Car Rental Coburg

Coburg lies in northern Bavaria, around 100km north of Nuremburg Airport via the Bundesautobahn 73. This route connects Coburg with the city of Suhl in nearby Thuringia, while you can also follow it north and join the A71 to reach Erfurt, the state capital.

Rent a car in Coburg and you will also be able to visit Frankfurt, which is just over 200 kilometres west via the Bundesautobahn 3. This route continues all the way north west towards the 2,000 year-old city of Cologne, famous for its iconic Gothic cathedral and Christmas markets.

Coburg lies just off the Bundesstrasse 303, a federal highway running from east to west between Schweinberg and the border with the Czech Republic. The town is also situated on Germany’s famous Castle Road – die Burgenstrasse - which begins in Mannheim south of Frankfurt and continues all the way to Prague. Famous for being one of the country’s most scenic driving routes, it’s more than 1,200km and takes in spectacular views of castles and stately homes along the way.

Driving in Bavaria can be a pleasant experience thanks to the excellent and well-maintained road network. Like most other countries in Europe, drivers in Germany use the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Traffic coming from the right takes priority at junctions and intersections, and a red light with a green arrow pointing right means you can turn right on red as long as you give way to other road users.

Many parts of the country’s Autobahn famously have no speed limit. These areas are clearly signposted by a white circle with five diagonal black lines, although the general speed limit is 130km/h. The speed limit in towns is usually 50km/h, although this falls to 30km/h in some busy residential areas.

Visitors flock to Coburg every year to see its medieval fortress and palace, as well attend the many festivals and events held year round. Renting a car during your stay allows you to explore the town at your own pace, and take a day trip to one of the many highlights in the surrounding area of Germany.

Historic gems

No visit to Coburg is complete without exploring the Veste Coburg, an ancient fortification high on a hill above the town. It’s remarkably well preserved, with defensive walls and watchtowers still intact. The oldest parts of the structure date back to 1230.

The hilltop location means its castle grounds boast spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Head inside to explore the museums, which contain historic artworks and a room dedicated to Martin Luther, who took refuge here in the 16^th century.

Old town charm

Coburg boasts a beautiful old town, complete with a traditional market square that hosts a weekly farmer’s market. If you’re visiting in December, you’ll find it’s transformed into a magical Christmas market. Pick up everything from sausages and sweet treats to hand-made wooden toys and souvenirs.

Just a short walk from the market square you’ll find another of Coburg’s most famous historic attractions, Ehrenburg Palace. It was once the residence of the dukes who ruled Coburg from the 16^th century onwards. Today, it’s open to the public for guided tours of its lavishly decorated rooms and chambers complete with period furnishings and artworks. A highlight of any visit is the majestic Hall of Giants, where 28 statues of Atlas appear to hold up the ceiling.

If you have time during your stay, be sure to catch a performance at the Landestheater, a gorgeous neoclassical building within the old town that hosts live ballet, music and theatre all year round.

Hit the road

When you rent a car in Coburg you will find some fantastic day trips within easy reach. Less than 50km north lies the medieval town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on seven hills, just like Rome.

Bamberg’s most famous attraction is its town hall - or Rathaus – that was built on an island in the River Regnitz. There’s also the Romanesque cathedral and bishops’ palace to see, before spending time wandering around Little Venice. This picturesque section of the town is filled with colourful houses and built on the banks of the river.

For something completely different, drive an hour southeast to the Teufelshöhle, or Devil’s Cave. Situated in the side of a mountain close to the town of Pottenstein, this dripstone cave dates back millions of years. Today, it offers you the chance to explore a vast and eerie maze of underground passages and chambers, with guided tours available in both German and English. When you rent a car in Coburg, all this and more is within easy reach during your visit to Germany.