Frankfurt as a financial capital of Germany is not only an energetic city but also a perfect place to begin the tour across the most interesting sites of the country. There are many possibilities for a day trip around the areas of Frankfurt, no matter if you are history or culture buff, a nature lover or a plain old cynosure seeker. From the romantic Rhine Valley and the mediaeval towns, cultural cities to the spa towns, there is something for everyone. In this article, you will find the best day tours from Frankfurt, so you get the most of the German states variety and attractions. These are some of the best and thrilling Frankfurt day trip adventures that you should consider.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is just an hours drive away from Frankfurt and is a place of great beauty and history. Heidelberg, one of the most popular day trips from Frankfurt is famous for the preserved medieval architecture and the castle. Located at the top of a hill giving a vantage point of the city, the castle also has a great view of the Neckar River and the countryside. Take a leisurely walk in the Old Town where one can find small stone paved streets, antiquated houses and vibrant markets. Do not lose the chance to see the oldest university in Germany and the Philosophers Walk which is a park with a stunning view of the city and the greenery.

Rhine Valley

A day trip to the Rhine Valley is something that one should not miss especially when it comes to natural beauty and cultural significance. This world heritage site is popular for the beautiful landscapes with the medieval castles, villages, and vineyards terraces. The best way to explore the Rhine Valley is by taking a boat ride through the river; it will afford you a view of the river sides and the famous Lorelei rock formation. Taste wine in the wine producers where you can get to taste some of the best German Rieslings. Go to the towns of Bacharach and Rdesheim which are famous for their architecture and friendly people. The Rhine Valley is one of the best excursions from Frankfurt due to its natural and historical attractions.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a famous spa town situated approximately two hours drive from Frankfurt and is, therefore, well suited for a vacation that involves some unwinding. This beautiful town is well-known for the spas like Friedrichsbad historic spa and the Caracalla Spa modern spa where you can take the mineral-rich baths and avail different spa services. In addition to the spas, there are beautiful parks and gardens in Baden-Baden such as the Lichtentaler Allee. Kurhaus, a beautiful building from the 19th century originally designed for operating both a casino and a concert hall, presents cultural and leisure activities. For the lovers of nature, there is a possibility to go hiking in the Black Forest, which is situated nearby the city. Baden-Baden is one of the best day trips from Frankfurt because of the spa, culture, and scenic views.

Mainz

Frankfurts neighboring city Mainz is only a 30 min train ride away and is also a great place to visit for its history and culture. Also, situated in Mainz, there is the famous Gutenberg Museum, which is devoted to the biography and work of the inventor of printing, as well as the exposition of the original prints. The city has a wonderful cathedral with Romanesque architecture and stunning decoration inside; it is called Mainz Cathedral. Take a leisurely walk in the picturesque Old Town with its thatched roofs, shops and markets, cafes. Mainz is also well known for its wine culture especially the Riesling wines and therefore is a great place for wine lovers.

Wrzburg

Situated about one and half hours drive from Frankfurt, Wrzburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany when it comes to architecture and history. The crown jewel of Wrzburg is the Wrzburg Residence; a World Heritage site which is one of the most significant pieces of Baroque architecture in Europe. The rooms of the palace, the beautiful stairs, and the garden are stunning and breathtaking. Another attraction is the Marienberg Fortress which has a vantage point of the city and the Main river. It is also famous for the local wine producers and beautiful vineyards through which tourist can try the delicious franconian wines.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

It is a medieval town that looks like a true fairy tale town and walking through the streets is like traveling back in time. Sitting at approximately 2 hours drive from Frankfurt, Rothenburg is well known for its well preserved medieval structures, most especially the half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets. It is advised to walk around the beautiful Old Town and visit the Town Hall, Medieval Crime Museum, and St. Jamess Church. Christmas Museum and the Christmas store Kthe Wohlfahrt are located in the town and enhance the Christmas feel. Do not leave without a visit to the town wall which is in very good state and allows to view the town and the surrounding countryside. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a definite must-see for history lovers and lovers of fairytales.

Darmstadt

Darmstadt is the city close to Frankfurt, only 30 minutes by car, which is famous for its cultural and art traditions. The main attraction of the Darmstadt is the quarter of artists, called Mathildenhhe, initiated at the beginning of the twentieth century. This area is also distinguished by Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, namely the Wedding Tower and the Exhibition Hall, accompanied by luxurious gardens. Visit the Hessian State Museum that offers art, natural history, and cultural art pieces for visitors to enjoy. The city also has wonderful parks and gardens for a leisurely walk including the Herrngarten. It is one of the best day trips from Frankfurt due to the innovative arts and the old-world architecture of Darmstadt.

Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden is one of the oldest spa resort in Germany and the place that is perfect for relaxation and sightseeing being in the close proximity to Frankfurt. As a spa town, Wiesbaden boasts several thermal spas; the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, a historic spa, and the Thermalbad Aukammtal, a modern spa. The elegant Kurhaus of the city with the beautifully designed gardens and a grand casino has become a venue for various cultural events and entertainment. Spend time on the Neroberg Mountain Railway in order to get good view of the city and visit Neroberg Park. Wiesbaden is a perfect place for a one day tour from Frankfurt because of its historic background, the curative baths and the picturesque landscapes.

Conclusion

Hanau is a town situated in the state of Hesse, Germany and is only 25 kilometers away from Frankfurt; it is most famous for being the town of origin of the famous Brothers Grimm. This beautiful town is full of sights and landmarks that are related to the towns literary past and history. Begin your tour at the Brothers Grimm National Monument located in the beautiful market place dedicated to the famous writers. Visit the Schloss Philippsruhe, a baroque palace that now hosts the Historical Museum, in order to learn about the history of the area and the fairy tale writers that were the Grimm brothers.