Day trips from Cologne

Cologne ( Cologne in German) is full of the main German sights. But if you’ve been gawking at the huge cathedral, tasted the products of the chocolate museum, and walked the Rhine promenade, you will wonder what else you should see in this beautiful region.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia and nearby Hesse have many cultural treasures within a short drive (or train) from Cologne. Or you can make your home base in Frankfurt, Bonn or other nearby cities and enjoy these lesser known German destinations. Here are the best cities to visit on a day trip from Cologne.

Castle “Drachenburg

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+49 2223 901970

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A destination since the days of Lord Byron, Drachenburg Castle stands in Drachenfels, on the seven hills of Siebengebirge, within sight of the city of Bonn. Known in German as Schloss Drachenburg (or “Dragon’s Rock”), it is a relatively modern version of a castle from 1882.

The castle looks out over the Rhine from a height of 1,053 feet (321 meters). Inside, the ornate furniture shows how people in the 19th century thought a castle should be.

A historic funicular (the oldest cog railway in Germany) takes visitors directly to the castle, or all the way to the top to see the ancient ruins of a much older castle.

Transportation : 1 1/2 hours by train – Regular departures on regional trains; 40 minutes by car – A-59 south; Regular stop on Rhine river cruises.

Frankfurt

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More than a gateway to Germany with its busy international airport, Frankfurt is worth a stay.

It has an unusual skyline for Germany with skyscrapers towering above the Main River. Modern and bustling, it is a counterpoint to all the fairy tale towns found in Germany.

And Frankfurt has its charms like its rebuilt Römerberg, seasonal specialties like grie soß (green sauce laden with herbs), and local cider known as ebbelwoi (apple wine).

Transportation : 1 hour by train – Departures every hour on ICE or regional trains; 2 hours by car on the A-3 that goes directly from Frankfurt to Cologne.

Ruedesheim am Rhein

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The area around Ruedesheim am Rhein is a German wine country. The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Romans began growing grapes more than two thousand years ago. The Germans have since perfected the practice.

Visit in peak season (April to late October) to see the city in full tourist bloom with tasting rooms every couple of feet.

Transportation : just over 2 hours by train: hourly departures in the morning with return trains at night; Two hours by car – A-3 south

Marburg

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A pristine mountainous medieval town (much like the ever-popular Rothenburg ob der Tauber), Marburg has narrow, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses that visitors to Germany dream of. Jacob Grimm said, “I think there are more steps in the streets than in the houses.”

Climb up to the old castle and its Franconian watchtower before being treated to a classic German meal in one of the traditional Gasthaus.

Transportation : two and a half hours by train: several departures during the day; Two hours by car: A-4 and A-45 east.

Koblenz

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+49 261 66754000

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This dramatic city is located on the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine meets the Moselle. At the point is a monument to German unity, adorned with a giant national flag, as well as flags of the 16 länder (states).

However, the history of the city predates the Germans. The city was founded in the year 9 a. C. by the Romans. Explore this ancient history with a trip to the 13th century Alte Burg (castle) or take a look at the impressive fortress (fortress) Festung Ehrenbreitstein .

Transportation : a little less than an hour to more than an hour and a half, depending on whether it is a regional train or ICE: regular departures every hour; 1 hour by car – A-3 southeast.

Mainz

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+49 6131 122503

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Mainz has a history that spans over two thousand years and includes its time as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg and his world-changing printing press. The Gutenberg Museum honors him and his miraculous invention.

Visitors will also spend time looking at the Dom (cathedral) that began in 975. Its 1,000-year-old bronze doors open to choirs, a crypt, and a tomb. To get into the daily life of Mainz, visit the pedestrian-only Markt (farmers market) in the city center on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Transportation : 1.5 hours by train – Departures every hour on ICE or regional trains; 2 hours by car – A-3 southeast.

Bonn

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Bonn, the closest city to Cologne, is an ideal day trip and worthwhile adventure in a smaller German city.

This often forgotten German city is best known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and the former capital of the Federal Republic of West Germany. Today’s city features a relaxed atmosphere of cafes and breweries in the summer and the classic weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) in the winter.

Transportation : 25 to 30 minutes by train: regular departures more than once an hour on ICE or regional trains; just over 30 minutes by car: A-5553 south.

bad Homburg

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This former spa town frequented by royalty is now open to us common volk (people). This is one of the best spa parks in Germany.

Stop at Kurpark with the hot springs and take advantage of the spas and kurhaus after walking through the 14th century weisser turm . This castle offers guided tours of the summer residence as it was seen during the residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Transportation : about an hour and 40 minutes by train: regular departures every morning with return service; Two hours drive – A-3 southeast.

Michelstadt

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Located deep in the forest, this city within the Odenwald captures the hearts of nature lovers.

Stop to take a photo of the Rathaus (town hall), one of the most photographed buildings in Germany. This is also the site of a fountain that has been pleasantly gurgling since 1575.

Next, head out of the city limits to walk through the forest filled with historic attractions. Most notably, the 13th century Schloss Fürstenau is now a private residence (imagine living in a castle!) Which is exterior and open to the public and includes a small museum.

Transportation : three and a half hours by train, several departures throughout the day; Two hours and 45 minutes by car – A-3 southeast. For a more scenic route, take the B-47, known as Nibelungenstraße from Worms to Wertheim.

Dusseldorf

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+49 211 8996262

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This industrial and rival center of Cologne is easy to miss among the other cities in the Rhineland-Westphalia region. But it is not only its proximity that deserves a visit.

Stroll down the charming tree- lined königsallee (nicknamed kö ) to find high-end shops and cafes serving customers the necessary kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake). The Goethe Museum covers the life of the great writer and the marktplatz (central square) houses both the picturesque rathaus and an equestrian sculpture of the elector Johann Wilhelm II. This square centers the altstadt (old town) and here you can wander the cobbled streets and find an old-school tavern that serves up the city’s distinctive Alt Bier .

Transportation : less than an hour by train: regular departures every hour; 1 hour by car – A-57 south.

Wiesbaden

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Elegant Wiesbaden has always drawn a classy crowd, from wealthy Romans to today’s cultural elite. The neoclassical Kurhaus now offers a different kind of fun with a casino and the beautiful kurpark offers scenic walks through the English garden landscape. There is also an impressive red brick Marktkirche (church), city palace and endless charming streets to stroll around.

Transportation : approximately 2 hours by train – Departures every hour on ICE or regional trains; almost 2 hours by car – A-3 southeast.