A day trip to Aschaffenburg (Bavaria, Germany) from Darmstadt (Hessen, Germany)

Aschaffenburg is a small and picturesque town along the Main river in Germany. Located about 45 km northwest of Darmstadt in Bavaria, this lovely little town is an excellent location for a day trip from Darmstadt.

How to reach Ashaffenburg from Darmstadt?

The best and fastest way to reach Aschaffenburg from Darmstadt is by car. It takes about 45 minutes to reach.

However, the train is also quite comfortable. Trains ply every hour between Darmstadt and Aschaffenburg. A direct train takes about 45 minutes, and a train that stops at Frankfurt takes about 1 hr 15 minutes to reach.

Top 5 Places to see and things to do in Aschaffenburg

Explore Schloss Johannisburg and visit the museum.

Schloss Johannisburg is a massive 15th-century castle made of red sandstone. This symmetrical structure, constructed at an elevation overlooking the Main river, was the second residence of the Prince Bishop of Mainz. It looks grand with its four wings and three-floored structure. It houses museums, a chapel, residential rooms furnished in Neoclassical style, and the world’s most extensive collection of architectural models made of corks. Spend some time walking and exploring the palace and the courtyard. Then visit the museum that showcases the collections of the royal family, including porcelain cookware and things from their personal collections like lockets, diaries, paintings, etc.
Visit the chapel inside the palace.

The chapel is small but is a treasure trove of architectural beauty. It has a rib vault inspired by Gothic architecture.
Walk along the river or go for a boat ride.

Adjoining the palace is the pristine river Main. A walk along the river in this taintless backdrop is an unforgettable experience. You can even take a boat ride in the calm waters of the Main river.
Visit Pompejanum

The Pompejanum is a replica of a Roman villa on Main. It was commissioned by King Ludwig I, the king of Bavaria, and was built in the 1840s. The villa is a replica of a Domus (or townhouse) in ancient Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. You can buy a combo ticket for a visit to the museum in Schloss Johannisburg and Pompejanum together. Pompejanum is located about a kilometre from the Schloss and can be reached on foot.
Explore the town and eat at a local restaurant in the old city

Aschaffenburg is a lovely little town. Its cobbled streets and monuments and structures are best explored on foot. There are plenty of restaurants serving local specialities. Stop by a restaurant with a nice view of the town to soak in all the beauty while you enjoy some local delicacies.