If you are in Frankfurt for more than a couple of days, you have the opportunity to explore more of Germany.
Frankfurt had quite a strategic position in the middle of Germany, so it is an ideal destination for day trips. It is also very well-connected by train to many famour German cities, so you do not even need to rent a car. Get yourself a train ticket and go!
10 great day trip destinations you can visit from Frankfurt by train
Before you start researching your options, here is some basic information about German trains. Detusche Bahn offers long-distance services, called EC or ICE, and slower regional trains (Regio). If you are planning to take a couple of trips on regional trains – or are planning to come back, it makes sense to buy the Deutschland-Ticket. Now in its third year, it is basically a travelcard that allows unlimited travel on regional trains. If like me you are based in the UK you will find it incredibly affordable.
Ready to plan your day trip?The Trainline, Raileurope, and Deutsche Bahn are great places to start.
I have tried to keep to destinations under 2 hours from Frankfurt. If you are willing to stay on the train a bit longer, the list grows! but as you will see below, there are many great German cities literally a stone throw from Frankfurt. Here are my top ten day trips from Frankfurt by train:
- Heidelberg
- Mainz
- Baden-Baden
- Cologne
- Bonn
- Koblenz
- Dusseldorf
- Strasbourg
- Wurzburg
- Speyer
- Nuremberg
- Freiburg
1.Heidelberg
Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most picturesque cities lies just one hour away from Frankfurt. Seat of Germany’s oldest university, it has a delightful city centre intersected by delightful cobbled streets and pretty squares. Add to that some of the world’s most imposing castle ruins, the postcard perfect Old Bridge (Altbruck) crossing the Neckar river, and a picturesque hillside setting. Across the bridge from the old town is the beautiful sunkissed Philosophenweg, a panoramic path.
The centre of Heidelberg is compact, so while it will be a bit rushed and you will probably not have the time to get into a museum, you can get a good feel for the centre in a day. Check this post to plan your visit.
Heidelberg is a great winter escape too, as its Christmas market is one of the most celebrated in Germany. I cover it in more detail in my post on the best German Christmas markets.
2.Mainz
Between 30 and 40 minutes is all it takes to get from the Frankfurt Hauptbanhof to Mainz.
A short walk from the station towards the Rhine takes you to the cathedral. Mainz used to be one of the most important cities of medieval Germany – The archibishop was often asked to crown German kings. So the cathedral (Kaiserdom) is a must see. It remains one of Germany’s most magnicent example of Romanesque Religious architecture.
Mainz retained its importance during the early renaissance. It is to a son of this city, Johannes Gutenberg, that we owe one of the most important inventions in history – the printing Press.. the Gutenberg Museum celebrates the revolutionary impact of Gutenberg’s invention and you can even admire some of Gutenberg’s original printed biblies.
The Old town is charming, with Picturesque medieval sights like the Kirschgarten, a square dominated bythe city’s oldest half-timbered house.
Another highlight is a walk along the Rhine River promenade. The Rhine may not be as wide in Mainz as further north in Cologne or Dusseldorf, but it is the second largest river in Europe, and truly majestic!
3. Baden-Baden
The journey from Frankfurt to Baden-Baden is one and a half hours, with a change.
Baden-Baden is not an ordinary sighsteeing day trip. It was the Romans, real experts in the field, who discovered the curative powers of its thermal waters. It became a renowned spa town, whose fame peaked in the 19th century, when it became a playground of European. The elegant out-of-time vibe still lingers. You feel it in Leafy promenades, dotted with elegant villas, and in the pretty historic centre, were are the two most famous bath houses: the traditional Friedrichsbad, known for its nudist bathing experience, and the modern Caracalla Spa, offering a variety of pools and saunas.
Before or after your spa experience, explore the Kurhaus and its gardens (Kurpark). This building includes Opulent meeting halls, where the margrave used to entertain his guests, one of Europe’s most ancient casinos, and a stunning neo=classical portico with frescoed walls.
Above the city, there are the ruins of a castle (Altes Schloss) perched on a hilltop. It is quite a solid walk – factor in one hour each way if you are a brisk walker – but it offers incredible views. If your train is waiting and you cannot make it all the way to the top, do at least part of the walk. Baden-Baden is on the outskirts of the Black Forest, and the walk will immerse you in a landscape of Magnificent trees and ancient woods.
Between Advent and Epiphany, Baden Baden hosts a delightful Christmas market,
4.Cologne
Direct trains between Frankfurt and Cologne take 1 hour and 6 minutes. For more options, there are also indirect services that take about 1 hour and 20 minutes..
Every journey to Cologne is likely to begin with a visit to the cathedral, and not just because it is the city’s most iconic building, but also because of its location. It is right outside the train station!
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), is one of Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a masterpiece of German and European Gothic architecture. The south tower offers panoramic city views, and you cam climb it. If you are not feeling energetic or do not do well with heights, there is plenty do do at ground level, admiring the stunning stained glass and the Shrine of the Three Kings.
