Traveling to Frankfurt for a conference in May; 3 days will be taken up with that (and no skipping without financial impact!) hoping to tack on another 3 days either before or after- any ideas on how to make the most of it? Not interested in drinking venues, but do like art/architecture/nature and meeting people.
Thanks!
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3044 posts
I'd begin here:
https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Information-Planning/Tourist-Information-Offices
Lots to do in Frankfurt. With 3 days, you have enough time for that city, with possibly a trip to the Rhine for the river cruise from St. Goar to Bacharach. This is an easy train trip there and back.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32709 posts
I'd certainly take a Frankfurt on Foot walking tour - https://www.frankfurtonfoot.com/ - either the daily one which you just turn up to, or a private one which can be tailored. You will get lots of art and architecture and meeting people, and be put on the right path to finding the nature you look for.
They know the city backwards and can maximize your time. I speak from experience.
Posted by
7642 posts
Suggest getting out of Frankfurt.
The Rhine River cruise is a great idea, especially one going to Rudesheim.
If can take a day trip to Heidelberg or another to Trier, consider that.
A day trip to Rothenburg on the Tauber is an option, even though it takes a while to get there.
Posted by
Paradise
6628 posts
I think it was Rick Steves himself, in one of his videos, who popularized the misguided sightseeing strategy of taking a "cruise from St. Goar to Bacharach." This will show you only a very small part of the river. If you set foot on a cruise boat at all, try to cover the bare minimum: St. Goar - Bingen (or Rüdesheim, across the river from Bingen.) Here's a map of that part:
Would you prefer to spend 2 hours, 40 minutes on this cruise, or 1 hr. 25 minutes? Since you enjoy the same scenery either way, I'd go with the faster cruise - and that's the northbound cruise that starts in Bingen (or Rüdesheim, add 15 minutes) and ends in St. Goar. Why faster in that direction? STRONG river current.
The Rhine Cruise itself is quite nice but it's short-lived - and it gets a disproportionate amount of attention on travel forums like this one. For the "art/architecture/nature" that you seek, there are other possibilities in this area:
Half-timbered buildings in Bacharach
Marksburg Castle in Braubach
Rhine Castle Trail
Oberwesel town wall walk
Arp Museum Rolandseck (north of Remagen)
Churches in Boppard, St. Goar, Oberwesel, Bacharach
Also, MAINZ is a charming university town further south on the Rhine and even closer to Frankfurt. It has nice selection of museums, churches, and is known as one of Germany's friendliest places (hard not to meet people there.)
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Two further suggestions for art and architecture - In Frankfurt , The Staedel Museum . Wonderful collection , we spent a whole day there about two weeks ago . As far as architecture , we went down to Darmstadt , to see the Matildenhohe artists colony . This enclave designed principally by the architect Josef Maria Olbrich , of Vienna Secession fame is quite a sight . In spite of massive restoration work on a number of the buildings ( which was of great interest to me , as well ) , it was well worth a day , particularly if you do some advance homework before a visit . If you decide to go , I can provide details to smooth your trip from Frankfurt , about 45 minutes .
Posted by
OP
Eugene, OR
25 posts
Thanks to all of you for your very informative answers! It has given me a jumping-off point for further research; I will be back with more questions. I particularly appreciate Steve’s recommendations re: museums and architecture.