments: Dishes were superbly handcrafted, strong in flavor and not a trace of congeal or any powders everywhere. The service was very competent, attentive and never intrusive. The restaurant looks very traditional, as if you were in a nice mountain tavern.
Watch a video with images of Harburg in Germany
Video description: Aerial view of the city of Harburg in the State of Bavaria and which is part of the Romantic Road of Germany.
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 Harburg and Wikipedia.
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