Castle Church St Marien on Mainau Island, Lake Constance(Owner – DZT e.V. | Photographer – Foto-Design Ernst Wrba)
Header photo: Coburg Fortress(Owner – DZT e.V. | Photographer – Christof Herdt)
British-German Royal Heritage Route
Discover the fascinating connections between the British and German Royal Families on a journey taking you through magnificent palaces, beautiful parks and wonderful gardens.
The connections between the British and German Royal Families go back more than 300 years. The first Hanoverian King of Great Britain, George I, was only 52nd in line to the throne, but under the Act of Settlement he was the nearest eligible Protestant heir.
Until 1918, Germany was home to an astonishing 22 monarchies – four kingdoms, six grand duchies, five duchies and seven principalities – leaving behind an extraordinary royal heritage of castles, palaces, parks and gardens.
If you would like to discover Germany’s British-German royal connections independently and at your own pace, Travel without Borders can plan an itinerary around the places and personalities that particularly interest you.
The following is simply one example of how such a journey could be put together. Your own itinerary can be adapted to your interests, available time and preferred way of travelling.
Example Itinerary
Discover Coburg and More
Coburg is one of the most important destinations for anyone exploring the links between the British and German Royal Families.
With its famous Veste Coburg, Callenberg Castle and Ehrenburg Palace, together with nearby Rosenau Palace, the area offers a wealth of royal history. A longer itinerary also provides the opportunity to incorporate other beautiful castles, parks and gardens along the way.
Days 1 & 2 – Lake Constance
Travel to the Lake Constance region and spend two nights discovering its beautiful landscapes, gardens and historic sites.
Mainau Island is one of the highlights of Lake Constance, renowned for its magnificent gardens, parkland and spectacular setting overlooking the lake and Alps.
Mainau Flower Island, Lake Constance
Sigmaringen Castle on the Danube, Sigmaringen(Owner – DZT e.V. | Photographer – Keute, Jochen)
Day 3 – Sigmaringen and Coburg
Continue towards Coburg, with the opportunity to visit Sigmaringen Castle en route.
Standing dramatically above the Danube, Sigmaringen Castle is one of southern Germany’s most important aristocratic residences and remains closely associated with the Princes of Hohenzollern.
Continue to Coburg for a five-night stay.
Five Nights in Coburg
Coburg is a lively city rich in history and tradition. With its fortress towering high above the city, together with Ehrenburg Palace and its many cultural and artistic treasures, it provides an excellent base from which to explore the area’s royal heritage.
Nearby Rosenau Palace has particularly strong British connections as the birthplace of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.
Other excursions could include Würzburg and Bamberg, allowing you to combine the royal theme with some of Franconia’s outstanding historic towns, architecture and cultural heritage.
Würzburg combines magnificent architecture and cultural heritage with the traditions of the Franconian wine region, while Bamberg’s exceptionally well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ehrenburg Palace, Coburg
Frankfurt Opera House(Owner – DZT e.V. | Photographer – Krüger, Torsten)
Day 8 – Kronberg and Frankfurt
Travel towards Frankfurt for your final night, with the opportunity to stay at the historic Schlosshotel Kronberg.
The former residence of Empress Victoria Friedrich – the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II – provides a particularly fitting conclusion to a journey exploring the links between the British and German Royal Families.
Depending on your interests and travel arrangements, time can also be incorporated in Frankfurt, a city known not only for its financial importance but also for its museums and cultural attractions.
Day 9
Return journey to the UK.
Bespoke Royal Heritage Itineraries
This itinerary is intended as inspiration rather than a fixed package.
Travel without Borders can design a personalised Royal Heritage journey around the historic figures, castles, palaces, gardens and regions that particularly interest you.
Your itinerary can be planned using flights, rail travel, car hire or your own car and can be as short or as extensive as you wish.
We can research and incorporate:
- Suitable accommodation
- Travel and transport arrangements
- Castles, palaces, gardens and historic residences
- Guided visits where appropriate and available
- Places with particular British-German royal connections
- Additional destinations and sightseeing according to your interests
You make your own bookings directly with the relevant travel, accommodation and other service providers.