Germany is full of tourist routes that allow travellers to explore certain parts of the country by visiting a string of places joined together by a theme. Not only does this mean you get to see a wide range of different towns and cities, you also get to indulge a passion or learn more about a specific aspect of German history and culture.
We have talked about the Romantic Road, perhaps Germany’s most popular tourist route, a lot in the past, but here are four foody journeys that will leave a delicious taste in the mouth.
Allgäu Cheese Route
The Allgäu region is rich in two things: cheese and natural beauty. This 150km route takes you on a semi-circular path from Oberstaufen to Isny, via Lindau and the shores of Lake Constance, through alpine scenery and by beautiful waterfalls. Look out for signs marking cheese factories (Käserei) and dairies (Sennerei) along the way, as you get a chance to see how Allgäu Emmental and Allgäu Mountain Cheese are made – and taste quite a bit too. There’s even the chance to get hands-on in Thalkirchdorf’s cheese school under the watchful eye of a master cheesemaker.
Baden Asparagus Route
One of the quirkier tourist routes that Germany has to offer, the Baden Asparagus Route stretches from Schwetzingen to Scherzheim along the western extreme of Baden-Württemberg. It provides 84 miles of asparagus-studded terrain which connoisseurs of this seasonal vegetable will really enjoy. Referred to as ‘the royal vegetable’ by Charles Theodore in 1650, asparagus is all over German menus during spring or Spargelzeit as the specific growing period is known. You will be able to taste some of the freshest stalks you’ll ever come by, as well as visiting Bruchsal for the largest asparagus market in Europe and Rastatt for the largest farm growing these spears of delight in Germany.
The Lower Saxony Milk Route
Whilst most of the tourist routes run in a straight line from one point to another, the Lower Saxony Milk Route offers a series of looped journeys on which you can sample cheese, yoghurt and anything else which is made using milk in these parts. There are four circuits in total, which can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or in the car and this is a great choice for families. Children will enjoy learning about the animals and playing in the various parks, whilst adults can get a real understanding of what rural life involves on the banks of the river Elbe. It’s not all about watching, though. On some of the farms you will visit, you will get the opportunity to muck in with moving hay bales and other jobs.
The German Wine Route
There are a few different wine routes throughout Germany, but this one that starts at the so-called German Wine Gate is perhaps the most famous. Rhineland-Palatinate is the country’s largest wine-growing region and it is here that you can taste spectacular rieslings, pinot grigios and dornfelders. Stops can be made as spontaneously or sporadically as you like as there is always an estate ready to tempt you in with a cold bottle and some clean glasses. One highlight is sure to be the Dürkheim Barrel, the largest wine barrel in the world, which has been turned into a tavern that offers wine tastings and other gourmet delights from the local area.
We can help you plan a trip along any of these German tourist routes, allowing you to taste some of the best food and drink the country has to offer. For more information, contact us today and we will tailor-make your holiday.