Frankfurt to Geneva: Sightseeing in between

Posted by Jay (Seattle) on 05/13/18 10:32 PM

Hello,

I am a relative newbie to traveling in Europe and hence looking for suggestions for a trip we are planning. We are a family of four (with kids aged 9 & 6) who have about 10 days in Europe. We fly into Frankfurt at the end of August and fly out of Geneva. What are some suggestions for a 10 day travel itinerary? We are interested in smaller towns and local charm than touristy things in cities. The preference would be to use a couple of small towns as home bases while we make our way from Frankfurt to Geneva.

Thank you!

Posted by Jtraveler

NY, NY

05/13/18 10:49 PM

501 posts

As a relatively new traveler in Europe, why would you have booked this particular open jaw? Was it gifted to you, or do you have work obligations in one place? Never mind... While neither Frankfurt nor Geneva are obvious destinations for first-time Europe travelers or kids, they have a few charms.

I'd probably suggest you swing east to Munich and spend a few days at least - it's a terrific town with lots to occupy you. The little historic university town of Heidlberg is also a good stopover for one or two nights. I'd make time to see a little of Frankfurt and Geneva too, if you are going to be there anyway.

You should also look into the Bernese Oberland - there are spectacular mountains just east of Geneva that your whole family will love.

Good luck!

Posted by Jtraveler

NY, NY

05/13/18 11:31 PM

501 posts

2 nights frankfurt (jetlag)
1 night heidelberg
3 nights munich
3 nights in the swiss alps
---> https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/gimmelwald-the-swiss-alps-in-your-lap
1 night in geneva

Posted by EdTravels

Main Line PA, USA

05/19/18 09:57 PM

108 posts

A couple years ago we went into / out of Frankfurt with our then late teenagers. We spent the last two nights in Frankfurt, 3 in Strasbourg with a day trip to Colmar, and 4 in Zurich with day trip to Geneva to visit CERN for our Physics major son and another to Mount Titlis and Lucerne. Strasbourg was the big hit with the family.

If I was me, I'd consider 1 or 2 nights in Frankfurt. Stay in the city center and spend the first day/afternoon wandering around. One fun spot for kids is the Naturmuseum Senckenberg. Our boys enjoyed it but I would probably spend more time elsewhere if I was booking a similar trip.

We landed and took the train to Strasbourg. We stayed at the Hotel Cathédrale (www.hotel-cathedrale.fr) which literally is in the main square. There is a lot of foot traffic but you're in the middle of everything. We loved it. (My wife and I have been back for the Christmas markets.) If I was to book the trip today, I wouldn't change a thing including the day trip to Colmar.

In your situation, I'd suggest after Strasbourg, a midway stop in either Zurich or Lucerne for a couple days before going to Geneva. Whichever one (Zurich or Lucerne) works out best for you, you can easily visit the other as a day trip. We stayed at the Hotel Adler in Zurich (www.hotel-adler.ch) which has a family room. Nothing fancy but an easy 10-12 minute walk to the train/bus station in one direction and 15-20 minutes to the lake in the other. It worked well for us.

Hope this helps!!!