TOP 10 day excursion suggestions from

Did you know that all of the many highlights waiting to be discovered in the Frankfurt - region can be reached in an hour or less from the Frankfurt Airport? Whether you’re off to Rüdesheim on the Rhine or on the Main, day excursions are a piece of cake! Read on and get to know our top ten destinations for short visits. The stated times are traveling times from the Frankfurt Airport.

Rüdesheim / Bingen 40 min. by car / 1.20 hrs. by train

In Rüdesheim and Bingen you can sit down at the winemakers table and taste culinary delights from the region. The Region is famous for its river landscapes and vineyards, producing amongst others the well-known . A must in this part of the region is a mini-cruise on the Rhine River, an unforgettable experience! Rheingau region

Wiesbaden

20 min. by car / 35 min. by train

Sophisticated is dominated by one Concert Hall Kurhaus colour: green! Parks and tree-lined boulevards spread throughout the city. Must-sees include the famous city theatre and the “Kurhaus” with its historical casino. Great views are guaranteed on the Neroberg Mountain, which can be climbed on the historical mountain train - already a highlight in itself. Wiesbaden is also a wonderful destination to treat yourself: why not end a day of shopping and sightseeing in the Kaiser-Friedrich- Therme, a historical Art Nouveau style bath.

Rüsselsheim 15 min. by car / 10 min. by train

Rüsselsheim comfortably combines both medieval and industrial history. Visitors can explore the Rüsselsheimer fortification, one of the region’s most important and completely restored forts. A leap in time, travelers should then visit the Museum of Industry, the Opelvillen art center or the Opel Forum. The last one also is the starting point for tours of the Opel car factory. Opelvillen

Bad Nauheim (ca. 35 min.) 30 min. by car / 60 min. by train

Bad Nauheim is called the “health” city, for good reasons: Around 1900, it belonged to the most popular spa cities in , and even today its various health establishments are hidden pearls, surrounded by parks and green areas. Bad Nauheim has the biggest Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) spa establishment in . In June the town transforms into a paradise of roses during the annual Rose Festival, whereas in every year in August, it celebrates the King of Sprudelhof spa Bad Nauheim Rock n’ Roll on the European Elvis Festival.

Aschaffenburg 30 min. by car / 50 min. by train

An idyllic, historical town in the Bavarian part of the region: Aschaffenburg is 1.000 years old and the romantic old town with interesting sights casts a spell over its many visitors. Sweeping green spaces and parks such as Schönbusch Park give the town a cheerful, southern- European flair. A special highlight is the Johannisburg , one of the major buildings of the German Renaissance. Being located on Johannisburg Castle Aschaffenburg the right bank of the Main River, the bright red sandstone fortification can already be seen from afar.

Michelstadt / Erbach 60 min. by car / 1.45 hrs. by train

Michelstadt is best explored on foot. Here, Erbach guests can marvel at fabulous examples of traditional half-timbered architecture; with its high steeples and Late-Gothic , the town hall is especially worth a visit. Travelers shouldn’t miss to visit the half-timbered “Kellereihof”, a former castle complex, today housing two museums for young and old: the Museum of local history and the Toy Museum. Directly connected to Michelstadt is Erbach, a town that entices with the enchanting Erbach Castle, an orangery, and a medieval city center.

Bad Homburg v.d. Höhe 25 min. by car / 45 min. by train

On an excursion to the spa city Bad Homburg, Kur Royal Day Spa the day can be spent in the soothing waters of the Kur Royal Day Spa. Since the end of the 19th century the Kaiser-Wilhelm thermal baths, former bath of the kings and emperors, have been open for the public. It’s located in Bad Homburg’s beautiful Kurpark which is designed as an English garden with historical monuments hidden in every corner. There, guests will also find the Therme, an open air thermal bath.

Offenbach 20 min. by car / 45 min. by train

Offenbach is the perfect city for shopping some real quality-leather! In addition to the year-round opened Leather Museum, the city hosts the annual International Leather Goods Fair. This Another important attraction is the Klingspor Museum, which is dedicated to the calligraphy Leather Museum and typography of the 20th Century.

