12 places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting
Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany, is close to many lovely places that can be visited on a day trip. Today, my post is about 12 Places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting. I recommend making these trips during spring, summer, or autumn because most involve being outdoors. Also, plenty of sunlight and long days can help you make the best of your day trip. Though all these places look lovely in winter, some of the experiences (such as ship tours, museums, etc.) in the places I have recommended may be closed during that time. So, read the articles carefully, check the relevant websites ( mentioned in my articles) and plan your trip.
Please note that this list is based on my personal experience. I live in Germany and have visited all these places with my family, so I recommend them.
Before I get to the list, let me inform you about my travel recommendations:
Reaching each of these cities:
The best and fastest way to reach these cities is by car. If you don’t own a car, please read my articles below. I am sure you will find them helpful:
10 reasons to get a driving license in Germany
How to get a driving license in Germany- Step-by-Step guide
My Experience with renting a car in Germany
The next option is to travel to these cities using Deutsche Bahn (Germany’s train service provider). You can book your tickets using their official website.
Travel within the city:
Please click on the links shared below. You will find the relevant information there.
Now, let us start with the list of 12 places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting:
12 places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting:
1. Darmstadt:

Located 36 km south of Frankfurt, in the state of Hesse ( same as Frankfurt) is the city of Darmstadt. Also called Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt, this city is best known for its university (Technical University Darmstadt), prominent companies like Merck, European Space Agency offices, etc. Apart from these, the city also offers plenty to tourists. You can check my post: Top 15 Places to Visit in Darmstadt.
2. Rüdesheim


Located 58 km to the southwest of Frankfurt in the same state is the lovely town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. As the name says, this town is located along the Rhine River and is known for its lovely castles, vineyards and beautiful narrow streets. Cable car rides, river cruises, sightseeing, wine tasting and hikes are some of the experiences in this town. I have written two articles: A Detailed Guide to Visiting Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany and 7 Best Experiences in Rüdesheim in a Day. Check them out. Also, check the photo gallery of this place here.
3. Bingen

While Rüdesheim lies on one bank of the river Rhine, the lovely town of Bingen lies on the other. Located about 72 km southwest of Frankfurt, in Rheinland Palatinate, this town is at par with Rüdesheim in natural beauty, historical structures and wine experiences. This place is a must-visit for nature, history, and adventure lovers. Read my article: A day trip to Bingen, in which I have shared detailed information that will help you plan your visit to Bingen. Also, read 5 Best Places to see and Things to do in Bingen. Also, check out the photo gallery of Bingen here.
4. Heidelberg

Located 90 km south of Frankfurt in Baden Wurtenberg is the historical town of Heidelberg. Most famous for its University, this town, located along the Neckar River, is one of Germany’s most loved tourist destinations. Heidelberg Castle, the castle gardens, the river cruise and visiting the famous Heidelberg Zoo are some of the experiences in this city. Read my article: Top 10 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Heidelberg. This article talks about the top 10 experiences and gives information about planning your visit to Heidelberg. Check out the photo gallery of Heidelberg here.
5. Aschaffenburg


Located 36 km southeast of Frankfurt in Bavaria lies the lovely city of Aschaffenburg. This picturesque city, located along the Main River, is best known for Schloss Johannisburg, a 15th-century castle. Apart from the castle, visiting the city centre (called Altstadt), a Roman Villa Replica (Pompejanum) and a boat ride on the calm waters are some of the not-to-miss experiences in Aschaffenburg. Read my article: A day trip to Aschaffenburg, where I have shared information about travel, places to visit, etc. You can also check the photo gallery of Aschaffenburg here.
6. Wiesbaden


Located 40 km west of Frankfurt is the capital of Hesse, Wiesbaden. This spa city is known for its lovely parks, a beautiful city church and a climb to the hill called Neoberg. You can either hike up or take the funicular. There are many experiences, such as walking in the forest, climbing activities, visiting a church, and enjoying local food after climbing Neoberg. Read my article about Top 5 Places to see in Wiesbaden, in which I have shared detailed information about travel, accommodation, places to visit etc., in Wiesbaden. Check out the photo gallery of Wiesbaden here.
7. Mainz

Located 45 km from Frankfurt in Rhineland Palatinate, Mainz is the capital and largest city of the state. This city, situated along the Rhine River, is most famous for its cathedral (Mainzer Dom) and the Gutenberg Museum, where you can find two copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Mainz has plenty of other lovely historic structures, including an archaeological site. It also offers a wonderful riverside experience. Read more about planning your day trip to Mainz here.
8. Heppenheim

Heppenheim is a quaint town located 51 km south of Frankfurt in the state of Hesse. If you wish to spend a day amidst nature, away from the crowds, Heppenheim is the place for you. Visit the castle ( either by car or hike), visit the old city centre and make a visit to the lovely Saint Peters Church. Add wine tasting experience to this visit, and you are sure to have a memorable experience. Read my article about A Day Trip To Heppenheim, Germany, in which I have shared information about travel to Heppenheim, travel within the city, places to visit, accommodation etc. Check out the photo gallery of Heppenheim here.
9. Lorsch

Located 59 km south of Frankfurt in the state of Hesse is Lorsch. This is yet another quaint town in Germany that you can visit if you wish to spend a day away from the crowds and noise of a big city. Lorsch is famous for its World Heritage site, Lorsch Abbey (Kloster Lorsch ). Apart from that, museums, open-air laboratories, tobacco farms, etc. Read my article: 5 Best Experiences in Lorsch, and check out the photo gallery here.
10. Mannheim

The bustling city of Mannheim in Baden Württemberg is just 83 km south of Frankfurt. Well known as the university town in the Rhein-Main area, this city is also rich in culture and heritage. Read my article, Exploring Mannheim: A Perfect Day Trip Guide to learn more.
11. Michelstadt

The lovely, quaint town of Michelstadt in Hesse is 72 km southeast of Frankfurt. This small town, best known for its beautiful Christmas Market, has many more lovely natural and historical places totally worth visiting. Read my article: Plan Your Day Trip to Michelstadt and Erbach to learn more.
12. Felsenmeer

Felsenmeer, located in the Odenwald area of Lautertal, is 57 kilometres from Frankfurt. If you wish to have an active day climbing rocks and hiking in the forests, this place is an ideal destination for you. Read more about Felsenmeer here.
If you can travel further, check out my article:Â Top 20 Day Trips from Frankfurt You Must Experience, which includes all the above-mentioned places, and a few more places, which are further away from Frankfurt, but certainly can be visited on a day trip.
Let me put together a list of 12 places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting:
12 places within 100 km of Frankfurt that are totally worth visiting:
- Darmstadt
- Rüdesheim
- Bingen
- Heidelberg
- Aschaffenburg
- Wiesbaden
- Mainz
- Heppenheim
- Lorsch
- Mannheim
- Michelstadt
- Felsenmeer
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