Best Day Trips from Frankfurt

Best Day Trips from Frankfurt

Looking to head out on a day trip? The Rhein Main region is full of incredible destinations for day trips from Frankfurt.

Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s main transit hubs, which is why international travellers often find themselves here on their travels! While Frankfurt is known as a business centre and an international city, there are lots of great day trips you can take from the city. We’ve come up with a list of the Best Day Trips from Frankfurt, and we’re sure you’ll be impressed with the destinations. This region surrounding Frankfurt offers something for everyone, no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for!

Getting Around the Region

Germany is known for its incredible train connections and accessibility. But it’s also known for its famous Autobahn where one can drive in select areas without any imposed speed limit! If you’re looking to plan some day trips from Frankfurt, it’s best to know what your transportation options are.

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof offers train connections to several destinations great for your day trip from Frankfurt! Have a look on the DB website, and you can see when and where you can go. You can also get group discounts for regional travel, especially on weekends!

If you have an Interrail or Eurrail pass, it’s possible your pass includes extra benefits, such as regional transportation. If you have a pass for Germany, have a look aquí to see all the benefits you have!

However, trains aren’t your only option for day trips from Frankfurt if you don’t want to drive. Several bus companies including FlixBus y BlaBlaBus offer cheap tickets to lots of local day trip destinations.

And finally, you can also rent a car if you want the unique driving experience on your day trip from Frankfurt by cruising 200kms/hr down the Autobahn! There are several rental companies at the main station.

1. Heidelberg

Located two hours south of Frankfurt, you can find the dreamy and romantic town of Heidelberg. The town is full of a variety of shops, historical landmarks, and places to grab a bite or a drink. While it’s definitely a tourist hot spot, it’s also a university town so you’ll find lots of other backpackers here.

Schloss Heidelberg is the most popular spot in the city, and offers amazing views of the town. You can take the funicular if you don’t want to brave the hike! The inner courtyard of the castle is free to visit, but if you want to tour the inside, you have to pay for a guided tour.

To get to Heidelberg, you can take a train or bus from the main station. We definitely recommend this place as one of the most romantic day trips from Frankfurt!

2. Burg Eltz

This is one of Germany’s emerging Instagram hot spots and is worth a visit! Burg Eltz is tucked away in a tiny forest in the Mosel region and will certainly meet all your expectations. The castle is still owned by a branch of the same family, too.

While you can visit the castle year round, it’s typically crawling with tourists in high season (May-September). It’s much more quiet in the off season months, but unfortunately you can’t visit the inside of the castle at this time.

Getting here isn’t easy, so we recommend booking a car and making an adventure out of it! Most of us rely heavily on GPS, but sometimes they don’t always lead us to the right spot. Don’t worry if you find yourself driving through tiny villages while en route – you’re totally on track!

3. Cochem

If you visit Burg Eltz, you’re in luck because Cochem is only 30 mins away. This beautiful village is nestled among the rolling hillsides on the Mosel river and is sure to capture your medieval imagination! The most famous spots to visit are:

• Reichsburg Cochem – a 12th century castle perched on a hilltop in the middle of the town
• Alt Stadt – full of half timbered homes (pictured above)
• Bundesbank Bunker Cochem – a secret bunker built by the West German government in the Cold War. It housed 15 billion Deutschmarks in the event counterfeit notes from East Germany ever entered the West German market

Like Burg Eltz, getting here can be tricky but doesn’t necessarily require a car. Train connections are available from the main station, but can take at least two hours one way. However, we can promise it’s worth it and should be considered an option for your day trips from Frankfurt!

4. Rüdesheim am Main

If you love wine, you’ll want to check out Rüdesheim am Main. Germany is famous for their Riesling wine, and much of that comes from this region. Since you’ll want to indulge, we suggest you take the train. And getting here is easy, making it an attractive destination for day trips from Frankfurt.

If you’re not a wine fan, no problem. Rüdesheim is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if you’re keen on ticking those sites off your travel bucket list, this is a place worth checking out.

You can also enjoy a gondola ride alongside the Rhein for a small price. Other sites to see include Burg Ehrenfels, Niederwald Monument, and hiking trails.

5. Mainz

You’ll find this 1st century Roman city less than an hour from Frankfurt on the Rhein river. Mainz is famous for the Carnival celebrations in February, where over half a million people party in the streets in costumes. Other notable sites include Mainz Cathedral, Alt Stadt, the Gutenberg Museum, and Roman museums.

Mainz is full of Roman history, and even has a Roman Theatre. Discovered in 1998, it now sits alongside the Mainz Römischertheatre S Bahn station. While you can’t necessarily tour around the ruins, you can get a great view from on top of the hill behind the station.

Looking for Accommodation in Frankfurt?

You’ll likely need a welcoming atmosphere and comfy bed after any of your day trips from Frankfurt, and Five Elements Hostel is where you’ll want to stay! Located only 5mins from the main station, Five Elements is famous for its atmosphere. Dorms, private rooms, and apartments are all available, and they have great amenities, including daily, free activities. Did we mention they also offer an incredible breakfast buffet? Price depends on your booking, so it’s best to ask upon check in!

Best Day Trips from Frankfurt

No matter where you decide to go on your day trips, you’ll end up with incredible memories and a desire to explore more uncommon destinations on your travels. If you’re looking for more information to help you plan, click aquí. Our blog ranges from city guides, to food guides, travel tips, and more, all in an effort to inspire your next getaway. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, y Youtube.