© Bad Ems Nassau, Kastell Pohl © Deutsche Limes-Straße
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes

German Limes Road

550 kilometers in length, 900 guard posts and 120 larger and smaller fort places - the numbers behind the Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes, which was primarily intended to serve as a monitored economic border to non-Roman areas and to enable peaceful border traffic with the collection of taxes and customs duties. But the Limes was not only a driving economic force in the region from a financial point of view. Civilian settlements arose at various outposts, which have grown into some of the largest cities in Germany to this day.

Today the border fence is an important point of contact, especially for tourists. Remnants of Roman civilization can be found along the entire route. Be it old border posts, references to everyday Roman life or old ruins, history fans have a lot to offer here. Together with great panoramic views during the time in the motorhome, the German Limes Road is a worth seeing excursion destination for everyone.

© Osterburken © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Osterburken © Deutsche Limes-Straße
© Römerwelt Rheinbrohl © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Römerwelt Rheinbrohl © Deutsche Limes-Straße

German Limes Road makes it possible to experience:

  • to discover the cultural diversity and the countless sights to the right and left of the route;
  • Experience 2,000 years of history actively: numerous museums and events bring Roman history to life for young and old;
  • and to explore the beautiful landscape and picturesque places on foot or by bike.

Type of route: holiday route
Theme: Limes - on the trails of the Roman boundary wall
Start/finish: Bad Hönningen / Passau
Length: 925 km
Federal States: Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria
Holiday regions: Westerwald, Nassauer Land, Rheingau-Taunus, Hochtaunus, Wetterau, Spessart-Mainland, Odenwald, Hohenlohe and Schwäbisch Hall, Swabian Forest, Stauferland, Swabian East Alb, Hesselberg, Romantic Franconia, Franconian Lake District, Nature Park, Altmühltal, Kelheim District, Regensburg District, Straubing-Bogen, Deggendorf, Passau district

 

The German Limes Road Association

Bringing Roman culture to life

The "German Limes Road Association" was founded more than twenty years ago, and in 1996 and 1999 the tourist route between the Rhine and the Danube was designated over 700 kilometers. The stations of the German Limes Road include picturesque towns and communities, well-known spa and recreation centers as well as well-known and popular tourist destinations. The "German Limes Road Association" strives to keep the population aware of Roman history and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The precious cultural assets of humanity, which bear witness to the cultural development in our area, should be preserved. That is why the Upper German-Raetian Limes was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005.

Experience and discover the Limes

Contemporary witnesses from past millennia

The German Limes Road leads through well-known and varied sections of the landscape and, in addition to the Roman sights, opens up another wealth of attractive destinations to the right and left of the route. On the route there are numerous stations of Roman history, such as reconstructed towers and forts, preserved foundation walls of the fort and bathing facilities, sections of the border wall itself and, last but not least, the finds that can be seen in the museums. These stations are lined up like pearls on a chain, each a Roman highlight in itself.

© Römerpark Rainau  © Andreas Petschke
  • Römerpark Rainau © Andreas Petschke
© Limespavillon Hillscheid © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Limespavillon Hillscheid © Deutsche Limes-Straße
Still well preserved

Valuable treasures and finds on the German Limes Road

The origins of many prestigious cities

Formative power of an entire region

The German Limes Road leads along the Upper German-Raetian Limes from Rheinbrohl and Bad Hönningen on the Rhine to the three-river city of Passau on the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Charming cities, well-known health resorts and interesting testimonies from other cultural epochs lie along the way and invite you to be explored.

1
Koblenz
"Castellum apud Confluentes" was the name given by the Romans to the first settlements from which the city of Koblenz would later emerge, in which the Moselle and the Rhine converge.
2
Frankfurt am Main
Today's Main metropolis was of great importance, especially in the Holy Roman Empire. The elections for kings and later the coronations of emperors took place here.
3
Hanau
The former Limes course forms the eastern border of the Hessian city with almost 100,000 inhabitants.
4
Schwäbisch Gmünd
The Schirenhof Fort in particular bears witness to the Roman era, when the Limes was built here and in the course of this civil settlements were founded nearby.
5
Ingolstadt
In the area around Ingolstadt, among other things, remains of the important Roman roads, several estates and military troop camps have been found.
6
Regensburg
Castra Regina, Ratisbona, Reginopolis - the multitude of place names demonstrates the long history of the city of Regensburg, which has always been of great strategic importance due to its location on the Danube.
7
Passau
The name of the three-river city Passau is also derived from the Romans. The city was originally called Batavis because Germanic mercenaries from the Batavian tribe were stationed here.
© Römerturm auf dem Pulverberg, Bendorf-Sayn © Deutsche Limes-Straße
Many roads lead to Rome

Just as the ancient Romans moved in many ways, so too can you explore the German Limes Road using the means of transport of your choice. A mobile home is particularly suitable between the stations, but we recommend excursions on foot or by bike for more detailed exploration. You have full freedom whether you want to explore the Limes alone or in a group.

