Top 10 Weekend Trips from Frankfurt you should not miss!!
Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt for a refreshing weekend getaway in 2024? A weekend trip from Frankfurt can offer you the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations, relax, and create lasting memories.
In this article, we will guide you through exciting trip ideas, highlighting places to visit, and providing you with tips for an unforgettable weekend adventure away from Frankfurt.
I have been living in Frankfurt for the last 5 years and had absolute fun exploring these places since the 49€ Deutschland Ticket came into play.
Weekend Trips from Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. There are many activities and attractions to keep you busy during your stay. If you don’t own a car then you can rent a car in Frankfurt and plan your road trip from Frankfurt as well.
1. Explore the City of Cologne (Köln)
Köln is located on the River Rhine and has a population of over one million people. It’s known as the “city of churches” because it has over 30 churches and cathedrals.
Köln is located on the River Rhine in the northwest of Germany. It is also known as “the city of churches” because there are about thirty churches and cathedrals in Köln. The largest church in Köln is Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), which was completed in 1880.
Top Things to do in Cologne:
- 1. Take a stroll down the Rhine River: Cologne is situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The riverbank is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- 2. Explore the Old Town: The old town, or Altstadt, as it is known in German, has a medieval charm that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cologne.
- 3. Enjoy one of many breweries: Cologne has a long tradition of brewing and there are plenty of opportunities to sample local beers at any number of breweries throughout the city.
- 4. Enjoy some outdoor activities: Cologne’s proximity to green spaces means that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor sports such as cycling and hiking in addition to more traditional leisure activities like swimming and sunbathing on one of its
- 5. Try the Time Ride Virtual Relatiy Tour in Cologne
- 6. Chocolate Museum Cologne
Recommended Read: Top Things to do in Rudesheim am Rhein Germany
2. Romantic Rhine Valley, One of Europe’s Most Picturesque Scenic Getaways
The Rhine River Valley is one of the most scenic regions in Europe and a perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
The Rhine River Valley is one of the most scenic regions in Europe and a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The towns along this stretch of the river offer a myriad of things to do like sampling local wines and exploring medieval castles.
Top Things to do in Romantic Rhine Valley on your weekend trips from Frankfurt:
- 1. Get the perfect pictures of the Rhine Valley
- 2. Visit the castle: Castle of Nideck
- 3. Stroll through picturesque villages
- 4. Visit a brewery: Rheinhessen Brewery
- 5. Taste delicious wines: Weingut Klein-Weißenberg
3. Rudesheim: Wine in Germany
The Rudesheim is a wine-producing region in Germany that was established as a Roman settlement. The wines produced here have been gaining popularity in the international market, and are now exported to various countries around the world.
With the growing demand for wines from this region, more people are considering moving to Rudesheim. It might not be easy to find affordable living spaces amid all these vineyards, but there are some options available for those who want to move here despite the competition of high-end properties.
Top things to do in Rudesheim on your weekend trips from Frankfurt:
- The Congress Hall (Kongresshalle): The building was constructed between 1874 and 1876, designed by Eduard Rheinlander as a multifunctional event hall for the city.
- Open-air Museum (Freilichtmuseum): The museum houses some original buildings from the 17th century that have been moved here and rebuilt.
- Wine Museum & Winery (Weinmuseum & Weingut): One of the most beautiful wineries in Germany, it offers guided tours through their cellars
- You can also take this one hour Boat Tour from Rudesheim to Rhine Valley.
4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This small town in Bavaria, Germany is situated on the River Tauber. It is only a few kilometres from the Franconian Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rothenburg ob der Tauber boasts of medieval walls and gates, towers and red-roofed houses with timber framing. Its most remarkable feature is its medieval fortifications that were built in order to protect it against enemies and plundering armies.
The town still has its intact network of ancient ramparts that encircle the hilltop town centre as well as many buildings from the 15th-17th century which are still used by residents today. One of them, The Gothic Town Hall (1470) was designed by Renaissance architect Michael von Breteuil and it towers over the market square from its position
Top Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on your weekend trips from Frankfurt
- 1) Visit Rothenburg’s medieval walls which have been beautifully restored.
- 2) Explore the streets and visit the many museums.
- 3) Watch a play at the world’s smallest theater, which seats only 37 people.
- 4) Get lost among the cobbled streets and enjoy traditional Bavarian food and drink.
- 5) Take a carriage tour around town with your family or friends, stopping at some of Rothenburg’s most popular landmarks along the
If you are planning to go to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber then we would recommend you to read our post Top Things to do in Rothendburg Ob Der Tauber.
