Weekend & Day Trips from Frankfurt, Germany

1. Bad Kreuznach

Nestled in the picturesque Nahe river wine region, Bad Kreuznach is a historic spa town perfect for a relaxing getaway. The area is famed for its therapeutic mineral springs, and there are many different ways to take advantage of the restorative water, including indoor and outdoor thermal baths, mist fountains, and brine bathing.

When you're done relaxing, you can wander through the pedestrian-only shopping district or enjoy a meal in one of the town's many excellent restaurants. Visitors should also make a point of stopping by the Alte Nahebrücke, a beautiful 14th-century bridge with buildings on it. Bad Kreuznach

2. Baden-Baden

Surrounded by the magnificent trees of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is another lovely spa town with a rich history. The thermal waters have been attracting visitors for centuries, and while they're still the main attraction, the town has plenty of other things for visitors to see and do. The Museum Frieder Burda has some incredible pieces of art, and music lovers should try to catch a performance at the Festival Hall, the largest opera house in Germany. If you want to get a view of the surrounding area, you can also take a tram up to the top of Mount Merkur. Baden-Baden

3. Bernkastel-Kues

Sprawled across both sides of the Moselle River, Bernkastel-Kues is a lovely medieval town known for its winemaking and its exciting street festivals. The festivals are when the town is at its busiest, but it's just as enjoyable to be here when the streets are sleepy and quiet, and you'll be able to get some excellent photos of town landmarks like the Pointed House, the Town Hall, and the Graach Gate. You can also take a romantic one-hour cruise down the river, but before you leave, be sure to head to the Marktplatz town square for some traditional German schnitzel and beer. Bernkastel-Kues

4. Black Forest

Encompassing more than 4,400 square miles in southwest Germany, the Black Forest is one of the country's most diverse holiday regions, and it offers everything from majestic mountain hikes to excellent spas and restaurants. Scenic driving routes stretch through almost every part of the forest, and there are plenty of restaurants you can stop at for a delicious meal made with locally sourced ingredients. If you want to do something more active, you can climb to the top of the magnificent Triberg waterfalls, go for a boat ride on Lake Titisee, or hike to the Ravenna Gorge.

Black Forest, Fischerau 24, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Phone: +49-761-51-47-05-51

5. Darmstadt

Only half an hour outside of Frankfurt, Darmstadt is an easy day trip, and it's particularly worthwhile if you're a fan of history and architecture. The city is particularly known for its many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, many of which can be found in the Mathildenhöhe neighborhood, including the iconic Wedding Tower. There are also some fascinating museums to explore, particularly the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt, which has an astonishing collection of fossils that have been found in the area. Anyone with an interest in science should also take a tour of the European Space Operations Centre. Darmstadt

6. Eltz Castle

Perched on top of a hill above the Moselle River, the Eltz Castle is a 12th-century castle that looks like something out of a fairytale. Guide tours of the building take approximately 40 minutes, and take visitors through the armory, the kitchen, and many other rooms and halls. Visitors are also welcome to take a self-guided tour of the treasury, which features a collection of world-class artwork. The castle is open to visitors between early April and early November, and if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to come is before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

Eltz Castle , Burg Eltz 1, 56294 Wierschem, Germany, Phone: +49-26-72-95-05-00

7. Felsenmeer

Known in English as the 'Sea of Rocks', Felsenmeer is a unique geological formation that was created approximately 340 million years ago. As you might guess from the name, it's a hill covered with hundreds of giant round boulders that make for a challenging, exciting hike. Visitors are welcome to clamber around on the rocks on their own, and there are also special guided tours during the winter. No admission fee is charged, but there is a small parking fee. The area is open year-round, and there's an on-site Visitor's Center that's open between March and October.

Felsenmeer, Seifenwiesenweg 59, 64686 Lautertal (Odenwald), Germany, Phone: +49-62-54-94-01-60

8. Hanau

Hanau is best known as the birthplace of the Grimm brothers, the fairytale authors who have enchanted millions of children across the world, and it can be a truly magical place to visit if you have any fond childhood memories of Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, or Snow White. A festival dedicated to the brothers' stories takes place every summer, but outside of this time, visitors are only reminded of their legacy by a monument in the main town square. However, there are still plenty of things to see and do, including a weekly farmer's market, a stunning baroque castle, and a family-friendly puppet museum. Hanau

9. Heidelberg

Home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg is a delightful town whose beauty inspired some of the greatest artists and writers of the German Romantic Movement. Many people head straight up to the half-ruined hilltop Heidelberg Castle, which is surrounded by a lovely garden and offers some incredible views of the city, but there are plenty of excellent museums and attractions right in the town as well.

You might want to visit the Old Bridge, a class="map1" href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=Heidelberg&source=lmns&entry=mc&bih=695&biw=1536&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE68vepOeDAxXxi_0HHfpKB5EQi6AMKAF6BAgBEAQ" target="_blank">Heidelberg's famous university, and the 12th-century Neuburg Abbey, but make sure you leave some time to stroll through the riverside Old Town (video) and admire the gorgeous baroque buildings.