Frankfurt has beautiful towns and cities nearby, making it a great place to easily explore the neighboring cities and towns with the Deutschlandticket. You can take many fun day trips by train without any extra cost.

Whether you like old towns, nature, or new places to see, there are lots of spots you can visit in just one day.

In this blog, we will share amazing ideas about the 20 best-day trips from Frankfurt.

1. Bamberg:

Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage city and famous for its well-preserved medieval old town. The Old Town Hall is a must-visit and you can cross the picturesque Bridge over the Regnitz River. Bamberg is also famous for its half-timbered houses and narrow alleys.

You can also cruise in the River Regnitz along with colorful fishermen’s houses. It is also known as Little Venice.

You can also visit Bamberg’s Cathedral and enjoy the view from Neue Residenz.

How to reach Bamberg from Frankfurt: 

Bamberg is reachable by Frankfurt from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the train connection. Normally, there is a direct train to Bamberg RE54 or you can take a train to Würzburg and then take a direct train to Bamberg from there. 

2. Würzburg:

Würzburg is known for its UNESCO-listed palace which is Würzburg Residence with its stunning frescoes and lavish interiors.

You can also explore Hofgarten and enjoy the scenic walk. The Marienberg Fortress is a must-visit for enjoying the beautiful view of the city.

You can also cross the Old Bridge known as Alte Mainbrücke which gives a little vibe if you are in Prague. That’s not all, you can also stall in the Marktplatz and enjoy the beautiful architecture of Würzburg Cathedral.

Check out our blog about things to do in Würzburg Travel Guide.

How to reach Würzburg from Frankfurt: 

Würzburg is around 1 hour 40 minutes away from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. Normally, there is a direct train RE55 & RE54 from Frankfurt HBF to Würzburg HBF.

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most well-preserved towns in Germany with its strong city wall and half-timbered houses.

You can walk along the city walls enjoy the beautiful view of the town and get your iconic picture with Plönlein. You can also visit the Market Square and enjoy the view from Town Hall Tower.

Rothenburg is also very famous for its christmas market, you can also visit the christmas museum and shop for christmas souvenirs at Wohlfahrt Käthe.

Check out our blog on things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and get the pro tips to explore Rothenburg.

How to reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Frankfurt: 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is around 3 hours 15 minutes away from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection.

You can take a train RE 55 to Würzburg and from Würzburg, you can take the train RB 80 to Steinach(bei Rothenburg ob der Tauber)  and then there is a short train ride on RB82 for 15 minutes from Steinach. 

4. Aschaffenburg:

Aschaffenburg has a mix of History, culture, and scenic beauty and is known as a "Bavarian Nice". The city is famous for its Castle “Schloss Johannisburg” which is a Renaissance castle on the Main River. One of the other highlights is the stunning Replica of the Roman Villa  “Pompejanum”. 

You can take a stroll in the Old Town of Aschaffenburg and visit St. Peter and Alexander Church. 

How to reach Aschaffenburg from Frankfurt: 

Aschaffenburg is around 45 minutes to 1 hour away from Frankfurt (depending on the connection) using the Regional train connection. Normally, there is a direct train to Aschaffenburg RE54 from Frankfurt HBF.

5. Darmstadt:

Darmstadt is famous for its must-visit Mathildenhöhe which is a UNESCO-listed art nouveau district and its Wedding Tower and artist colony buildings.

Check out our blog about things to do in Munich.

You can visit the Schloss Darmstadt. Stroll in the oldest park Herrngarten and visit the city center Luisenplatz.

How to reach Darmstadt from Frankfurt: 

Darmstadt is around 20 minutes from Frankfurt (RB 67, RB68 & RB60) using the Regional train connection.

6. Koblenz:

Koblenz is a unique city as it’s a place where Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. The highlight of the city is Deutsches Eck (German Corner) which has the flags of all states of Germany and it has a massive statue of Emperor Wilhelm I.

You can also take a cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for breathtaking views of the city. It’s highly suggested to stroll in the Old town of the city and enjoy the half-timbered houses, and cozy cafés.

You can also walk about the Rhine Promenade and visit the Basilica of St. Castor.

How to reach Koblenz from Frankfurt: 

Koblenz is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take RE 2 which goes directly to Koblenz from Frankfurt. 

7. Heppenheim:

Heppenheim is a hidden gem town with its half-timbered houses. You can explore preserved medieval buildings like St. Peter’s Church and enjoy the view from Starkenburg Castle, a medieval fortress.

You can also take an iconic picture of Marktplatz (Market Square). The town is quite small, so you need around half a day to explore the town.

How to reach Heppenheim from Frankfurt: 

Heppenheim is around 40 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take RE 60 which goes directly to Heppenheim from Frankfurt. 

8. Idstein:

Idstein is a hidden gem in the Taunus Mountains, and it's famous for its well-preserved half-timbered houses. You can take a walk in Altstadt and get lost in the beauty of the town. You can also climb up to the Hexenturm (Witches' Tower). 

Check out our blog about things to do in Nuremberg.

How to reach Idstein from Frankfurt: 

Idstein is around 40 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take RE 22 which goes directly to Idstein from Frankfurt. 

9. Marburg:

Marburg is a a very unique town in Hessen which is a charming and picturesque Old town which is located in the upper town. You can climb up to the Marburg castle and enjoy the view of the city.

You can also explore the cobblestone streets and enjoy the cafe scene. You can also visit St. Elizabeth’s Church which is a Gothic church. Marburg is also famous for its university town. 

How to reach Marburg from Frankfurt: 

Marburg is around 1 hour and 10  minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take RE 41 or RB 98 which goes directly to Marburg from Frankfurt. 

10. Eppstein:

Eppstein is a very small town and its old town is also not very impressive but it has Eppstein Castle which is a medieval fortress on a hill with a stunning view. You can climb up to the towers and historic rooms.