Below are some of the Weekend Trips from Frankfurt options for you.
- Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour
- Day Trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt
- Frankfurt: Romantic Road & Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tour
5. Quedlinburg – Medieval Fortress on the Romantic Road
Quedlinburg is a town of around 18,000 inhabitants in the district of Harz, in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The town is situated on the river Selke, about 120 km (75 mi) south of Magdeburg.
Quedlinburg was first documented in 922 as a settlement where the king’s daughter Quedlinde who had been living there with her mother Queen Hathuiadide was buried.
It became an important centre for trade and crafts and in 1209-10 it was granted a charter by Otto IV and again in 1216 by his son Henry II.
In 1247 Henry III gave Quedlinburg city rights which were then confirmed and extended by King Frederick II or Sicily on 28 August 1251
Top Things to do in Quedlinburg on your weekend trips from Frankfurt
- 1. Visit the medieval town hall
- 2. Explore the old quarter
- 3. Visit the town museum
- 4. Stroll through the park
- 5. Take a boat ride on Lake Oker
6. Bamberg – Medieval Town with a Modern Twist
Bamberg is a medieval town with a modern twist. Bamberg is only about one hour by train from Nuremberg, yet it has the feel of a small Bavarian village. It offers many attractions, including its old medieval center, the “Altstadt.”
Bamberg was first mentioned in history in 1002 and was granted city rights in 1249. The city’s name became known throughout Europe when it became the home of “Reichsstad” (Imperial City) for six centuries, beginning in 1547.
Top Things to do in Bamberg
- 1) Visit the historic cathedral – this will allow you to see how rich German history is from an architectural point of view.
- 2) Have a traditional Bavarian meal at one of the many restaurants downtown – there’s something for everyone here!
- 3) Visit the brewery museum – where beer meets history!
- 4) Go on a bike tour through
7. Germany’s Most Beautiful City: Berlin
Berlin is a city that focuses on its culture and arts. Visitors to the city will be welcomed by its many museums, art galleries, theaters, and parks.
Berlin is the capital of Germany. It has more than 3 million residents and attracts up to 10 million visitors every year. The city is a global hotspot for culture, arts, fashion, design and music. Tourists come here because they want to see the best of German history and culture while also experiencing Berlin’s modern vibe.
The city’s cultural scene revolves around museums like the Pergamon Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts from Greek mythology or the Old National Gallery with its range of German Expressionism paintings from artists like Max Beckmann or Otto Dix. There are also plenty of historic buildings like Charlotte
Top things to do in Berlin on your weekend trip from Frankfurt
- 1. Cruise the Berlin Wall and see remnants of the Cold War
- 2. Take a stroll down the East Side Gallery which is an open air gallery made up of paintings by artists from all over the world
- 3. Take a walk through the Central Park called Tiergarten
- 4. Explore history at Checkpoint Charlie which used to be an important frontier post during the Cold War era
- 5. Visit Victory Column which is considered to be one of Berlin’s most iconic monuments
- 6. Checkout Different Museums , Bode Museum, Altes Museum, DDR Museum, Computer Games Museum
- 7. Go to Berlin TV Tower and Get something to eat.
8. Hamburg: Germany’s Gateway to the World
Welcome to Hamburg, Germany. The gateway to the world.
Hamburg is a city on the river Elbe in northern Germany. It is one of the major port cities in Europe and the fifth-largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg is a perfect destination for long-distance travelers who want to experience Northern European culture and explore some of Europe’s most scenic architecture.
The heart of Hamburg lies about 50 miles from Berlin, 45 miles from Copenhagen and just 12 miles from Lübeck, where Denmark meets Germany.
Top Things to do in Hamburg on your weekend trip from Frankfurt
- 1. Explore the lively nightlife: Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, but it has one of the highest rates of nocturnal activity in Europe.
- 2. Take a boat tour: The city is surrounded by water, and many visitors make the most of this by taking colorful boat tours that will take you past wonderful places like Speicherstadt – a huge warehouse district that’s listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 3. Visit the Reeperbahn: This was once an important center for trade and commerce, but now it’s home to one of Germany’s most famous red light districts with all kinds of attractions including plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs!
- 4. See the Elbe Philharmonic Hall
9 Regensburg
Regensburg is situated in Bavaria, Germany and is a popular tourist destination.