Sandals not necessary

The Limes hiking trail

The Limes can also be explored on foot. For this purpose, nationally active hiking clubs have designated a Limes hiking trail that leads along the Limes from the Rhine to the Danube. Roman history comes alive at the numerous events in the individual locations. At Roman festivals you can marvel at Roman riders in parade armor and gladiators at exhibition fights. There are guided hikes and bike tours, exhibitions, and offers for groups and individual travelers can be booked. Not to forget the numerous Roman museums that organize special days of action to watch and participate.

© Rainau Buch © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Rainau Buch © Deutsche Limes-Straße
© Römische Legionäre © Feenstaub - stock.adobe.com
  • Römische Legionäre © Feenstaub - stock.adobe.com
Sporty but still relaxing

The Limes cycle path

The German Limes Cycle Path accompanies the Upper German-Raetian Limes along its entire length. Different target groups are addressed due to the different topographical conditions. The hilly sections demand the ambition of sporty cyclists., but you will be rewarded by the scenic and cultural diversity along the route. You can also catch your breath at a more moderate altitude profile, for example in the Altmühltal or along the Danube.

© Schwäbisch Gmünd, Rotenbachtal © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Schwäbisch Gmünd, Rotenbachtal © Deutsche Limes-Straße
© Limes Wachturm Kloster Lorch © resuimages - stock.adobe.com
  • Limes Wachturm Kloster Lorch © resuimages - stock.adobe.com
Your constant companion

Brochure "German Limes Road"

Our travel guide cordially invites you on a journey in the footsteps of the Romans along the UNESCO World Heritage Upper German-Raetian Limes. Beautiful places await you along the German Limes Road, where you can visit and explore the Roman monument. Get on your way and experience world history on our doorstep. You'll see, it's worth it! The brochure is available as a free download.

© Saalburg Außenansicht © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Saalburg Außenansicht © Deutsche Limes-Straße
© Römische Legionäre Marsch © oleg - stock.adobe.com
  • Römische Legionäre Marsch © oleg - stock.adobe.com
Out and about like a real Roman

Limes-Cicerones

Stroll along the Limes like a real Roman and learn a lot of interesting and exciting facts about the time a good 2,000 years ago. That is possible with the Limes Cicerones. These are certified and qualified tour guides who accompany groups as cycling, hiking or tour guides in matters of Limes. They are very familiar with the Limes and convey the Roman provincial history to the visitor. The Limes Cicerones are available for the entire Baden-Württemberg, Hessian, Bavarian and Rhineland-Palatinate part of the Limes.

© Welzheim Ostkastell mit Cicerone © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Welzheim Ostkastell mit Cicerone © Deutsche Limes-Straße
© Legionäre © Feenstaub - stock.adobe.com
  • Legionäre © Feenstaub - stock.adobe.com
Your contact in Aalen

Limes Information Center (LIZ) Baden-Württemberg

The Limes Information Center (LIZ) is located in the Limes Museum in Aalen. It is an information point located in the entrance area of the museum. Using maps, pictures and texts, the world heritage sites, the UNESCO world heritage concept and the borders of the Roman Empire, in particular the Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes with the section in Baden-Württemberg, are explained. In addition to all relevant brochures on the Limes between the Rhine and the Danube, information is also available there at PC workstations. Under the motto “Limes aktuell”, the LIZ is also showing small exhibitions at various locations.

© Rheinbrohl Römerturm © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Rheinbrohl Römerturm © Deutsche Limes-Straße
Competent contacts in Bavaria

Limes Information Center (LIZ) Bavaria

In 2006, the BLIZ, which is accessible free of charge, was set up in the RömerMuseum as the main placement location in Bavaria and has been the ideal starting point for visits to Roman monuments along the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bavaria The task of BLIZ is to look after the "Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes" world heritage site in Bavaria. The focus of the mediation work is on the entire Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes, the Main and Danube Limes, but also the two sister world heritage sites, Hadrian Wall and Antonine Wall.

© Limesmuseum Aalen © Deutsche Limes-Straße
  • Limesmuseum Aalen © Deutsche Limes-Straße

German Limes Road UNESCO World Heritage Site

Route guidance with parking space information

This information is a service offer from ALPINE in cooperation with FERIENSTRASSEN.INFO

Contact

Verein Deutsche Limes-Straße e.V.
St.-Johann-Strasse 5
73430 Aalen, Germany

T +49 (0) 7361 / 52828723
M limesstrasse@aalen.de

GERMAN LIMES ROAD