Daytrip from Frankfurt on October 18

Würzburg (1.5 hours from FRA) and nearby towns of Marktbreit, Ochsenfurt on the Main River:

W'burg:
http://www.blaek.de/_images/baet/A_Mainbruecke-05.07.jpg
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/169
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Markt-Falkenhaus-Wuerzburg.jpg
http://www.toeurope.eu/design/photos/wue.jpg
http://www.wuerzburg.de/en/visitors/index.html

Marktbreit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Marktbreit_BW_6.JPG
Ochsenfurt: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Ochsenfurt_Stadtbefestigung.JPG

I'm sure you have seen Bamberg, but do you know the pilgrims' church Vierzehnheiligen not too far north? It's German rococo at its best (or its worst if you don't like it). When the weather is fine, it's a pleasant walk of some 4 kms from the railway station in nearby Bad Staffelstein.

Have you made your way up to Marburg yet? It's probably only about an hour north of Frankfurt, and one of the most under-rated towns in Germany. Really beautiful, and interesting the way the old town winds around the side of a hill, topped by a castle and garden (kind of like Minas Tirith in the Lord of the Rings). The nearby (rebuilt) castle of Braunfels is also worth a visit.

If you're looking for a Rothenburg ob der Tauber-type experience without the tour buses and trinket shops, head a little further north to Fritzlar in the Waldeck region of Hessen. The town retains it's wall and historic core, and the surrounding countryside is littered with castles.

Have you seen Büdingen yet?

Tom,
Will I find plenty to do in Marburg for half day on a Sunday? There are some direct trains in 90 minutes and good price. I will try to research once in the airport lounge.
Danke,
Kate

Take the train to Aschaffenburg which is about half way between F'furt and W'burg. In Aschaffenburg there is a lovely castle named Johannesburg (sp?). There is also Pompeiigean (sp?) which is a replica of a villa in Pompeii. Just south of Haibach, which is just south of A'burg, is the village of Messpelbrun. It has a fairy tale moated castle that has been in the same family for 5-600 years. You should be able to get there on a public bus. If you go to W'burg visit the Prince Bishop's Residence. Be sure to see the Hofkirche on one end of the Residenze. Easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The Marienberg Fortress is ok but if time is tight skip it. The view of it from the town is more impressive that the view of the town from the fortress. You should be able to google all of these and see what you think.