My wife and I are flying in to Frankfurt on a Friday afternoon to meet some friends before our vacation in Italy. We are flying out on Sunday late morning. I am not too interested in Frankfurt (modern city, skyscrapers, etc.), but would love to be able see a castle, etc. Is a day trip possible for Saturday? Where to? Should we stay in Frankfurt, or...? Please help, I need ideas.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Modern city? It dates back to Roman times. Of course, Colordado dates back even further... Plenty of castles nearby: Kronberg castle, Bad Homburg castle, Saaalburg castle, Höchst castle... they're all within local public transport's reach. Plus Goethe's birthplace, The cathedral where the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations where crowned (in downtown Frankfurt)... so much to do and see...
Posted by
OP
Colorado
4 posts
Thank you Andreas. I was hoping you would reply because I knew you would have information. I didn't mean to give Frankfurt the brush off, but the "modern, banking center" aspect of the city seems to be emphasized in the few guide books/web sites I have looked at. I am just starting to research the area, so your input is greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Charlestown, PA, USA
193 posts
I would give Bacharach or St Goar along the Rhine a try. We stayed in Bacharach on an over night before we flew out of Frankfurt back to the U.S. It's about an hour outside of Frankfurt and you can travel directly to the airport by train from either town. The towns are quaint and St Goar has a castle.
Posted by
Arvada, Colorado
75 posts
We stayed a night in Worms, at the Hotel Central, if I recall. Rented a car when we arrived at the Frankfurt airport and drove directly there. It's a lovely town, with a major cathedral, old Jewish section, and a great market - at least in 2001. It turned out to be a relaxing and interesting way to begin our Europe tour.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello Abe. Being in Germany two nights and one whole day, you have several good options to choose from. You could ride in a train from the Frankfurt airport to Bacharach or St. Goar at the Rhine river, stay there on night. Saturday: ride on a big boat on the Rhine river between St. Goar and Bingen, and ride in train to Mainz, check in to hotel at Mainz for Saturday night. Sunday morning ride in train from Mianz direct to Frankfurt airport. Or, Saturday go on a day trip to Wurzburg: palace and Roccoco chapel, and some people said the village at Wurzburg is their favorite village in Germany.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
I suppose spending the full day somewhere along the Rhine river, be it in the Rhine river gorge or in the www.rheingau.de area, is a pretty good idea. For the half day I suggest to just follow this Frankfurt sight seeing walking tour: http://www.frankfurt.de/sixcms/media.php/738/frankfurt_en_citytour_s.pdfIf you take your time, stop for coffees or a snack or so its a good and interesting way to spend the half day...