Hanau 20 min. by car / 40 min. by train

Hanau is the home town of the famous Brothers Grimm, and “fairytale” are not only the works of the brothers. There’s the former spa Wilhelmsbad with its Kurhaus, the “medieval” ruin from the 18th century and the puppet museum, the latter being one of the nine museums in Hanau. The Philippsruhe Castle is just another impressive building, located directly on the Main River. The appertaining park is also the setting of the annual Brothers Grimm Fairytale Festival, Goldsmith’s Museum Hanau where young and old get spell bound every year. Hanau also organizes the biggest and most beautiful farmer’s market in the region that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Darmstadt 20 min. by car / 35 min. by train

Darmstadt is the city of Jugendstil and a city to Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt feel comfortable in. Mathildenhöhe, an over one hundred years old artist colony, is an absolute highlight for lovers of art and architecture. After exploring the Mathildenhöhe, visitors should pass by the very special residential building complex “Waldspirale” (wooded spiral). The name reflects both the general design of the building and the fact that trees actually grow on the roof.

Further information

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Contact: Ina Pfingst

+49 (0) 06201 60208-25 [email protected] www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de www.ruedesheim.de www.bingen.de www.wiesbaden.de www.darmstadt-tourismus.de www.bad-homburg-tourismus.de www.offenbach.de www.hanau.de www.aschaffenburg.eu www.ruesselsheim.de www.bad-nauheim.com www.tourismus-odenwald.de www.bahn.com

Day Tours in Frankfurt Rhine-Main

The diversity of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region can be discovered even in a day. Within its boundaries, apart from the Alps or a coastline, Frankfurt Rhine-Main boasts everything that is associated with Germany: great food and wine, half-timbered houses in historical towns, rivers and mountains. No other region in Germany has such a wide range of options within such short distances! The following tours are suggestions for day excursions from Frankfurt.

Tour 1: Historical Highlights

Start off in Frankfurt visiting the famous Römerberg medieval town hall square in the most historic part of the city. Then proceed to Offenbach and discover its highlights including the history of leather production in the town’s fantastic German Leather Museum. Move on to the romantic town of and discover the Einhardsbasilika which shows the deep religious Römerberg nature of the . Last stop for the day is Michelstadt. Marvel at fabulous examples of Einhardsbasilika traditional half-timbered architecture; with its high steeples and Late-Gothic timber framing, the town hall is especially worth a visit.

Approximate travel times by car: Frankfurt - Offenbach 20 min., Offenbach - Seligenstadt

30 min., Seligenstadt - Michelstadt 50 min., Michelstadt -

Frankfurt 70 min.

Tour 2: Day on the Rhine River

Have an unforgettable day on the Rhine River. Start by heading to Wiesbaden-Biebrich to catch the KD River boat for a cruise to Rüdesheim. There you can take a ride on the cable car up to the massive Niederwald Monument. Join a guided walk through the Rheingau vineyards to learn how grapes are grown and wine is priduced. Afterwards, catch your boat again to cross the Rhine and attend a wine tasting by one of the local Rheingau region winegrowers in Bingen, whilst enjoying the magnificent Bingen view over the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine valley. End your day with visit of the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden and try your luck at its famous casino.

Approximate travel times: Frankfurt - Wiesbaden-Biebrich 45 min. by train, Wiesbaden- Biebrich - Rüdesheim 70 min. by boat, Rüdesheim - Bingen 15 min. by boat, Bingen - Wiesbaden 50 min. by train,

Wiesbaden - Frankfurt 45 min. by train

Tour 3: Health & Wellness Day

The cities of Bad Homburg and Bad Nauheim both offer a great variety of spa and wellness facilities. For instance you could visit the elegant Kur-Royal Day Spa, located in Bad Homburg’s beautiful Kurpark which is designed as an English garden with historical monuments hidden in every corner. Bad Nauheim has the biggest Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) spa Bad Homburg establishment in Europe. In June the town transforms into a paradise of roses during the annual Rose Festival, whereas in every year in August, it celebrates the King of Rock n’ Roll on the European Elvis Festival.

