Hi
We are considering driving from Berlin to Frankfurt. We know it is a short train ride, relatively, but was thinking it might be a nice way to see some things, cities, etc on our way.
What is the best route? What would be good stops?
if we spent the night on the way where would you recommend?
Thanks
Jerri Walker
Posted by
Germany
626 posts
The Harz. Stay in Quedlinburg.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7890 posts
Month and Year?
I agree that Quedlinburg is an exceptional place, worth a slight detour. It's not really a full day of sightseeing. Make sure you are there during the hours the church treasury is open. More directly on the way, both Leipzig and Erfurt have a lot of history and things to see. I would also mention the UNESCO WHS Dessau-Worlitz Gartenreich. I happen to like Kassel because of its association with Contemporary Art, but others here find it dull. However, the UNESCO WHS estate, art museum, and gardens at the edge of town are the opposite of dull: Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.
I don't consider Frankfurt among Germany's top ten attractions, but you are choosing the start and finish of the drive. I also don't see much reason for driving, since most of the attractions are "in town". (Gartenreich is perhaps an exception to that.) While it is risky to use Google Maps for detailed route planning, I also noticed about ten pictures of little men with pickaxes along your route!
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1488 posts
This time of year you're going to spend 6-8 hours driving, mainly due to road construction. That's not going to give you a lot of sightseeing time. I fly between those cities.
But if you must drive, I'd stop in either Magdeburg or Leipzig.
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
Erfurt is an ICE station on your way.
It is the capital of German state Thuringia which is alone worth a stay of minimum a week to explore the manifold sights such as Wartburg and towns such as Weimar or Gotha. Erfurt Blue was an important trading good at this time, a visit of Merchants’ Bridge will show some backgrounds. Worth mentioning is also that since 2023 Erfurt's Jewish-Medieval heritage is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Do not forget to taste a Thüringer Rostbratwurst.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7890 posts
It is important not to regard the long de-consecrated and overlooked in World War II, Synagogue in Erfurt as simply "Jewish Tourism." The history of the town, and its prosperity manufacturing woad (fabric dye) is a large part of the display there. The excellent botanical garden (EGApark) has its own tram stop, and is actually a bit of Ost-algia, as well as a nice (admission charge) visit.
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
I really like all of the suggestions for these wonderful cities to visit. We have been in the Harz area by train and car over several trips, some nearly a month long. While I love train travel, I think the idea of driving makes a lot of sense in and around the Harz area if you have time to visit several cities. I like Quedlinburg or Wernigerode as a base for a couple of days, we have spent a month in each and would go back again if the opportunity arises.