Route: "Between the Swabian Jura, Lake Constance and the Alps"

There are cars you drive... and then there are cars you dream of. Stuttgart has both in abundance. Not only does the city produce internationally renowned cars, but it also lives and breathes automotive history in a way that nowhere else does. Drivers' dreams become reality when they visit Stuttgart.

Three Romanesque churches from the 9th to the 11th century attest to the significance of the former Benedictine abbey on the Monastic Island of Reichenau in Baden-Württemberg. Founded in 724, it quickly developed into one of the most important monasteries in southern Germany. The monastic tradition can still be seen today in the unique religious festivals and processions that take place on the island.

Nine pile dwellings are located on the shores of Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg. Nine more are listed in Upper Swabia, south of Augsburg and at Lake Starnberg. Together with 93 further sites in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia, they represent an archaeological legacy that dates back almost 7,000 years.

The Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour at the foot of the Alps is considered a perfect example of Bavarian rococo architecture. Around one million visitors come here every year from all over the world – to look, marvel, pray, attend services, enjoy the summer concerts and, of course, for quiet contemplation.

Neuschwanstein is known all over the world as a symbol of idealised romantic architecture and for the tragic story of its owner. After losing sovereignty in his own kingdom, Ludwig II withdrew into his own world of myths, legend and fairytales.

Lifestyle, joie de vivre or lebensart – whatever you call it, Munich has it in spades. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: the people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.