Immerse yourself in lush meadows, flourishing gardens, and wolf howls – picturesque landscapes of the medieval era, churches, majestic castles, enchanting valleys crossed by streams, and spectacular mountain views – these are the wonders that make the Romantic Road famous. Many overlook the numerous parks along the route, each with unique themes ranging from ornamental gardens to nature reserves. We invite you on an exploratory journey from north to south: In Würzburg, the starting and ending point of the famous German itinerary, discover two green gems right away: the botanical garden of the University of Würzburg, located on a hill, boasts about 10,000 plant species, various collections from around the world, and a tropical greenhouse. Guided tours provide an in-depth look into the world of plants. Do not miss the Hofgarten of the Würzburg Residence, a masterpiece from the time of Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1755–1779). With its baroque bastions, numerous statues, and wrought iron gates, it is a splendid example of Rococo style, comparable to the gardens of Schönbrunn in Vienna and Versailles in Paris. The educational trail Rebgut Edelberg in Tauberbischofsheim shows that quality is more important than quantity. On 11 hectares, 8.2 are dedicated to ten grape varieties. A 1.5 km walk provides information on viticulture, local flora, and fauna. From mid-June to mid-October. The Bad Mergentheim spa park, covering 170,000 square meters, is an oasis of relaxation with colorful flowers, majestic trees, and well-maintained gardens. Not to be missed: the Japanese garden, water features, the graduation pavilion, and more. From April to November. In the wildlife park of Bad Mergentheim, besides foxes and hares, you will find wolves, lynxes, raccoons, Arctic foxes, wildcats, martens, otters, fallow deer, red deer, bison, wild boars, mouflons, ibexes, as well as owls, birds of prey, and storks. Visit the new beaver pavilion, a dam, a cave with bats, and an aviary with hermit ibises. From mid-March to early November. The castle of Weikersheim is the jewel of the Hohenlohe castles. With its baroque park full of statues, the gallery of dwarfs, and the orangery, it can be compared to the garden of Versailles. It serves as a stage for concerts and cultural events. Open all year round. The Lotus Garden in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is inspired by Asia and covers 5000 square meters. Here, among streams, ponds, and waterfalls, winding paths lead you through rhododendrons, ornamental cherries, irises, and other Asian plants. Admire the authentic Japanese tea house with a pagoda roof. From April to Christmas. The aromatic herb garden in Schillingsfürst, based on the model of S. Gallen, hosts 60 species of medicinal herbs and is sponsored by local pharmacies. From April 1 to the end of October. The Ries Geopark, formed 14.5 million years ago by a meteorite impact, surrounds Nördlingen and Harburg. The Nördlinger Ries crater is the best-preserved in Europe. Its landscape is a habitat for many rare species. The Blumenpark Dehner in Rain offers Asian, European, and English gardens on 30,000 square meters, including a Japanese landscape garden and a baroque rose garden. Open all year round. The botanical garden of Augsburg is an oasis of over 3000 species with themed gardens and a lively greenhouse. Open all year round. The Augsburg Zoo houses over 1500 animals of 300 species and participates in programs for the conservation of endangered species. The Augsburg Western Forests Nature Park, a 1200 km² paradise, is home to forests, river valleys, and authentic villages. The Ammergebirge Nature Reserve, the largest protected area in southern Germany, preserves a unique mountain landscape with distinctive flora and fauna.