Your guide to Frankfurt / Day trips - nearby Frankfurt
Day Trips nearby Frankfurt
When it's time to escape the bustle of Germany's banking city, Frankfurt makes a great base for countless shorter trips. Here are some easy day trips from Frankfurt to enhance your stay.
Less Than One Hour of Travel Time
Magnificence in Mainz
Think it's too hard to fit a day trip into your schedule? Think again. You can get to a gorgeous old cathedral city, Mainz, in less than an hour on public transportation. Plan a day of museums, such as the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, the Roman-Germanic Central Museum or the Gutenberg Museum. But don't miss out on Mainzer Dom, the city's breathtaking cathedral.
- Mainzer Dom: Markt 10, 55116 Mainz
- Museum of Ancient Seafaring: Neutorstraße 2b, 55116 Mainz
- Roman-Germanic Central Museum: Ernst-Ludwig-Platz 2, 55116 Mainz
- Gutenberg Museum: Liebfrauenpl. 5, 55116 Mainz
Darmstadt Makes an Easy Day Trip
Darmstadt is an even quicker trip from Frankfurt. The former capital of the Grand Duchy of Hesse, this city sits at the end of the Upper Rhine plain. Make sure to visit Mathildenhöhe, the site where Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig started an artist colony in 1899, or climb Hochzeitsturm, or Wedding Tower, to take in views of the town and gardens.
- Mathildenhöhe: 64287 Darmstadt
- Hochzeitsturm: Alexandraweg 23, 64287 Darmstadt
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Head to Heidelberg for a Romantic Atmosphere
Just about an hour by car or train, beautiful Heidelberg makes an ideal day trip if you're based in Frankfurt. Medieval and Renaissance architecture coupled with the city's location on the river create an air of romance. Take a walk down Hauptstrasse, the main street of the city, to check out the architecture along with galleries, shops and cafes. Then stop by Heiliggeistkirche, the Church of the Holy Ghost, and take a funicular (or climb!) to Heidelberg Castle.
- Hauptstrasse: 69117 Heidelberg
- Heiliggeistkirche: Marktpl., 69115 Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Castle: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg
Breathtaking View in The Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley, which stretches from Koblenz up north and south to Mannheim, is easy to get to from Frankfurt by train, car and even riverboat. Go to Worms to see the famed 11th-century cathedral, or Mannheim for a glimpse of the Rhine River and historic Marktplatz. Whichever city you choose, this UNESCO World Heritage sight boasts plenty of picturesque settings that make for a great escape from the bustle of Frankfurt.
- Dom St. Peter: Domplatz, 67547 Worms
- Marktplatz: 68159 Mannheim
Postcard-Perfect Black Forest
Travel to Baden-Baden, a beautiful spa town, then explore the Black Forest when it's time for a relaxing day. Half-timbered medieval houses along with hills and trees make for plenty of photo ops. This is the place to go for cuckoo clocks, not to mention Black Forest cherry cake! Take a scenic drive and end at Mummelsee, the popular lake.
- Mummelsee: 77889 Seebach
Riverside Beauty in Koblenz
Just about an hour and a half by car or train, Koblenz is a day trip dream. You can see the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge here, and a river cruise is a wonderful way to spend a day. There are also many sights to see in Koblenz, including the Ehrenbreitstein fortress. It sits on the Rhine's right bank and is accessible by cable car.
- Ehrenbreitstein fortress: 56077 Koblenz
Centuries of History at Eltz Castle
Hop in the car for a trip to Eltz Castle, an impressive sight that rises above the trees from its perch on the Moselle River. Between the more than 500 precious art pieces and over 850 years of history, there's so much to take in here. Check out the medieval kitchen and knight's hall as well as the furnishings, much of which are originals.
- Eltz Castle: 56294 Wierschem
2-3 Hours
Make Your Way to Strasbourg for Historical Charm
Located on the French side of the Rhine River, Strasbourg, France is not just the headquarters for the European Parliament. It's also the Alsace region's capital city and features an elegant, cosmopolitan charm. It takes a few hours to get there; though if you plan ahead and get a TGV train, you can shorten the trip. The Gothic cathedral, Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame, makes the trip worth it alone. The historical town center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Strasbourg Cathedral: Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Rothenburg's Fairytale Magic
Take a pleasant drive about two hours southeast to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Once Bavaria's capital, Rothenburg brings you plenty of important architecture, including the old Rathaus, or Town Hall. Then, make your way to tiny Plönlein, Little Square, for a fairytale setting. Treat yourself to a "Schneeball," a popular pastry, before heading back to Frankfurt.
- • Rathaus: Marktpl. 191541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- • Plönlein: 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Old World Vibes in Cochem
- Schloss Reichsburg: Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem
There are so many beautiful day trips you can take from Frankfurt. Whether you travel by train, car or even take a boat tour, these trips will make your time in Germany even more memorable.