Approximate travel time by car: Frankfurt - Bad Homburg 25 min., Frankfurt - Bad Nauheim Bad Nauheim 35 min.

Tour 4: and Palaces Tour

Start your day in Hanau and visit the Philippsruhe Castle with its beautiful amphitheatre in the park. Then drive on to the Johannisburg Castle in Aschaffenburg, the landmark of the city and one of the major buildings of the German Renaissance. The bright red sandstone fortification can be seen from miles away. Continue south to Erbach in the region. The Erbach Philippsruhe Castle Castle was first built in the 12th century, but got its current look from the 17th century. Today, the castle is a museum that invites visitors to marvel at the different rooms with their uncountable exhibits. End your day back in Hoechst, a district of Frankfurt. The Hoechst castle’s museum and the beautiful old town make this formerly independent village worth visiting.

Johannisburg Castle Approximate travel time by car: Frankfurt - Hanau 30 min, Hanau - Aschaffenburg 20 min., Aschaffenburg - Erbach 50 min., Erbach - Hoechst 70 min.

Further Information All tours can be made by car. Alternatively we Ina Pfingst recommend the ticket (valid for up to 5 people). +49 (0)6201 60208-25 Price starts from 6.60 euro per person. Prices include [email protected] travel via RMV transportation (bus, rail, suburban trains), additional admission charges are excluded. www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de Price variations are possible. The Hesse ticket is not valid on the long-distance trains of the Deutsche Bahn AG (IC, EC or ICE)

Great Value Tours

Experience the diversity of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region on a 2-day self-guided tour

Tour 1: Tour 2: Pleasant days in many ways Appetising any way you look at it!

Begin this 2-day excursion by driving to Start off with sightseeing in Frankfurt. For Rüsselsheim and visit the famous fortification, instance taste the typical apple wine, “Ebbelwei”, before viewing contemporary art in the historic produced in this area, on a trip with the buildings at the Opelvillen Art Centre. Travel on “Ebbelwei-Express”, a tram passing the highlights to Hochheim, enjoy a mini hiking tour through of the city whilst passengers sample the wine. the romantic vineyards, see the church of St. Travel on to the Abbey, founded in Peter and St. Paul and sample wine at a wine- the 12th century, with its wonderful church set in tasting in a medieval wine tavern. Drive on to the picturesque surroundings. Continue to city of Wiesbaden for an overnight stay. Rüdesheim for an overnight stay in one of the traditional Rüdesheimer hotels.

St. Peter and St. Paul Church Eberbach Abbey

Start the next day with a sightseeing tour through The Rheingau region is famous for its river Wiesbaden. Must-sees include the famous city landscapes and vineyards. A guided tour through theatre and the “Kurhaus” with its historical the vineyards, for instance of the Johannisberg casino. Journey to the spa city Bad Homburg, Castle, is a great chance to learn more about and spend the day in the soothing waters of the wine production. Take a guided tour through the Kur-Royal Day Spa. Alternatively visit the Roman charming city of Rüdesheim, including a mini- Fort Saalburg. The reconstructed fort provides a cruise on the Rhine River via Bingen with its vivid picture of the history, culture and customs of famous “Mouse Tower” built in the middle of the almost two thousand years ago. Return to river. Return to Frankfurt. Frankfurt.

Saalburg Roman Fort Rheingau region

Approximate travel time by car: Frankfurt - Approximate travel time by car: Frankfurt -Eberbach Rüsselsheim (30 min.), Rüsselsheim - Hochheim (15 Abbey (45 min.), Eberbach Abbey - Rüdesheim (20 min.), Hochheim - Wiesbaden (20 min.), Wiesbaden min.), Rüdesheim or Bingen - Frankfurt (50 min.) - Bad Homburg v.d. Höhe (35 min.), Bad Homburg v.d. Höhe - Frankfurt (25 min.)