There are also several hiking trails. You can take a short trip from Frankfurt and spend half a day there. 

How to reach Eppstein from Frankfurt: 

Eppstein is around 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection or S-bahm. You can take RE 22 or S 2 which goes directly to Eppstein from Frankfurt. 

11. Heidelberg:

Heidelberg is known for its romantic charm and cultural heritage. The city is known to be a student city and is famous for its Heidelberg University.  The town has narrow streets, medieval buildings, and cozy cafes.

It also has an iconic Old bridge with a beautiful view of the Castle. You can also climb up to Heidelberg Castle and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. 

How to reach Heidelberg from Frankfurt:

You can take a Regional train (RB) train to Heidelberg, and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

12. Cochem:

Cochem is located along the Moselle River and is famous for its Medieval castle, Reichsburg Cochem, which is located on the hilltop. The old town of Cochem is so charming with half-timbered houses.

There are small cafes and shops located and you can also find different restaurants on the bank of Moselle. Don’t forget the cruise to Moselle River.

How to reach Cochem from Frankfurt:

You can take a Regional train (RB) train to Koblenz or Trier, once you reach Koblenz, switch it to a Regional train to Cochem. The journey takes almost 3 hours. 

Check out our blog about Reichsburg Cochem.

13. Wiesbaden:

Wiesbaden is known for its Spa and thermal baths and elegant architecture. You can visit Kurhaus which is an iconic Spa building. You can also take Neroberg funicular to reach Neroberg Hill and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. 

You can also visit the Russian Orthodox Church and visit Wiesbaden Museum. You can also relax at Biebrich Palace Park. 

How to reach Wiesbaden from Frankfurt:

Wiesbaden is around 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take different regional trains or S9 from Frankfurt for reaching to Wiesbaden. 

14. Mainz:

Mainz is known for its history, culture, and vibrant old town. The first printing press by Johannes Gutenberg was opened in Mainz, so you can also visit the Gutenberg Museum. The medieval streets of Mainz have colorful buildings and quaint cafés and also half-timbered houses.

You can also climb up to the St. Stephan Church and take a walk along the  Rhine Promenade. You can also take a cruise trip to the river. 

How to reach Mainz from Frankfurt:

Mainz is around 45 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take regional trains or S-bahn from Frankfurt for reaching to Mainz. 

15. Bacharach:

Bacharach is another beautiful medieval town located on the Rhine River. The town has a beautiful old town, you will be surprised to see these narrow streets. You can also hike to Burg. 

Stahleck which is located on the hilltop enjoys the beautiful view of the Old Town, Vineyards, and Rhine River. You can also visit  St. Peter’s Church. 

Check out our blog about Bacharach and find out the things to do in Bacharach.

How to reach Bacharach from Frankfurt:

Bacharach is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take two different regional trains from Frankfurt for reaching to Bacharach. 

16. Rüdesheim:

Rüdesheim is such a charming town located on the Rhine River. It has narrow medieval streets and small cafes. You can definitely visit Drosselgasse which is a lively street with restaurants.

You can also take a cable car to the Niederwald Monument and enjoy the beautiful view of the town and the Rhine River. You can also visit Bromserburg Castle and Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett museum. 

Check out our blog about Rüdesheim and find out the things to do in Rüdesheim.

How to reach Rüdesheim am Rhein from Frankfurt:

Rüdesheim am Rhein is around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take train RE 10 from Frankfurt to Rüdesheim. 

17. Bingen am Rhein:

Bingen am Rhein is a charming town on the bank of the Rhine River. The town is famous for its hilltop castle called Burg Klopp and it offers a beautiful view of the town and the Rhine River.

You can also roam around the old town of Bingen, explore the streets, and enjoy the small cafes. You can also visit the Museum am Strom and learn about the  Bingen’s history. 

How to reach Bingen am Rhein from Frankfurt:

Bingen am Rhein is around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take train RE 3 and then RE 26 from Frankfurt for reaching to Bingen. 

18. Bonn:

Bonn used to be the capital of West Germany and it is located on the Rhine River. It is also known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, so should definitely visit Beethoven-Haus.

The old town of Bonn has colorful buildings and cozy cafes. The city is also famous for its University. You can also visit the Bonn Minster which is an iconic church and Kunstmuseum to experience modern art. 

How to reach Bonn:

Bonn is around 3 hours and 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take train RE to Koblenz and from there you can take train RB 26 to Bonn.

19. Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle):

Eltz Castle is a beautiful medieval castle located in Wierschem, Germany, between Koblenz and Trier, in the Eltz Forest. The Eltz Castle has been owned by the same family since it was built and was their home until today. Unlike many other castles, Eltz Castle has never been destroyed or involved in any wars.

The castle stands out with its unique design, featuring eight towers and a timber-framed structure. It is surrounded by forest, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale, taking visitors back to medieval times.

Check out our blog about Burg Eltz.

How to reach Burg Eltz from Frankfurt:

Burg Eltz is around 3 hours and 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection and bus. You can take train RE 10 or another train to Koblenz and from there you can take train RB 81 to Hatzenport and take a bus which is around 25 minute's ride to Eltz Burg. 

20. Schloss Drachenburg (Drachenburg Castle):

Drachenburg Castle is a beautiful castle located in Königswinter near Bonn. The castle takes you back to the 19th century and offers a beautiful view of the Rhine Valley from its terraces. You can either hike or take a Drachenfels Railway up to the Castle. 

Check out the blog to learn more about Drachenburg Castle.

How to reach Königswinter:

Königswinter is around 3 hours and 30 minutes from Frankfurt using the Regional train connection. You can take train RE to Koblenz and from there you can take train RB 26 to Königswinter.