Cabrio tour on the Fantastic Road
The Fantastic Road is one of the most charming convertible routes in Germany. It connects cultural gems, impressive natural landscapes, and historically significant places along a route that unfolds like a road movie through Baden-Württemberg. Between ancient castles, lively old towns, vineyards, Black Forest hills, and Lake Constance panoramas, a backdrop unfolds that is perfect for a relaxed yet intense convertible tour.
The route leads from Weinheim in the north to Mainau Island on Lake Constance, linking some of the most beautiful regions of southern Germany. The change from wide vistas, dense forests, medieval alleys, and southern flair makes the "Fantastic Road" an experience that truly deserves its name. With the top down, the drive becomes a pure sensory experience – wind in your face, sun on your skin, and the scent of forest, river, and grape juice in the air.
Route: Three stages through the southwest
The Fantastic Road is not a classic holiday route with continuous signage – it is more of a consciously chosen thread that connects the most beautiful stages of southwestern Germany. Ideal for a three-day tour or an extended weekend, the route can be divided into three balanced stages. Each brings its own character – from historic cities to natural highlights to Mediterranean moments.
First Stage: From Weinheim via Baden-Baden to Gengenbach
Your tour begins in Weinheim on the Bergstraße. The "city of two castles" impresses with its picturesque old town, the castle park, and views of the Rhine plain. Weinheim is the ideal starting point for a convertible tour – small enough for a relaxed stroll but with plenty of atmosphere and a hint of Tuscan feeling.
From there, you proceed over the foothills of the Odenwald towards the Black Forest. Baden-Baden awaits you with its glamorous charm, magnificent villas, the famous Kurhaus, and the spas. A drive through the Lichtentaler Allee in a convertible is pure bliss – like an elegant leap back to the Belle Époque. If you like, you can let yourself be carried away here, sit in one of the cafés in the spa gardens, or enjoy the sound of the Oos on a short walk.
After that, you head further south to the romantic Gengenbach – a gem among the Black Forest towns. With its half-timbered houses, the historic city wall, and the idyll between vines and forest, Gengenbach is a place to breathe and linger. Especially in the evening sun, the town reveals its full magic – ideal for a relaxed conclusion to the first stage.
Second Stage: From Gengenbach via Breisach to Mainau Island
The second stage takes you deeper into the southern Black Forest and finally to Lake Constance. The first highlight is Breisach on the Rhine – a town with Roman history, a charming old town core, and the impressive Münsterberg, from which you have a wonderful view of the Rhine Valley extending into France. On a nice day, it's worth stopping for coffee in the marketplace – the atmosphere is almost Mediterranean.
From Breisach, the route meanders further through the Markgräflerland, past vineyards and orchard meadows. Small roads, little traffic, and many viewpoints – ideal for convertible fans. The stage ends on Mainau Island, perhaps the most floral stop on your tour. The "flower island" in Lake Constance enchants with magnificent gardens, an exotic plant world, and baroque architecture. A stroll on Mainau is not only a visual delight but also a little time travel – especially in late spring or early autumn when everything is in bloom or glowing golden.
Third Stage: From Mainau Island via Hohenzollern Castle to Tübingen
The final stage leads you back from Lake Constance to the interior of the country – with a real highlight: Hohenzollern Castle. High atop a solitary mountain cone, the ancestral castle of the Prussian royal house towers like a fairy tale castle over the Swabian Jura. The approach is spectacular – and in a convertible, it’s a feast for all the senses. Whether you visit the castle or simply enjoy the view is up to you – a stop is always worth it.
From there, you continue to Tübingen, where you can leisurely conclude your tour. The old university town on the Neckar combines youthful life with medieval charm: narrow alleys, colorful houses, Hohentübingen Castle – and an atmosphere that oscillates between student pub and literary café. Driving through Tübingen in a convertible means immersing yourself once more in the southern German way of life before you gradually bid farewell to your tour on the Fantastic Road.
Tips for your convertible trip on the Fantastic Road
The route takes you through different elevations – from the Rhine plain to the Black Forest to the Swabian Jura. Therefore, pay attention to appropriate clothing, even if the sun is shining: it can get surprisingly chilly in the mornings and evenings. The roads are well-maintained but can be winding – especially in the Black Forest. Drive attentively and consciously enjoy the slowness as you cruise through the villages and small towns.
Especially in the summer months, it is advisable to book accommodations early – many places are popular holiday destinations. However, for those who enjoy spontaneity, there are always smaller guesthouses and charming country hotels along the route.
And very importantly: take your time for detours. Often the most beautiful views, the coziest inns, or the most exciting photo spots are just a few minutes off the main route.
With the convertible over the Fantastic Road
The Fantastic Road is an invitation to travel consciously. Between half-timbered houses, wine, castles, and lakes, you experience southwestern Germany in all its diversity – and in a way that becomes even more intense with the top down. For those who long for a stylish mix of nature, culture, and driving pleasure, this route truly lives up to its name. A real experience for convertible fans – and all those who want to become one.