Are you staying in Frankfurt am Main but have seen it all? Then this post is for you! Exploring 4 of the best cities worth a day trip within a couple hours drive away from the biggest city in Hesse.
Day trip Option #1: Heidelberg, Baden Württemberg
Heidelberg, Baden Wurttemberg, is around an hours drive away from Frankfurt, both by car and train. And, as you can probably tell by the picture above, it’s a really old – and very picturesque – city. Both the castle and the bridge draw in millions of tourists each year – something to be aware of when planning your trip to this magnificent city. Speaking of the castle: you can either walk up there (which I did & had pretty sore calves the next day) or take a cable car. I, of course, would recommend you walk. Not just from a health and fitness perspective, but also to enjoy all the views over the city while you do so.
Another must see in Heidelberg is the city center, with all its old, but beautifully renovated buildings. The Kornmarkt is the perfect place for an afternoon break, complete with delicious cakes, pastries and coffee. And there are a lot of nice little shops and boutiques all around if you feel like shopping. So if you’re staying in Frankfurt, make sure to plan a day trip to Heidelberg!
Day trip Option #2: Kronberg im Taunus, Hesse
Another great option for a day trip – or even just half day – is Kronberg im Taunus. Another beautifully picturesque city, this one is super close to Frankfurt – around 30 minutes drive by car or train. And just like Heidelberg, it’s got a lot of pretty, old buildings, as well as a castle to explore. And it is pretty much surrounded by nature and parks, so perfect for an afternoon of walking and exploring.
Kronberg also has a lovely zoo to go to – part of which is free of entrance, so highly recommend checking it out! To get there, simply follow the Philosophenweg from the city center, you’ll walk right by the ostriches!
Day trip Option #3: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Hesse
Bad Homburg is yet another great option for a half day trip from Frankfurt, as this city is just 20-30 minutes away. And it’s got the biggest spa park I have ever seen in my life, with another park and then another park really close to it, as well as tennis courts, mini golf, cafés and restaurants. There’s even an art exhibition in the park – sculptures of some sort, that I find rather peculiar. But you decide for yourself. I am anything but an art expert.
The castle of Bad Homburg (see picture below) actually really reminds me of Spain or Italy. Once you walk through the gates, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of Germany. With the yellow walls all around, and the crisp white tower in the middle, it does have a very mediterranean feel to it. And it also feels like a horse could walk by at any moment. Sadly, I think that remains a dream of mine…
Like a lot of small cities, Bad Homburg offers a variety of different cafés and restaurants, shops and boutiques. If you need a little pick me up in the afternoon, make sure you check out Café Hope, which has been highly recommended to me (but unfortunately I haven’t yet managed to go. So if you do, make sure you let me know how it was!).
Day trip Option #4: Marburg, Hesse
The last city that is most definitely worth a day trip to is Marburg, a little over an hour away from Frankfurt. And of course – going with the apparent theme of todays blogpost – it’s got a lot of beautiful buildings and a castle on top of a hill. If you don’t want to walk up said hill, there is an elevator you could take. But that means missing out on all the little shops and restaurants along the way. Or, I guess, you could stop by those on your way back down. However you get there, the castle and its surrounding grounds are worth to explore!
Marburg is a really small city, with a lot of young people (students) living there. So on a nice and sunny day, you can just join the crowds hanging out by the river Lahn, that goes right through the city. Take a blanket with you, grab a snack or ice cream, and enjoy! Or, if you’re into activities, rent a pedal boat and explore Marburg via the Lahn. The options are endless!
… ever the explorer!
So those are the best cities I’ve visited since living in Frankfurt – I shall add to this list if I come to visit another fabulous one. Until then, make sure you also check out my culinary guide to Frankfurt – to get the most of your stay here.
Lots of Love,
Lena