Germany & Austria Travel Guide: From Frankfurt to Berlin
This comprehensive travel guide covers a classic route through the heart of Germany and a brief foray into Austria, taking you from the financial hub of Frankfurt to the historic capital of Berlin. The journey encompasses romantic river valleys, fairytale castles, picturesque medieval towns, alpine landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a deep dive into Central European culture, history, and natural beauty.
Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt am Main, often simply called Frankfurt, is a global hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. It is Germany’s financial capital, hosting the European Central Bank and a stunning skyline of skyscrapers that has earned it the nickname “Mainhattan.” Despite its modern facade, the city boasts a reconstructed medieval Altstadt (Old Town) centered around the Römerberg square.
Key Attractions:
Römerberg: The historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring beautifully reconstructed half-timbered houses and the Römer city hall.
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Kaiserdom): A Gothic cathedral that was the election and coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment): A unique cluster of museums on both sides of the River Main, including the Städel Museum (fine arts) and the German Film Museum.
Main Tower: The only skyscraper with a public viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the city.
Palmengarten: A sprawling botanical garden showcasing plants from various climate zones.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the busiest in Europe. The city is a major rail hub with excellent ICE (high-speed train) connections.
Getting Around: An efficient public transport system (RMV) includes U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), trams, and buses.
Accommodation: Options range from luxury hotels in the banking district to more affordable hostels and hotels near the Hauptbahnhof (main station).
Culinary Specialty: Try “Frankfurter Grüne Soße” (Green Sauce) with boiled eggs and potatoes, and sample the local Apfelwein (apple wine) in a traditional Sachsenhausen pub.
Rüdesheim am Rhein
A charming town nestled in the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Rüdesheim is the epitome of Rhine Valley romance. It is famous for its wine production, particularly Riesling, and its lively, narrow Drosselgasse lane filled with music and taverns.
Key Attractions:
Drosselgasse: A world-famous, narrow alley lined with wine taverns, restaurants, and shops, often filled with live music and a festive atmosphere.
Niederwald Monument: A patriotic monument overlooking the Rhine River, accessible via a scenic cable car ride (Seilbahn) from Rüdesheim.
Rhine River Cruise: A must-do activity. Take a boat from Rüdesheim to St. Goar or beyond to see countless castles, vineyards, and the legendary Loreley Rock.
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet: A fascinating museum showcasing a collection of self-playing musical instruments.
Vineyard Hikes: Explore the surrounding vineyards on foot for stunning views of the river valley.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Rüdesheim is easily reached by train from Frankfurt (approx. 1 hour) or by boat along the Rhine.
Getting Around: The town is very walkable. The cable car and chairlifts are the best way to reach the Niederwald Monument.
Accommodation: Charming guesthouses (Gästehäuser) and small hotels are abundant. Book well in advance during the summer and during wine festivals.
Culinary Specialty: Riesling wine is the star. Pair it with regional dishes like “Rheinischer Sauerbraten” (pot roast in a sweet and sour sauce).
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is Germany’s quintessential romantic city, immortalized by poets and artists. Its world-famous ruins of a red sandstone castle loom over the Altstadt and the Neckar River, creating a picture-perfect scene. The city is also home to Germany’s oldest university, lending it a vibrant, youthful energy.
Key Attractions:
Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss): Explore the magnificent ruins, the courtyard, and the Grosses Fass (World’s Largest Wine Barrel). The view from the castle terrace over the city is unparalleled.
Philosophers’ Walk (Philosophenweg): A scenic path on the north side of the Neckar River offering the classic postcard view of the castle and Old Town.
Old Town (Altstadt): A beautiful baroque-style town with a long Hauptstrasse (main street) filled with shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
Old Bridge (Alte Brücke): A beautiful stone bridge gate connecting the Old Town with the Philosophers’ Walk.
Student Prison (Studentenkarzer): A unique museum where misbehaving university students were incarcerated, leaving behind centuries of graffiti.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Heidelberg is about 1 hour by train from Frankfurt. The main station (Hauptbahnhof) is a short tram ride from the Altstadt.
Getting Around: The city center is very walkable. A funicular railway (Bergbahn) takes you up to the castle and beyond to the Königstuhl mountain.
Accommodation: A wide range of options exists, from historic hotels in the Altstadt to modern chain hotels near the station.
Culinary Specialty: Heidelberg has a vibrant cafe culture. Try a slice of “Studentenkuss” (Student’s Kiss) chocolate.
Southern German Town (e.g., Baden-Baden or Freiburg)
The route southward offers a choice of charming towns. You might stay in Baden-Baden, a world-renowned spa town in the Black Forest known for its Roman baths and elegant casino. Alternatively, Freiburg im Breisgau is a vibrant university city at the edge of the Black Forest, famous for its bächle (small water-filled runnels) and sunny climate.
Key Attractions (Baden-Baden):
Friedrichsbad & Caracalla Spa: Indulge in a traditional Roman-Irish bath experience at Friedrichsbad or enjoy modern spa facilities at Caracalla.
Kurhaus & Casino: Admire the beautiful Kurhaus building and its famous casino, which inspired Dostoevsky’s “The Gambler.”
Lichtentaler Allee: A beautiful park and promenade along the Oos River, perfect for a stroll.
Key Attractions (Freiburg):
Freiburg Minster (Münster): A stunning Gothic cathedral with a towering spire and a lively market square at its base.
Historic Old Town: Explore the cobblestone streets and the unique system of bächle.
Schlossberg: A hill overlooking the city, accessible by a funicular, offering fantastic views.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Both towns are accessible by train from Heidelberg (approx. 1-1.5 hours).
Culinary Specialty: In the Black Forest region, you must try Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) and Black Forest Ham.