Heidelberg and Rothenburg Day Trip from Frankfurt
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the medieval cities of Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber on a day trip from Frankfurt! Traveling with an expert guide, you’ll learn about the history and culture of both cities during a mix of walking tours and free time. Walk through the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, see charming half-timbered houses and well-preserved city walls in Rothenburg, and then visit St Jacob’s Church, a 500-year-old place of worship.
Available options
Heidelberg and Rothenburg Day Trip from Frankfurt
What's included
Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fee Heidelberg Castle
Detailed itinerary
1
Our journey begins with a delighted morning tour to romantic Heidelberg. Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Heidelberg lies on the River Neckar and it is an everlasting favorite among international tourists.
Explore of the world famous castle (partially in ruins) with its impressing Gothic and Renaissance buildings. We show you the large courtyard, the mighty terrace and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, the “Heidelberg Tun”.
2
Stop 2
Take a walk in the medieval town center and marvel at the Old Bridge, Karlstor, the Church of the Holy Spirit, House of the Knights with its precious Renaissance facade and small lanes with half-timbered houses. The city hosts the oldest university of Germany.
3
Stop 3
We continue our journey to the best-preserved medieval town in Germany - Rothenburg ob der Tauber high above the Tauber River Valley on the Romantic Road. We will go for a sightseeing walk through the picturesque old lanes and the castle gardens: See St. Jacobs Church with the wood carved altar by Tilman Riemenschneider.
4
*****VISIT THE FAMOUS CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ROTHENBURG, OPEN FROM 24 NOV - 23 DEC 2025*****
Marvel at half-timbered houses, city gates and the mighty Renaissance Town Hall. In your leisure time visit the fascinating Medieval Crime Museum, Doll and Toy museum, German Christmas Museum and many more.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
69 reviews
5★
38
4★
11
3★
9
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6
1★
5
Tripadvisor
2.7
7 reviews
5★
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1★
3
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Infants and children must sit in a child seat, which means they need a separate seat, no matter which age (legal regulation)
Meeting point
Departure at 09:30 am / Frankfurt, Wiesenhuettenplatz 38 / SIDEWALK
Your guide will pick you up there! Meeting time: always 10 minutes before departure
Take note: Do not enter the hotel Le Meridien at this place, we do not pick up in the hotel lobby and also not directly at the entrance.
About Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a vibrant city that beautifully blends modern architecture with historic charm. Known for its impressive skyline, rich cultural scene, and as Germany's financial hub, it offers a unique urban experience with a strong connection to the Main River and lush green parks.
Top Attractions
Römerberg
Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring a beautiful square surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Römer town hall. It's a great place to experience the city's rich history and architecture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Museumsufer
Museumsufer is a unique cultural district along the Main River, home to some of Frankfurt's most important museums. With over 20 museums covering various topics, it's a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Varies by museum, some are free on the first Sunday of the month.
Palmengarten
Palmengarten is a beautiful botanical garden and park in Frankfurt, featuring a variety of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. It's a peaceful oasis in the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
Nature
1-2 hours
€7 for adults, €3.50 for children (free for children under 6)
Main Tower
Main Tower is one of Frankfurt's most iconic skyscrapers, offering a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck. It's a great place to enjoy the city's skyline and learn about its modern architecture.
Architecture
1 hour
€10.50 for adults, €6.50 for children (free for children under 6)
Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist is a lively bar and club in Frankfurt, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse music scene. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience the city's nightlife.
Entertainment
Varies
Free entry, drinks vary in price
Must-Try Local Dishes
Frankfurter Grüne Soße
A traditional Frankfurt dish made with a green sauce consisting of seven fresh herbs, boiled eggs, and potatoes. It's often served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Frankfurter Rippchen
A traditional Frankfurt dish made with pork chops, sauerkraut, and a dark beer sauce. It's often served with potato dumplings or boiled potatoes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork
Frankfurter Kranz
A traditional Frankfurt cake made with layers of sponge cake, buttercream, and chocolate. It's often decorated with almonds and chocolate shavings.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Apfelwein
A traditional apple wine from the Frankfurt region, made with a blend of sweet and sour apples. It's often served in traditional apple wine taverns and is a popular accompaniment to local dishes.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby Taunus Mountains
Cycling along the Main River
Kayaking or canoeing on the Main River
Visiting the Palmengarten botanical garden
Relaxing at a thermal bath (e.g., Taunus Therme)
Enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Main River
Exploring the Museumsufer cultural district
Visiting the Römerberg historic square
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Frankfurt as the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and parks. The city is lively with various cultural events and festivals.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Russian
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Frankfurt is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and always agree on the fare or use the meter before starting your journey.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, as they may be trying to distract you or steal your belongings.
Getting there
By air
- Frankfurt Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt Süd
By bus
Frankfurt Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The S-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Frankfurt and the surrounding region. It consists of nine lines and connects the city center with the suburbs and nearby towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Free Now, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Altstadt (Old Town)
Sachsenhausen
Westend
Bornheim
Bahnhofsviertel
Day trips
Heidelberg
85 km from Frankfurt • Full day
Heidelberg is a romantic and historic city located in the Neckar Valley, known for its beautiful castle, charming old town, and picturesque scenery. It's a popular day trip from Frankfurt, offering a glimpse into Germany's rich history and culture.
Rheinauhafen (Cologne)
190 km from Frankfurt • Full day
Rheinauhafen is a vibrant and modern district in Cologne, known for its striking architecture, museums, and riverside promenade. It's a great day trip from Frankfurt for those interested in contemporary art, history, and architecture.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
180 km from Frankfurt • Full day
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town located in the Franconia region of Germany. Known for its well-preserved old town, fairy-tale-like atmosphere, and rich history, it's a popular day trip destination from Frankfurt.
Festivals
Museumsuferfest • Late August to early September
Frankfurt Christmas Market • Late November to late December
Dippemess • April and October
Pro tips
- Use the RMV app for real-time information and ticket purchases for public transportation.
- Consider purchasing a Frankfurt Card for discounted entry to museums and attractions, as well as unlimited public transportation.
- Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local hotspots.
- Try local specialties, such as apple wine (Apfelwein) and Frankfurter Grüne Soße, at traditional taverns and restaurants.
- Visit the city's Christmas markets and festivals for a unique and festive experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
