Frankfurt is a great destination when you are at Germany. Located near the center, Frankfurt is the country’s fifth largest city and a great base from which I explored beautiful places such as the Rhine Valley and Black Forest.
Here are the list of day trips that I took when I was in Frankfurt. The distance is not much. It will take few hours to travel by car or a train.
Heidelberg
I visited the most magical town, Heidelberg. Perched on a hill overlooking the Old Town, this world-famous castle looks picturesque in every light. Constructed of red sandstone, it gives a coherent architecture to many buildings. I almost spent half a day exploring the castle.
I started my journey by viewing the castle from afar. It dominates the skyline and towers majestically above the turbulence of everyday life. When I stopped at the castle grounds I had an amazing view of the city and its famous bridge. It’s a beautiful sight for visitors to roam the elegant palace gardens for free. For the full experience, I purchased my admission ticket to the castle and explored its spectacular interiors. I learnt about the castle’s stories on a guided tour. The city felt like a dream to me. Bustling street with antique shops, cafes and restaurants. The place has everything. I grabbed a delicious falafel wrap and started my walk.
I was shocked to learn that the world’s largest wine barrel is located in Heidelberg. Built in 1751, it holds 2,22,000 liters of wine and has a dance floor built above it. Just imagine!
Rhine Valley
Rhine Valley is an amazing place which one can visit all year round. One of the best ways to see and experience the mighty Rhine is on a full-day Rhine Gorge cruise from Frankfurt. The experience is something for anybody on earth would crave.This fun-filled cruise embarked on the beautiful city of Frankfurt and took us on a riverboat to historic Rudesheim and Lorely, where we had lunch by the river. I absolutely loved it and I’m sure you’ll do the same.
My next destination was Bacharach which is a striking town in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Bacharach is one of the most popular stops and also the perfect starting point for the cruises on Europe’s most scenic river. Surrounded by miles of vineyards, Bacharach is a wine lover’s dream and a historically significant wine-producing town. Wolfshöhle, Posten and Hahn are the three main wine regions of Bacharach. My most favorite activity in Bacharach is the guided tour of the vineyard followed by wine tasting and wine shopping.
In the middle of the trip I managed to visit Zum Anker, a traditional German restaurant with hundreds of antiques: furniture, lamps, paintings, sculptures, paintings, anchors and more. It was spectacular!
Baden-Baden Black Forest
I visited one of Europe’s most fashionable spa towns, Banden-Baden. Baden-Baden is still highly regarded by locals and visitors. Baden-Baden is the ideal base for exploring the Black Forest and the perfect place to get pampered.
Nestled in the rolling hills north of the woods, this 19th-century town abounds with stunning Belle Epoque architecture and old-world opulence. Baden-Baden has a vibrant cultural scene with events and art exhibitions throughout the year. I took a guided hike tour in the lush Black Forest National Park. I also stayed in the city center and enjoyed the healing waters of the thermal springs built around 1810. The experience was definitely soothing!
Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s most photogenic cities. I spent two days here. Rothenburg has a lot to offer visitors, including photo-perfect medieval views, tons of shopping, a few interesting museums, a spectacular 500-year-old wood carving, and one of the funniest one-hour walking tours in Germany.
I could freely walk along the covered ramparts of the old city walls. The Plönlein, or “Little Square” is one of the most frequently photographed and most recognizable areas of Rothenburg.
I also went to the Market Square, which is surrounded by beautiful old, colorful buildings. It is a must visit. I also loved going to the Town Hall (Rathaus), the Clock Tower (currently the Tourist Office), and St. Georges Fountain and the Rothenburg Imperial Castle
I also explored the Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is also famous for one type of pastry in particular – Schneeballen, or snowballs. You should definitely try them. I ended my evening by trying the local wines.