Just steps from the Cathedral, you will find the Romano-Germanic Museum, showcasing Cologne’s Roman history – The city was the first Roman colony in Germany, so if you love Roman history it is definitely worth a visit. After the cultural immersion, Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt), with its colorful buildings and lively squares, and look for a good place for a hearty meal and some Kolscher Beer.
The Rhine at Cologne is magnificent, so make sure to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge. It will expose you to a different side of Cologne – likely, dynamic, a survivor of WW2, and a city with a 2000=year tradition of architecture and design The Bridge, like the Pont Neuf in Paris. is also famous for its “love locks.”
If you have time, you can either visit another museum – Cologne has ample choice ranging from Picasso to Chocolate, as you can see here. Or take a boat trip down the Rhine.
5.Bonn
Bonn is just under 2 hours from Frankfurt, with a change in Cologne. The journey is very pleasant, especially the second leg from Cologne, as you will follow the course of the Rhine.
Bonn is West Germany’s former capital, so walking down its leafy roads feels like a throwback to the postwar era. But it was a well-developed city long before that, and gave birth to one of the most loved European musicians, Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Its childhood home, BeethovenHaus, now a Museum, is one of the city’s highlights. Through its collection of letters, musical spartiti, musical instruments, and even hearing aids, it really brings to life Beethoven the man, in a very touching way.
The Altstadt is compact but lovely, and famous for its cherry blossoms in April.
Otter highlights include the 18th-century Poppelsdorf Palace, set in beautiful botanical gardens, and how home to a geological museum, and the peaceful Japanese garden, an oasis by the side of the Rhine, with a koi pond and a traditional Japanese bridge, and
the Rhine is the other highlight of Bonn. and Walking the Rhine promenade from the Altstadt to the Japanese garden is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours with wonderful views of Europe’s second largest river, and the Siebengebirge mountains across the water.
6.Koblenz
you can travel from Frankfurt to Koblenz in one and a half hours. The journey is direct..
The noun Koblenz is a Roman rendering of the Latin Confluentia (Junction of two rivers). the Romans founded a colony called Confluentia in the sport where the Rhine and the Moselle rivers meet.
It is worth visiting for the Day even just to see that. You will be right in the middle of a city and yet witnessing one of Europe’s natural wonders. The site of the meeting of rivers is celebrated at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), a triangular viewpoint with a massive equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I.
Afterwards, you can the charming Old Town. With its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Compared to the Kaiserdoms or the cathedral of Cologne, the Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor may feel like a modest affait, but it is a beautiful and atmosperic church surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Another highlight is the neoclassical Schloss Koblenz, a magnificent palace that was once the residence of the Electors of Trier, and boasts enchanting riverside gardens.
Speak about the river, do take a stroll along the Rhine promenade to admire the beautiful scenery. If cna fit it into your itinerary, a boat trip on the Rhine or Moselle is definitely worth the investment!
Alternatively, a cable car can take you to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. a neogothic palace perched high above the river, with sweeping view of Koblenz and the Rhine.
7.Dusseldorf
Direct trains between Frankfurt and Dusseldorf take one and a half hours.
Dusseldorf is a truly enjoyable and relatively undiscovered city, with beautiful museums, a stunning riverside, lovely wide tree-lined alleys, elegant and quirky suburbs.
It is a large city and if you go for the day you will need to make some choices.Although heavily bombed and rebuilt in contemporary style, Dussedorf retains a characterful Altstadt (Old Town) with narrow cobbled streets and traditional architecture. After admiring the Marktplatz (Market Square) with its historic Rathaus, What makes the altstadt so special is the vibe. Home to 250 between breweries, bars and restaurant, the Altstadt is nicknamed ‘the longest bar in the world.’ Even if you are on a day trip, you can soak in the atmosphere over lunch or a drink before you catch your train back to Frankfurt.
If you are into contemporary art and design, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen houses an impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including works by Picasso, Klee, and Warhol.
The Dusseldorf luxury shopping district centred on Koenigsallee also deserves to be in experienced. The elegant and understated atmosphere of this shopping boulevard, with a canal crosed by slender bridges and sheltered by majestic trees in the middle is quite unique!.
Unique is also the Rhine embankment. The river is enormous at Dusseldorf, and the bridges spanning it reinforce this impression of strength, feeling tiny despite their size because the water expanse is so wide. the MedienHafen (Media Harbour) with its iconic TV tower (Rheinturm) looms in the distance. It is another unofficial symbol of Dusseldorf.
If you are into medieval history, you can swap the visit to a museum with a metro trip to the suburb of Kaiserwerth, a former islet on the Rhine with the ruins of a medieval imperial palace.
8.Strasbourg
There a few direct high speed services a day between Frankfurt and Strasbourg, and they take about 2 hours. So, you can even travel abroad from Frankfurt for the day!