Regensburg is a town in Bavaria, Germany. It’s situated on the banks of the Danube River and is close to the border with Austria. Regensburg has about 101,000 inhabitants (2016). The city’s old town area is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Top Things to do in Regensburg
- 1.Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter
- 2.Explore the medieval city center
- 3.Visit the New Residence
- 4.See the Old Bridge
- 5.Visit the Imperial Palace
10 Mainz
The city of Mainz is the capital of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the west, and it is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It has an estimated population of over 111,000 residents, and it dates back to around 16 BC when it was founded by Romans. The city is a major transportation hub with a central location where trade routes from France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria converge.
The best thing to do in Mainz is visit the Main Tower. It is a medieval tower that is located in the heart of the city. Besides that, you can also visit the New Town Hall which was built between 1867 and 1876.
Top Things to do in Mainz
- 1) Visit Main Tower
- 2) Visit New Town Hall
- 3) Visit Basilica of St. Martin
- 4) Enjoy traditional German food at one of the restaurants in town or explore international cuisine at one of the many cafés and shops nearby.
- 5) Check out some of Mainz’s most famous museums like Museum Ludwig or Gutenberg Museum
Explore the Charming City of Heidelberg
One of the top destinations for a weekend trip from Frankfurt is Heidelberg. Known for its picturesque old town, stunning castle, and vibrant atmosphere, Heidelberg is a must-visit location for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Spend your day wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, immersing yourself in the medieval charm that Heidelberg has to offer.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Heidelberg Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and the Neckar River.
Discover Luxembourg City’s Hidden Gems
If you’re seeking a unique experience for your weekend getaway, consider taking a trip to Luxembourg City. This charming capital city is rich in history, boasting UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful parks, and impressive museums.
Wander along the picturesque streets of the old town, explore the top attractions, and indulge in delicious cuisine at local cafés. Luxembourg City is a perfect destination for a cultural escape just a few hours away from Frankfurt.
Relax in the Spa Town of Baden-Baden
For those in search of relaxation and rejuvenation, Baden-Baden is an ideal destination for a weekend escape. Located along the banks of the river Oos in the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is renowned for its thermal springs, spa facilities, and tranquil surroundings.
Treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of the luxurious spa towns, immerse yourself in the healing waters, and unwind in this postcard-perfect setting away from the city.
Step Back in Time in Michelstadt and Büdingen
Experience the charm of medieval towns by visiting Michelstadt and Büdingen on your weekend trip from Frankfurt. These small quaint towns are filled with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks that will transport you back in time.
Explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit medieval castles, and discover the unique atmosphere of these picturesque destinations just a short drive away from Frankfurt.
Unwind Along the Rhine River in Koblenz
Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical attractions for a memorable weekend adventure.
Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, visit the historic old town with its charming altstadt, and explore the great museums showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Koblenz is an excellent choice for a day trip from Frankfurt, providing plenty of options for sightseeing and relaxation.
Read More: What to Do in Koblenz Germany
These are collections of Weekend trips from Frankfurt in Germany. We have also shared the post around Road Trips from Frankfurt if you are looking for a Road Trip Excursion.
If you are looking for Day Trips from Frankfurt then you can check our other post. We have also shared a post about Festivals in Frankfurt which you can check.
Do let us know if there is something more that you think needs to be added in our list. If you don’t have a car then you can book a Car on Rent in Frankfurt for your future trips.
FAQ: Weekend Getaways from Frankfurt
Q: What are some nice places to visit for a weekend trip away from Frankfurt?
A: There are several great options including Strasbourg, Trier, Eltz Castle, Hanau, Marburg, Cochem, Limburg, and Wiesbaden.
Q: How far in advance should I plan a weekend trip to Europe from Frankfurt?
A: It’s advisable to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you want to visit popular destinations like Zurich or Munich.
Q: Is it easy to travel by train from Frankfurt to nearby cities?
A: Yes, Germany has an efficient train system, making it convenient to take a train to places like Zurich, Heidelberg, or Stuttgart.
Q:What are some magical Christmas markets I can visit during the holiday season near Frankfurt?
A: You can experience the festive spirit at Christmas markets in Strasbourg, Wiesbaden, and the Brothers Grimm fairytale Christmas market in Hanau.
Q: Can I take a short trip back to Frankfurt if I have limited time?
A: Yes, many destinations like Eltville, along the Main River, are just a short drive or train ride away, perfect for a day trip or a half day visit.
Q: What are some interesting places to visit near Frankfurt for a long weekend getaway?
A: Places like Taunus, Mainz, and Eltz Castle are ideal for a long weekend trip away from the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt.
Q: As a single woman living in Germany, are there safe and enjoyable destinations for me to explore alone?
A: Yes, cities like Zurich, Heidelberg, and Trier are safe for solo travelers and offer plenty of attractions to explore.
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