Nestled in a valley crowned by plump vineyards, Würzburg tempts visitors with elegant architecture, subtle art and intimate scenery. Despite its harsh name (but then again, doesn’t every German word sound harsh to the uninitiated ear?), this Bavarian city is part of Germany’s famous Romantic Road and a great start to our south‑western Germany road trip.

On arrival, drive your campervan through Würzburg to take in the opulent architecture of its Rococo palaces and Baroque mansions. Make a must‑stop at Würzburg Residence, the ultimate statement in Rococo, and head to Alte Mainbrücke to count its 12 statues. Uphill, Marienburg Fortress beckons you to hike up for lovely panoramic views.

Although a bit further from the city centre, the Botanic Garden in Würzburg, with its lush flora and free entry, is worth a visit. As the day draws to a close, catch the sunset on the Forest Wine Trail and, with your campervan neatly parked, enjoy a glass of delicate wine. Didn’t we tell you? Würzburg is Germany’s wine capital.

Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, drawing visitors with its magnetic charm. From the shade of the Black Forest, it weaves a web of wonderfully diverse romantic sights, cultural attractions and outdoor activities, earning a well‑deserved spot on this south‑west Germany road‑trip itinerary.

Kick off your exploration of Heidelberg on a lively note by diving into the upbeat student scene. Or switch to a more poetic pace by following the ghosts of Goethe and William Turner along the Philosophenweg, the path that inspired and soothed them.

Next on the itinerary, park your campervan and wander the Altstadt for a feast of Gothic and Baroque architecture with a side of hearty German food specialities. Save the best until last and visit Schloss Heidelberg as you say goodbye to the city.

On your way to the next stop on your south‑west Germany itinerary, make a quick call in Mannheim for more impressive castles and a few cultural treats.

Sitting at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz has a history of trade and military might. Today, the 2,000-year-old city is less about making war and has, instead, settled into relaxed landscapes and contemporary, trendy pursuits.

It’s still a great base for exploring the beautiful Rhine Valley, and you should definitely include stops at Sankt Goar or Boppard on your way to Koblenz to round off this itinerary.

Once your south-western Germany road trip reaches Koblenz, park your campervan and head straight to the Deutsches Eck, the point where the two rivers meet. Explore the past at fortress-turned-palace Schloss Stolzenfels, then leap into the future at the strikingly modern Kulturbau Forum Confluentes, which houses an art centre and a library.

Since all that going between the ‘then’ and ‘now’ can be pretty exhausting, recharge with a tasty meal and then simply enjoy the city on foot.

What’s better than finishing a week-long road trip with a soothing spa? Nothing, really — which is why this trip ends in Wiesbaden, the country’s oldest and most famous spa town.

Leave your campervan and head to Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme where clothes and stress are two things you’ll happily part with. Since Wiesbaden promises a Spastravaganza, continue your pleasant perspirations at Kurhaus, where you can also enjoy an artistic performance.

After you’re fully satisfied with the soaking rituals, move to a different type of water-infused experience and take the Nerobergbahn, a funicular that’s water-powered. Don’t skip the walk to the top of the Neroberg — it’s said to be a real treat. If you’re craving more nature, Kurpark is the place to go to.

And, since Wiesbaden is quite the shopping centre, go on a spree in the Fußgängerzone district. Indulge and take full pleasure in the last days of your south-west Germany road trip.