Strasburg used to be an important centre of the Holy Roman Empire, and its centre is still a medieval wonder. Its UNESCO-Heritage-listed Old town, called la Grande Île (Big Island), You will find magical corners such as the covered Bridges (above), and the a delightful maze of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, known as Petite France (Little France.)
the cathedral it is hailed as a gothic masterpiece, and absolutely magnificent for its proportions and intricate sculpture. It is deservedly considered one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cathedrals.
If you have an interest in contemporary politics, you can visit the European parliament. In the evening, you can relax over a hearty Alsatian meal washed down with a delicious local beer or wine.
During Advent, Strasbourg hosts a renowned Christmas markets.
9.Wurzburg
Wurzburg is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Frankfurt by fast train.
surrounded by beautiful vineyards, it is one of Germany’s most ancient cities, whose foundation history dates back to the dark ages. Nowadays, it is the seat of one of Germany’s great universities, and one of the country’s baroque jewels.
The imposing Residenz, the magnificent Home of the local prince-bishop, was frescoed amongst others by Tiepolo. It is monumental, so do consider a couple of hours for your visit.
The Altstadt has delightful traditional eateries tucked away in side streets and little courtyards where you can have a relaxed lunch. To work off the calories, after luch head across the river main to the Marienberg, a medieval fortress perched on top a vine-covered hill.
The two are connected by a magnificent bridge, with amazing all-around views. On the bridge itself you will find lovely wine bars, so on your way back you can toast to the sunset with the delightful Franconian wines.
10. Speyer
Even if all you do is visit the cathedral (Kaiserdom), Speyer is worth a visit. This magnificient building, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is one of Eurpe’s great medieval cathedrals, and it was the largest when it was built. Emperor ConradII wanted a church to rival Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, and he also wanted it to become the Mausoleum of his dynasty. Even today, all four emperors of his dynasty (the Salians) are buried in the crypt. Conrad and his successors were also directly involved in the design of the church, so it is really a journey through their mind, their perception of themselves, their power, and their role in the world.
The Old Town is also charming, with quaint shops, cafes and ancient Beer houses.
Speyer used to house an important Jewish community in medieval times, under the protection of the king. The ruins of of the Judenhof, including a synagogue, and ritual bath, allow a glimpse into the city’s rich rich and diverse past.
There is also a celebrated Technik Museum Speyer, which will appear to lovers of transportation technology, with a vast collection of vintage cars, airplanes, locomotives, and even a submarine.
11.Nuremberg
The fast trains between Frankfurt and Nuremberg take 2 hours and 10 minutes,
You may associate it with the Nuremberg Trails, and its place in the Nazi cult of the past – I did too. Well, prepare to be surprised, and blown away by sheer beauty. It is an incredible city, steeped in a thousand years of history, and they all left traces,
During the middle Ages, it was an important centre of the Holy Roman Empire, and home to one of the most important imperial residenced. Nuremberg preeminence grew in the 14th century when it was chosen to house the imperial regalia (the symbols of power of the Holy Roman Emperor, used during his coronation. During the Renaissance, it was southern Germany’s most cultured and wealthiest city, and its cultural richness continues to this day and you can appreciate it in its many museums.
The centre is very compact and a short walk from the train station. Walk around its well-preserved medieval walls to view it from all angles and then follow a canal and let the Altstadt disclose its gems to you: from the imperial Palace perched on a rock on the Kaiserburg, to its incredible squares and Gothic churches. such as the incredibly graceful gothic Frauenkirche, where the imperial court used to worship.
the history of Religious tolerance in a divided Europe is embodied in Nuremberg’s architecture, and in the life and work of its most loved son, the painter Durer, whose house you can visit.
the canal views are on a par with Amsterdam or Bruges but it does not feel as crowded. It is still a very lived-in city centre.
You will need to walk (or cycle) along the beautiful banks of the Peignitz river to arrive to the Nazi Rally grounds, but if you do not have time, there are museums and memorials in town to take you through the horrors of the 1930s and ’40s.
On a happier note, Nuremberg is home to one of Germany’s most loved Christmas markets, and to traditional German food offering such as Gingerbread biscuit (Lebkuche) and Bratwurst.
For in-depth info on nuremberg check this post.
12. Freiburg
The train journey from Frankfurt to Freiburg takes just over 2 hours!
You can spend a weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, crossing the Medieval gates, making your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral) with its spire and stained glass windows, and visiting the Augustiner Museum, a medieval monastery turned into a museum.
Feeling active? you can hike the Schlossberg hill and reward yourself with a beer and fantastic views of the Black Forest.
If you are travelling During Advent, the Christmas market in the squares around the cathedral is incredibly atmospheric.
Want to explore even further from frankfurt?
Thanks to its position in the heart of Europe, you can reach many great cities in surrounding countries easily by train. Check this post for inspiration.
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