Situated on the River Main is the large city of Frankfurt, a major
hub for finance and trade in Germany. Frankfurt is, without a doubt, a
good destination to start your German holiday. It is also a fantastic
home base for day trips throughout the region. Whether you’re eager to
explore medieval castles or scenic rivers, these day trips from
Frankfurt are ideal.
Best Organized Day Trips
8. Cochem
Drive two hours west of Frankfurt and you’ll reach Cochem, a
picturesque town that looks like it has been frozen in time. Half
timbered houses give a very traditional appearance to Cochem, and the
entire town is situated in the Mosel River Valley. Cochem is postcard
perfect, but there is more to the town than just its appearance. The
Schloss Reichsburg is a castle perched above the town that is more than
1,000 years old. While views from the castle are spectacular, you can
also head to Pinnerkreuz Mountain to view the castle in all its glory,
and while you’re there you can even do some hiking.
7. Strasbourg
Just two hours away from Frankfurt, you can cross over the border to
France and explore the unique city of Strasbourg. Thanks to its location
on an international border, the city of Strasbourg is a magnificent
blend of culture. Residents speak both French and German, and both
country’s cuisines are well represented in the city. If you visit, be
sure to check out the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a striking Gothic church
that is undoubtedly the architectural highlight of Strasbourg. Just
across the street from the cathedral is a museum with a staggering
amount of religious art from the Renaissance and medieval periods.
6. Wurzburg
Hop on an eastbound train from Frankfurt and you’ll reach Wurzburg in
just under 90 minutes. Wurzburg is a historic destination known for its
incredible palace and one of the oldest churches in the country. The
Würzburger Residence is a magnificent palace with more than 300 rooms
and an extensive collection of Baroque art. On the premises, you’ll also
find a beautiful chapel and carefully manicured gardens that are open
to the public. Many people are surprised to learn that the castle’s
basement contains a fully functioning winery. Right across the street
from the castle, you can pick up a bottle of local wine as a souvenir of
your trip.
5. Cologne
Northwest of Frankfurt is the major city of Cologne, known to locals
as Köln. In the medieval era, Cologne was one of the most important
cities for the Holy Roman Empire, and it is still a bustling hub and one
of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. There is no
debating what the biggest attraction in the city is: The Kölner Dom.
This enormous cathedral is truly one of a kind. If you’re feeling up for
a challenge, take all 500 steps to the top of the South Tower, and
you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the city below.
4. Black Forest
The Schwarzwald, or Black Forest, is a region about 240 km (150
miles) south of Frankfurt. The wooded mountain range is steeped in
history, and countless legends and fairy tales have their origins in
this forest. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, the Black
Forest is the ideal place to explore for a day. Miles of hiking paths
are available, and winter sports like skiing are also a great option.
For something a little more relaxing, head to the spa resort town of
Baden-Baden. This spot is built right over thermal springs, and there
are even some remaining Roman baths that you can tour.
3. Mainz
The city of Mainz is just 45 minutes outside of Frankfurt, making it
an easily accessible spot for a day trip from Frankfurt. Romans settled
in Mainz nearly 2,000 years old, giving the city plenty of history and
heritage. There are several excellent museums in the city, with the most
famous being the Gutenberg Museum. Bibliophiles will love seeing some
of the very first Gutenberg bibles as well as a reproduction of his
first printing press. In the old town, or Altstadt, you can also tour a
number of remarkably well preserved medieval homes known in German as
Fachwerkhäuser.
2. Rhine Valley Cruise
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Rhine River
Valley, and to see as many destinations as possible in a single day, is
with a Rhine Valley cruise. There are countless operators that offer
tours from Frankfurt for the day, or you can drive to places like Mainz
or Koblenz to see a different area of the river. This is an amazing
opportunity to see gorgeous castles and medieval cities from a whole new
perspective. Keep in mind that it is impossible to see the entire Rhine
River Valley in one day, so choose a stretch of the river that most
appeals to you.
1. Heidelberg
Drive one hour south of Frankfurt to visit Heidelberg, a stunning
university town located on the Neckar River. Besides a famous castle,
Heidelberg is also home to the oldest university in the country, which
dates back to the 14th century. You can still visit the
Universitätsplatz, which was the original site of the university and now
serves as a student center and dining hall. You should also make time
for the Heiliggeistkirche, a church that once served as the home to the
collection from Germany’s oldest library, or the Bibliotheka Palatina.
Take a train to the top of the Königstuhl-Mountain for wonderful views
of Heidelberg. On clear days, you can even see all the way to the Black
Forest. Source : touropia
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