Add dates

Frankfurt Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Frankfurt Castle & palace tours

Frankfurt: Day Trip to Eltz Castle

1. Frankfurt: Day Trip to Eltz Castle

Visit the perfectly-preserved and beautifully-located castle, which has been inhabited by the same family since its construction. Admire the unparalleled architecture and the original furnishing dating back over 8 centuries. Tour rooms and halls that contain hundreds of years' worth of cultural history. Admire the festive knight's hall, the medieval kitchen, exquisite furniture, wall hangings and paintings as well as fascinating weaponry and armor. The treasury in the cellar vaults houses a precious art collection with over 500 exceptional pieces. Stop in a restaurant right on the banks of the river in the enchanting Rhine Valley on the way back and enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to Frankfurt.

Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

2. Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

Explore romantic Heidelberg and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a delightful combination of a city tour and river cruise. Admire some of Germany's most charming sights, from the medieval castles in one of the country's most beautiful cities to a ride on a classic steamer. Your day starts with a ride south from Frankfurt to the picturesque city on the river Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, the tour takes you into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable scenery and medieval structures. Admire the mighty castles, villages, and charming little vineyards, and then board a Rhine steamer for a voyage downriver from Kaub to the town of Assmannshausen. Once you're back ashore, stop to sample the local wine in a local tavern and enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant by the riverbank before the time comes for your return to Frankfurt.

Hohenzollern Castle: Full-Day Tour from Frankfurt

3. Hohenzollern Castle: Full-Day Tour from Frankfurt

Journey into the mountains of the Swabian Alps to visit one of the most remarkable fortresses in Germany. This day trip takes you through the charming woodland in the south of Germany, on a journey filled with history and stories from the height of the House of Hohenzollern. Depart Frankfurt for the drive south into the forests of Baden-Wurttemberg. Get an outstanding look at the isolated peak of Hohenzollern as the mountain rises over the countryside, crowned by the majestic 19th-century castle that stands atop its peak.  As you step onto the castle grounds, your guide will explain how an earlier fortress built on this mountain lent its name to the family dynasty that would rise to rule the kingdom of Prussia and become emperors of Germany. Reflect on 1,000 years of heritage, from Friedrich I to Wilhelm II, as you explore the mighty ramparts, courtyard, and towers. Take spectacular photographs of the surrounding lands. Next, follow your guide into the grand halls and exquisitely furnished rooms, where old paintings, porcelain, and works of gold and silver rest among artifacts from the Hohenzollern dynasty. Take a look at a uniform that belonged to Frederick the Great and the crown of Kaiser Wilhelm II before you depart for your journey back to Frankfurt.

From Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour

4. From Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour

Two of southern Germany's most charming communities offer a look at the country's medieval charm. You'll see the romantic city of Heidelberg and the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Your journey begins with a morning tour to Heidelberg. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, follow the Romantic Road into the uplands of Bavaria for a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. High above the Tauber River valley, the picturesque old lanes and the castle garden give you a look at the elegance of another era. See the wood-carved altar of St. Jakobs Church and marvel at half-timbered houses, the city gates, and the mighty Renaissance Town Hall. In the afternoon, take some leisure time to explore the town on your own. Look for the local delicacy called a "Schneeball," a fried dough ball with many different toppings before you meet your group for your journey back to Frankfurt.