Further information: Ina Pfingst +49 (0) 6201 60208-25 [email protected]

Tour 3: Tour 4: Expanding horizons the active way Journey through time

Start this 2-day trip driving from Frankfurt to Start your day with a short drive to the historical Limburg. Allow time to take in the tranquil city of Aschaffenburg and visit the Johannisburg atmosphere of Limburg . You can also Castle. Located directly on the Main River, the get another perspective of the Cathedral and the bright red sandstone can be seen from afar. In area from the river! A canoe trip on the the afternoon, continue to Darmstadt, the city of River is an extraordinary experience getting you Jugendstil. Mathildenhöhe, an over one hundred as close to nature as possible. Drive on to one of years old artist colony, is an absolute highlight for the most important baroque castles in the region, lovers of art and architecture. Then pass by the the Castle, part of it dates back to the very special residential building complex renaissance. Stay the night in Weilburg. “Waldspirale” (wooded spiral), where trees grow on the roof. Continue to , the landmarked, baroque town in the Franconian part of the Odenwald. Stay the night in Amorbach.

Limburg Cathedral

Erbach Start day 2 sightseeing in the archaeological park at Glauberg. In the 1990`s archaeologists discovered three Celtic graves and one Celtic Start the next day on a tour through Amorbach, statue on the Glauberg mountain ridge. Behind then continue to Michelstadt. Here, guests can the hill is the castle of Büdingen, where the marvel at fabulous examples of traditional half- autumn “Landpartie” garden festival takes place. timbered architecture; with its high steeples and The active part of this second day is a bicycle Late-Gothic timber framing, the town hall is tour on the Volcano Cycle Trail, that winds especially worth a visit. In the afternoon, drive on along the old Oberwaldbahn railway line, through to Lautertal and visit the famous “Felseenmeer” the woods and meadows of Central Europe’s (Sea of rocks). Enjoy a walk through this unique largest extinct shield volcano. landscape before you head back to Frankfurt

Volcano Cycle Trail Felsenmeer

Approximate travel time by car: Frankfurt - Approximate travel time by car: Aschaffenburg (30 min.), Aschaffenburg - Darmstadt Frankfurt - Limburg (50 min.), Limburg - Weilburg (40 min.), Darmstadt - Amorbach (60 min.), (30 min.), Weilburg - Glauberg (60 min.), Glauberg - Amorbach - Michelstadt (25 min.), Michelstadt - Frankfurt (45 min.) Lautertal (45 min.), Lautertal - Frankfurt (60 min.)

Further information: Ina Pfingst +49 (0) 6201 60208-25 [email protected]

One region -

boundless possibilities!

4 days in Frankfurt Rhine-Main

For further information please contact:

Ina Pfingst +49 (0) 6201 60208-25 [email protected]

Travel Suggestion 1: „Churches & river landscapes“

Frankfurt – Hochheim – Rüdesheim/Bingen - Frankfurt

4 days – 3 nights

Day 1 Arrival at the Frankfurt International Airport. The Rheingau Region is famous for its river Sightseeing in the city of Frankfurt: visit for landscapes and vineyards, producing not only instance the St. Bartholomeus Cathedral, the the well-known Riesling, but also other high city hall square “Römerberg”, The Pauls quality wines like for instance the church, the home of the famous writer Johann Spätburgunder. Evening program and Wolfgang von Goethe (museum) or see the overnight stay in one of the traditional wonderful old opera that was rebuilt in 1981 Rüdesheim hotels with typical German food after being destroyed in World War II. One and wine. Sit down at the winemakers table overnight stay in Frankfurt. and taste culinary delights from the region.

Day 3 Römerberg Sightseeing of the charming city of Rüdesheim, including a mini-cruise on the Rhine River with a stop in Bingen (in the winter time, this can be replaced by a visit to one of the traditional German markets, for instance in Rüdesheim or in Frankfurt the next morning). Journey to Frankfurt with one overnight stay.

Day 2 Travel to the historical town of Hochheim, sightseeing of the St. Peter & Pauls Church and the Queen Victoria vineyard. Tour to Rüdesheim. Alternatively, you can head to Wiesbaden-Biebrich to catch a KD river boat to cruise to Rüdesheim. There, enjoy a wine-walk through the vineyards, and marvel at the beautiful landscape. Rüdesheim

Day 4 Depending on the return flight, one could take a ride with the famous apple wine express, a historical tram that leads past the most important sights of the city. Sit back and enjoy the view whilst tasting the local’s beverage of choice “apple wine”.

