Scenic Drive from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cesky Krumlov

The drive from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Cesky Krumlov covers roughly 320 kilometers along the A6, A9, and E55 highways, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. This route traces the historic Imperial Road connecting southern Germany to Bohemia, passing through the Franconian Jura and the Bohemian Forest. A local driving quirk: near the border crossing at Waidhaus/Rozvadov, the highway suddenly narrows and speed limits drop from 130 km/h to 80 km/h without warning—watch for signs.

To maximize your experience, consider using how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to uncover unexpected treasures along the way. Below is a quick reference table for route essentials.

Road quality is excellent on German autobahns, but the Czech section of the E55 can have narrow shoulders and poor lighting at night. Use daytime running lights even during daylight in the Czech Republic (mandatory). For families, the Nuremberg Zoo (detour 10 km east of A9 exit Nuremberg-Maxfeld) offers a children's petting area and playground. The 'Bobcentrum' in Rozvadov has a summer toboggan run that kids enjoy.

• Pet-friendly: The rest area at 'U Tří dubů' (near Bor) has a fenced dog run and pet-friendly café serving Czech pastries.
• Rest zones: The 'Raststätte Fränkische Schweiz' on A9 (kilometer 445) has private sleeping cabins for rent. Also, the 'Relax Zone' at Tachov (E55, km 76) has shaded picnic tables.
• Safety tip: In winter, snow tires are mandatory from November to March; black ice often forms on the A93 near Oberpfälzer Wald.

Hidden off-route spot: 5 minutes west of the A93 exit 'Wiesau' lies the abandoned 'Castle Falkenberg', a 13th-century ruin accessible via a dirt path (49.9794°N, 12.1528°E). It offers a quiet picnic spot with views of the Waldnaab valley.

From Rothenburg ob der Tauber, take the A7 south toward Ulm, then merge onto the A6 east toward Nuremberg. Continue on the A9 past Nuremberg to the A93 junction near Weiden. Finally, take the E55 south across the border to Cesky Krumlov. The entire route is well-signposted, with the German section featuring modern Autobahn surfaces. The Czech section (part of the D5) is also in good condition, but rural roads near Cesky Krumlov may have occasional potholes.

• Fuel stations: Frequent along the A6/A9 (every 20–30 km); less frequent on the E55 (every 40–50 km).
• Recommended fuel stops: Shell station at Nuremberg (Nürnberg) and OMV at border crossing Rozvadov.
• Tolls: Germany none; Czech Republic no tolls for cars under 3.5 tons.
• Parking: In Cesky Krumlov, use P1 or P2 lots (€5/day) outside the historic center.

Geographically, the route transitions from the rolling hills of Franconia to the densely forested Bohemian Forest. The A6 section near Nuremberg passes through the Franconian Jura, a karst landscape with limestone cliffs and caves. After crossing into the Czech Republic, the E55 enters the Slavkovský Les (German: Kaiserwald) region, known for its spruce forests and occasional deer crossings.

• Natural landmarks: The Saale valley near Hof (optional detour 10 km), and the Mže river valley near Tachov.
• Sunset viewpoint: Pull off at the parking overlook at Rozvadov (49.6753°N, 12.5531°E) for a wide view of the Bohemian Forest.
• Local crafts: In the village of Bor (15 km off route), buy handmade glass beads and local honey from stalls on the main square.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cesky Krumlov itself is a UNESCO site. A short detour (35 km east of route) leads to the historic town of Regensburg (UNESCO). No other UNESCO sites are directly on the route, but the medieval center of Nuremberg (UNESCO) is a 10 km detour.