Things to do in Hessen

The 50- or 100-minutes boat trips depart from Eiserner Steg. The boat leaves every hour. You have can choose between either 50/100 minutes downstream or 50/100 minutes upstream. Sailing towards Griesheim, see the urban areas of Frankfurt towards the Western harbor. Here you have a wonderful view of the skyscrapers of Frankfurts Financial Center or you can enjoy the museums along the embankment, for example the Städel. The ship will turn around before the Griesheim lock. At 12h00 the tour will take you upstream. Sail past the beautiful embankments of the river main towards the Eastern harbor of the city. You can see the district Sachsenhausen and its museum embankment. You will have the chance to get off at "Gerbermühle", a historic landmark to Frankfurt's poet Goethe. All tours are accompanied by commentaries in English and German.

Experience a castle tour in the Middle Rhine Valley, where fine wines from ruby red Pinot Noir to shimmering golden Riesling are grown. Discover one of Europe’s oldest trade routes along former toll castles and robber barons' nests, where Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard in spirit. Explore beloved places of the Middle Rhine Valley that inspired the poets who created Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Let the myth of the Rhine Romanticism enchant you. Admire the red wine region of Assmannhausen with its famous Pinot Noir vineyards as well as the flourishing town of Bingen with the beautiful Rhine park of the 2008 horticultural show and Rüdesheim with the famous Drosselgasse.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour through Frankfurt aboard a comfortable double-decker bus. When the weather's good, the roof of the bus stays open, letting you take in a clear view of the most beautiful buildings and parks in the city. Get to know this bustling metropolis in a whole new way as you listen to commentary in 10 languages. Hop on or off the buses as often as you like at any of the stops along the route, sprinkled throughout the city's most interesting areas. Learn about Frankfurt's main attractions while on the bus, or explore the city's beautiful sights at your own pace. Take a trip through the bustling city center (Express City Tour) or along Frankfurt's famous skyline (Skyline Tour), both available for one just one price. Stops: Paulskirche - Römer - Goethe-Haus - Main Tower - Alte Oper - Palmengarten - Senkenbergmuseum - Messe - Hauptbahnhof - Museumsufer - Eisener Steg - Alt Sachsenhausen - Untermainkai - Mainkai - Zoo Frankfurt - Hauptwache. You can get on or off at any of the 16 stops as many times as you please with the 1-day hop-on hop-off ticket.

Travel back in time to the vibrant, everyday life of Frankfurt in the 19th century. Use virtual reality to adopt the role of a venerable merchant, just as if you had been there yourself. During your time-traveling experience, you will accompany the fictitious businessman, Theodor Riedel, through Frankfurt’s history at three exciting stops.  Start at the grocery store and learn about the trading city during the colonial period. Immerse yourself in the store's hustle and bustle, learn about the fragrant spices and exotic goods, and admire the shop's interior. Then, make a virtual visit to a private library. Learn about the ideas and ideals of the local citizens in the setting of a family's study.  Finally, take the virtual reality carriage ride, the highlight of your journey back in time to 1891. Board the carriage with Theodor Riedel and experience the charm of the flourishing trading city. With your VR headset, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of medieval half-timbered buildings and sublime Wilhelminian-style architecture. Along your virtual journey, you will also accompany Theodor on his own personal day of fate: find out if he can save the family’s legacy or if he will lose everything. Whether ruin or triumph, uncover the answer on your journey through time.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and picturesque towns and villages. See the mighty medieval castles – the area has the highest density of such buildings in the world. Marvel at the stunningly beautiful "Lorelei-Felsen," or Siren's Rocks, and enjoy fantastic views over the valley from the Niederwald monument. In the summer you can ride on the Assmannshausen cable car down into the valley (optional), have lunch in a marvelous restaurant on the banks of the Rhine (included), and then take a wonderful Panorama boat trip to St. Goarshausen, past the famous Loreley. Try fine wines on location in a small tavern and or just lose yourself in the picturesque little town of Rüdesheim. Please note that the tour will only stop at Rüdesheim if time allows.  In winter time it may be possible that steamers do not operate in case of bad weather or water conditions. In this case, you will visit a castle instead. You'll travel back to Frankfurt by bus when the tour is finished and will be dropped off at the meeting point.

Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp on a guided tour with a WWII expert. Explore the history of this infamous complex and learn about the tragic events that took place in it. See the original barracks in which prisoners were held to fully understand their situation. Meet your guide near the museum entrance, receive your entrance ticket, and go through security to join your group. Pass through the famous "Arbeit macht frei" gate to enter Auschwitz I, where your guide will show you around the original preserved site and explain its touching history. After a short break, visit the second camp in Birkenau, where mass murders were carried out as part of the Nazi "Final Solution to the Jewish Problem".

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the quarter’s winding laneways and experience the past and the present of Frankfurt's new old town. With its recent reconstruction, Frankfurt has managed to bring part of its colourful history back to life. Become better acquainted with Frankfurt's urban history during this one-and-a-half hour guided tour of our time-honoured old town, home to many famous locations such as the Römer, Emperors' Cathedral, St Paul’s Church and the Museum Embankment with its magnificent views of the city skyline.

Experience the charm of Heidelberg on this day trip from Frankfurt which includes entrance to Heidelberg Castle. Board a bus in the morning and spend the day seeing sights like the one of the largest wine bottles in the world.  Hop aboard an air-conditioned bus at a centrally-located bus stop in Frankfurt. Sit back and relax on the drive to Heidelberg. Visit the world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Castle which has a stunning combination Gothic and Renaissance elements.  Stroll through the expansive courtyard and admire the views from the terrace. Marvel at one of the largest wine barrels in the world. Wander through the medieval town center to find the Old Bridge, the Karlstor, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Admire the Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house) with its magnificent Renaissance façade. Take a walk on old narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. Pass by Germany’s oldest university and is full of interesting stories.  Extra time can be spend philosophizing on the Philophenweg (Philosophers' Way) or purchasing a glass or two of excellent regional wine. Return to Frankfurt by bus at the end of your tour. 

Enter the cockpit of an Airbus A320 Flight at Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport to experience virtual flying. After a short pre-flight briefing before boarding, take the captain’s seat. The flight simulator at Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport is particularly detailed. All instruments, functions, and sounds are like in a real airplane. Fly the plane from take-off to landing with assistance from your instructor. Choose to go through different emergencies and weather scenarios with a professional pilot helping you every step of the way. You can design your route and fly to any of the 24,000 airports worldwide. Invite up to 8 friends who will sit behind you in an actual passenger cabin and look over your shoulder as you embark on your virtual flight. Fun and realism are the priority of this flight simulation. Experience a unique 1-hour with your family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. 

Hop on a boat tour along Frankfurt’s River Main and discover the bustling metropolis, departing at least 6 times each day. Take an hour to explore the riverine side of Germany's financial capital and experience stunning views from the water. Enjoy the best views of Germany’s most imposing skyline on board the new KD boat, the MS Palladium. Discover the impressive financial city of Frankfurt and get some insight into the history and traditions behind this dynamic city. On this unique tour along the River Main, you'll learn the history behind all of Frankfurt’s major attractions. The MS Palladium is also handicapped-accessible, making it possible for every person to experience Frankfurt by water.