Vineyards Rheingau

Travel Suggestion 2: „Health and spa“

Wiesbaden – Bad Homburg v.d. Höhe – Bad Nauheim - Frankfurt am Main

4 days – 3 nights

Day 1 Arrival at the Frankfurt International Airport. In the afternoon, journey to the spa city Bad Journey to the historical spa city Wiesbaden. Homburg, where the rest of the day can be The Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme is a must for spent in the soothing waters of the Kur Royal Day Spa, the former bath of the kings and relaxation-seekers. Sightseers shouldn’t miss the Kurhaus with its casino, the city theatre emperors. The facilities are located in the and the Market Church. middle of a beautiful park, allowing for complete relaxation of both body and soul. In the afternoon, take a ride with the historical Overnight stay in one of the city’s spa hotels. Neroberg Mountain train. The Neroberg offers Kaiser Wilhelm Spa Bad Homburg a great view over the city and its surrounding landscape. Don’t forget to visit the Russian church, with its golden spires demonstrating a wealthy history of the city. Have dinner at the “Opelbad” restaurant. Overnight stay in Wiesbaden.

Kurhaus & Casino Wiesbaden

Day 3 Journey to Bad Nauheim in the north of the region. Bad Nauheim is calles the “health city, for good reasons. Around 1900, Bad Nauheim belonged to the most popular spa cities in Germany. Even today its various health establishments are hidden pearls, surrounded Day 2 by parks and green areas to take a stroll. Bad Nauheim has the biggest Jugendstil (Art Today you’re heading to Bad Homburg. On Nouveau) spa establishment in Europe. the way, stop by either at the Hessenpark, an Open Air Museum displaying original half- Bad Nauheim timbered houses that were saved from destruction, or visit the Saalburg, a completely reconstructed Roman fort and archaeological museum.

Day 4 Return to Frankfurt am Main, short sightseeing tour to the characteristic city hall square “Römerberg” as well as other highlights Hessenpark of the city (see travel suggestion 1). Return flight.

Travel Suggestion 3: „Culture, Castles and Palaces“

Frankfurt– Seligenstadt – Aschaffenburg – Odenwald – Darmstadt - Hanau

4 days – 3 nights

Day 1 Day 3 Arrival at the Frankfurt International Airport. Start the day with a visit of the UNESCO World Journey to Seligenstadt and visit the historic Natural Heritage site Messel Pit, home to Seligenstadt and the beautiful park countless, exceptionally well-preserved surrounding it. In the afternoon, head on to mammal fossils. Head on to Darmstadt, the Aschaffenburg in the Bavarian part of the city of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau). Visit the Region. Guided tour through the Johannisburg “Mathildenhöhe” artist colony. All houses in the castle. Until 1803, the castle was the home of colony were designed by the artists electors and archbishops from . Stay the themselves, and make the visit a seldom night in Aschaffenburg. architectural experience.

Mathildenhöhe

Einhardsbasilika Johannisburg Castle

Don’t miss to visit the “Waldspirale”, a special Day 2 residential building. The name (wooded spiral) Journey to Erbach in the Odenwald region, a reflects both the general design of the building town that entices with the enchanting Erbach and the fact that trees actually grow on the Castle, an orangery, and a medieval city roof. Continue to Hanau for the overnight stay. center. Visit the Glücksfabrik “the lucky factory” Koziol, a multimedia-based museum where Day 4 tell you the history of Koziol, a “time machines” Hanau is the home town of the famous factory for various designer products. Brothers Grimm. Visit the former spa

Wilhelmsbad with its KurhausPhilippsruhe and the The Erbach Castle Town Hall Michelstadt “medieval” ruin from the 18th century. Philippsruhe Castle is just another impressive Spend the night in Michelstadt, a town famous sight, located directly on the Main River. On for the fabulous half-timbered architecture. Wednesday and Sundays, don’t miss to visit Don’t miss to pass by the famous town hall the biggest and most beautiful farmer’s market with its high steeples and Late-Gothic timber in the region. Return to the Airport. framing.