Travel from Frankfurt to Heidelberg by train, bus or car. The best option for you will depend on price, equipment / fitness levels, luggage and level of luxury or adventure you want.
Taking the train is fast, comfortable and convenient. There are multiple daily train options to choose from.
Frankfurt
The city of Frankfurt is a bustling hub with a spirited student atmosphere and a beautiful riverside setting. It was founded as the capital of the Palatinate in the 14th century and its rich historical legacy is reflected in the baroque Old Town and university buildings. Its famous castle is a dramatic reminder of its turbulent past. During the reunification of Germany in 1990, the city became the centre for finance and business and now has a lively cultural scene as well.
The quaint and historic town of Heidelberg is less than an hour’s train ride from Frankfurt. Many locals and tourists alike are drawn to this picturesque area because it combines the best of all worlds. Whether you enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, sipping on a Kölsch beer in one of the pubs, or taking in the view from the Heidelberg Castle, this city will leave a lasting impression.
During your visit, you should also make sure to take in a show at the Theater Heidelberg. The theatre has a history dating back to the 16th century and continues to be an important part of the city’s culture today. The performances are known for their quality and variety, from musicals to comedies, and they have a reputation for being some of the best in Germany.
Another must-see is the baroque Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Old Town from its cliff top perch high above the Neckar River. It was once a powerful fortress and palace, but it lost its importance when the seat of government was moved to Mannheim. However, its wistful ruins became an inspiration for many romantic poets and writers in the 17th century, helping to revitalize the castle’s reputation.
While you’re in the Old Town, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the local food and drink. A must-try is the traditional pretzel called a Bier Brezel, which combines two of Germany’s favorite foods: beer and pretzels. It’s available at numerous restaurants in the Old Town, but we recommend stopping by the Lindt Boutique Heidelberg near Heiliggeistkirche for the tastiest ones.
Darmstadt
If German cities were schoolchildren, Darmstadt would be top of the class. It is a highly educated, cultivated and intellectual city that has become world renowned in the areas of science and literature. It is also the location of Germany’s oldest castle, and it’s a university town with a very lively student life. This means that it is a very interesting and attractive place to visit.
The main drawcard is the historic medieval castle, which is one of the oldest in Europe and has a very dramatic setting on a steep hill overlooking the city. The castle is still in the hands of the same family who inherited it over 850 years ago and the interior has been maintained much as it was. A guided tour is included in the entry fee.
Besides the castle, there is plenty more to see in this small but cosmopolitan city. The center is compact and the streets are narrow and very picturesque. It’s a great area for walking, and the compact pedestrian zone has all the shops that you could want to explore, from department stores to bookshops. There are also a lot of ice cream parlours and street cafes that are very popular with the locals.
As well as its historical and cultural attractions, Darmstadt is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which is in abundance around the city. Make sure to stop by the Kunstlerkolonie Mathildenhohe, a small park and art museum with some fine examples of this style.
Another major attraction is the Messel Fossil Pit, which is 9km outside of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its extraordinary fossil deposits. It’s well worth taking a day to explore this fascinating place.
If you’re interested in visiting these locations on an escorted tour of Germany, check out the From Frankfurt to Heidelberg: A German Castle-Hopping Rail Tour from Rail Discoveries. This tour includes rail/transfer from/to Frankfurt International Airport, accommodation in well rated 3 and 4* hotels, comprehensive admission packages to the castles of Bavaria, and seat reservations on all long distance trains. You can even upgrade to first class train tickets for an extra US$169 per person!
Mannheim
The city of Mannheim is a cultural center with numerous theaters, orchestras, and museums. It is also home to several prestigious universities. The city is characterized by its unique gridiron street layout. German playwright Friedrich Schiller lived in Mannheim from 1782 to 1783. He penned many of his works while living here.
In addition to its impressive architecture, the city has a large park system. The largest park is Luisenpark, which is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The park is adorned with fountains, colorful flower beds, and exotic shrubbery. It is also home to many different animals, including penguins.
Other popular parks in the city include the Kaiser-Wilhelm Park, the Ludwig-Erhard-Park, and the Karlsplatz-Stadtplatz. These parks are a great place to relax, spend time with family and friends, or just take in the beautiful scenery.
One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Capitol Theatre, which was built in 1927. The theater has hosted many events, including concerts, musicals, comedy, and cabaret. It is located in the center of the city and is a must-see for any tourist.
The city also has a large number of restaurants and cafes. The most famous cafe is the Café Flo, which has a Mediterranean-inspired menu. The city is also known for its delicious pastries and chocolate.
During the summer, the city is a vibrant place to be. The city has many festivals, such as the Rhine Festival and the Rheintaler Festspiele. The festival celebrates German culture and traditions, and is a fun and exciting way to spend the summer in Germany.
Another important part of the city is the Reichstag building. The Reichstag is the seat of the Bundesrat, which is the upper house of the German parliament. The building is also a museum and is worth visiting.
During your visit to Mannheim, you can also see the impressive Mannheim Palace and the iconic Water Tower. The city is also known for its inventions, including the automobile and the tractor. The city is a great place to learn about the history of Germany and its rich culture.
Heidelberg
Located on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, Heidelberg is home to venerable Heidelberg University. Its Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers over cafe-lined Marktplatz (town square), and the red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a Renaissance structure, stand on Königstuhl hill.
The Old Bridge, or ‘Alte Brucke’, dates from 1788 and offers an impressive view of the town and castle. It was built after the worst flood in Heidelberg’s history, which destroyed a series of previous wooden bridges. The city’s main transport hub is the Bismarckplatz, where several major roads meet. From here you can access one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Hauptstrasse (Main Street).
A great way to explore the historic city is on a guided tour. There are many to choose from, so check with your hotel and select a tour that suits you.
Heidelberg is also known as a fun and vibrant place to live, with people from all over the world calling it home. This is reflected in its wide variety of cultural events, music venues and restaurants. The city’s strong local economy also means that there are plenty of opportunities to find work or start a business here.
There are many sights to see in the area surrounding Heidelberg, including castles, wineries and beautiful countryside. It’s easy to get around the region, with public transportation and the city’s airport connecting visitors from all over the world.
Despite being an old university town, there is always something new to discover in Heidelberg. Its rich culture, magical castles and incredible landscape make it a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday.
The city of Heidelberg has a very high quality of life and is considered a top location for students. This is reflected in its large international student population, as well as its rich history of arts and culture. It is also a great location for those interested in nature, as the area contains many hiking trails and is surrounded by the Königstuhl, Gaisberg and Heiligenberg mountains. It is also home to a wild population of African rose-ringed parakeets and Siberian swan geese.
