Street of the Staufer

A convertible tour along the Road of the Staufer means pure driving pleasure. The winding roads meander through gentle hills, dense forests, and alongside idyllic river valleys. Each stage brings new discoveries – whether it’s narrow alleys with historic half-timbered houses or grand views over the landscape. Thanks to numerous stopping points, the convertible route can be flexibly arranged, allowing for spontaneous detours or extended breaks at any time.

Convertible Road Trip through the Stauferland

Stage 1: Wäschenbeuren – Adelberg – Göppingen – Bad Boll – Ottenbach

The convertible tour begins in the picturesque Wäschenbeuren, where the Wäscher Castle serves as the starting point. This medieval castle complex offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Staufer. The journey continues to Adelberg, known for its former monastery which now serves as a museum.

In Göppingen, a visit to the city park and the castle is worthwhile. The city also offers numerous cafés and restaurants for a cozy break. The route continues through Bad Boll, a charming spa town with a historical flair.

Stage 2: Gerstetten – Heidenheim an der Brenz – Herbrechtingen – Hermaringen

This stage takes you through the heart of the Stauferland. In Gerstetten, you can visit the local museum at the Ursula Stift, which offers interesting insights into the regional history. The journey continues to Heidenheim an der Brenz, where the imposing Hellenstein Castle overlooks the city. A stroll through the old town rounds off the visit.

In Herbrechtingen, the former Herbrechtingen Monastery impresses as a cultural center. The convertible route continues to Hermaringen, where the Eselsburg Valley with its striking rock formations and the Brenz Bend offers a unique nature experience.

Stage 3: Dischingen – Königsbronn – Heubach – Schwäbisch Gmünd

In Dischingen, visitors are greeted by the well-preserved Katzenstein Castle, one of the oldest Staufer castles, which now serves as a museum and event venue. The journey continues to Königsbronn, where the ruins of Herwartstein lie on a rocky spur above the Brenz Valley, offering a splendid view.

The route leads to Heubach, known for the Heubach Castle and the nearby ruins of Rosenstein, which can be reached via hiking trails. The stage concludes in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a city with an impressive old town, numerous churches, and the Lorch Monastery, which served as the family monastery of the Staufer.

Stage 4: Schwäbisch Gmünd – Wäschenbeuren

The final stage returns to Wäschenbeuren and offers the opportunity to enjoy the highlights of the first stage again or make new discoveries. The convertible route takes you through picturesque landscapes and provides numerous opportunities for short stops and walks. Those who wish can enhance the circuit here with a visit to the historic Hohenstaufen or a detour into the Remstal.

Tour Highlights along the Road of the Staufer

The Road of the Staufer offers numerous cultural, scenic, and historical highlights along its route, making it a true experience for a convertible tour:

• Wäscher Castle near Wäschenbeuren: Former ministerial castle of the Staufer with a small museum and fantastic panoramic views – an ideal starting point for exploring Staufer history.

• Adelberg Monastery: Former Premonstratensian monastery with notable church and exhibitions on the history of the order.

• City of Göppingen: Charming city center with parks, cafés, and the nearby Filseck Castle.

• Hellenstein Castle in Heidenheim: Majestically situated above the city, the castle offers a museum, fantastic views, and a highly interesting fortress complex.

• Herbrechtingen Monastery: Former Benedictine monastery with Baroque church, now a cultural center with events and concerts.

• Katzenstein Castle near Dischingen: One of the oldest Staufer castles in southern Germany – with a museum, restaurant, and regular medieval events.

• Ruins of Herwartstein near Königsbronn: Easily accessible castle ruins with views over the Brenz Valley – a popular destination for hikers and photographers.

• Rosenstein Ruins near Heubach: Located above the town, the ruins offer impressive views and a beautiful hiking trail with rock formations.

• Schwäbisch Gmünd: With a magnificent old town, imposing church buildings, and the Lorch Monastery, where a monumental Staufer exhibition with a walkable round painting can be seen.

• Hohenstaufen (detour possible): Those with a bit more time should climb the prominent Hohenstaufen Mountain – the former ancestral castle of the Staufer family once stood there.

Tips for Your Convertible Tour

The Road of the Staufer is ideal for a multi-day road trip that combines culture, nature, and history. The best travel time is between spring and autumn – especially in May and September, when the region shows off its full color palette in pleasantly mild weather. For convertible drivers, the route is ideal as it mostly leads along well-developed, low-traffic country roads that guarantee winding driving fun.

For overnight stays, charming country inns, smaller hotels, or family-run guesthouses along the route are recommended – especially in Heidenheim, Schwäbisch Gmünd, and Göppingen, where a good selection can be found. Culinary delights in the region include Swabian specialties like Maultaschen, lentils with Spätzle, or onion roast – perfect for recharging after a day of driving.

Anyone who wants to photograph or hike should plan enough time, as numerous castles, ruins, and viewpoints are worth seeing. The Eselsburg Valley, the Rosenstein, or the area around Lorch Monastery offer perfect backdrops for short stops and explorations on foot.

Conclusion – Driving a Convertible on the Road of the Staufer

The Road of the Staufer is one of the most versatile thematic routes in southern Germany – and is perfect for an unforgettable convertible tour. It connects exciting historical sites with fascinating natural landscapes and offers a varied route that delights not only historians but also drivers with a sense of aesthetics and enjoyment. Whether exploring medieval castles, walking in the footsteps of the Staufer, or simply enjoying the panorama of the Swabian Jura – this route offers something for culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and car enthusiasts alike.

With its combination of historic locations, charming towns, delightful breaks, and well-developed infrastructure, the Road of the Staufer is a true insider tip for those traveling with the top down and wanting to discover more than just asphalt. Anyone who sees the sun setting over Wäscher Castle or enjoys the view from the Rosenstein Ruins will understand why this route is considered one of the most beautiful convertible trips in southern Germany.