From Frankfurt: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wine Tour

5. From Frankfurt: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wine Tour

Embark on a day trip from Frankfurt along the "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg on der Tauber. Taste some regional wines during the journey, and see the main sights of the charming city of Rothenburg with your guide. Depart from in front of Frankfurt's main train station in the morning and travel through the Tauber Valley, the wine-growing region of Germany's oldest holiday route. Pass small villages such as Weikersheim and catch a glimpse of its magnificent Renaissance palace and its beautiful park. On the way from Frankfurt to Rothenburg make a stop to taste some regional wines including sparkling wine and dry white wine. Make a brief photo stop in the city of Würzburg and see the Prince Bishop's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is considered one of Germany`s most romantic towns, and a medieval architectural jewel. See the main sights of the town with your guide, such as the town wall with its numerous towery and gates. Stroll around the Market Place with its magnificent Town Hall and many half-timbered houses. Admire the exterior of the Church of St. Jakob and the "Plönlein." You will also have time for lunch, reserved at a restaurant at your own expense. Pay a visit to The German Christmas Museum, which highlights festive traditions and history in Germany. Or, you may visit the Medieval Crime Museum with its historical collection of objects relating to medieval law. On the return journey to Frankfurt am Main, stop for a glass of Tauberschwarz red wine. Finally, be returned to central Frankfurt in the evening.

From Frankfurt: Romantic Road to Weikersheim Full-Day Trip

6. From Frankfurt: Romantic Road to Weikersheim Full-Day Trip

After driving through the Spessart, Würzburg will be passed. Then the tour leads to the Tauber Valley, the wine region of the Romantic Road. In Weikersheim, wine-growing has a long tradition and the vintners invite people to a wine tasting. The charming state-approved resort town offers the following highlights: Historic Market Place with Rococo fountain, Gothic parish church and stately buildings, Renaissance castle with magnificent "Rittersaal" (Knights´Hall), Mirror cabinet, and Baroque court garden. On the way back stop at the Residenz in Würzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and the official starting point of the Romantic Road, Germany`s oldest holiday road.

From Frankfurt: Heidelberg and Nuremberg Full-Day Tour

7. From Frankfurt: Heidelberg and Nuremberg Full-Day Tour

Get to know two of the most beautiful and historic cities in Germany during a day of sightseeing filled with medieval grandeur. With a look at the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle and the seat of Holy Roman Emperors in Nuremberg, you will get a great overview of the region's colorful past. After you meet your guide, set out for a visit to the picturesque city of Heidelberg along the River Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle and admire the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world. Then, take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. In the afternoon, you cross into Bavaria for a visit to the storied city of Nuremberg. Look up at the mighty Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg, which is one of the grandest medieval fortifications in Europe. Later, you can check out the Old City Hall, and the site of the famous Christkindl's market. Start your return journey after a look at the towering Gothic facades of the St. Lorenz Church and the Frauenkirche.

Frequently asked questions about Frankfurt

What top attractions are a must-see in Frankfurt?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Frankfurt?

The best day trips and excursions from Frankfurt are:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Other Sightseeing Options in Frankfurt

Want to discover all there is to do in Frankfurt? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Frankfurt

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 17 reviews

This castle was most definitely a MUST-SEE. It had the most gorgeous views from the top, and some beautiful sights throughout the castle interior. Our guide, Peter, was friendly and helpful. He didn't necessarily provide a tour, but rather guided us as far as how to navigate the castle and what to see. This was nice in a way, since we mainly just wanted to explore on our own without feeling like we were shackled to a group. He encouraged us to take our time, and we never felt rushed. This was a great tour, and we would recommend it to anyone.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the Heidelberg/Rothenburg Full Day Trip. It was not rushed at all and we were able to enjoy both sites without getting too tired. It helped that we just happen to be the only ones in the tour (we were 4) so we pretty much had our own schedule. Peter, our guide, was very attentive and accompanied us all throughout. I highly recommend this trip if you only have a few days to visit this part of Germany.

Our guide was Peter and it was a small group. He was patient and the trip took 2 more hours than stipulated, not because of delays or traffic jam but because Peter gave us all the time and flexibility during the trip. Rothenburg is really nice, must visit. It rained when we reached Frankfurt and he offered to drop us at our hotel, which was 2 train stations from the meeting point. Awesome experience.

Due to a cancellation, the Neuremberg portion was changed to Baden Baden. Our guide’s English was slightly accented, but understandable. He was very knowledgeable, and told stories, rather than citing dry facts. Would book with this company again.

This was amazing!! We had the best tour kid who was knowledgeable, funny, and went above and beyond for us! Would go again!