The best spots around Frankfurt without skyscrapers

Your desire to take a break from your business trip is quite understandable. When in Frankfurt, why don’t you leave the city behind and explore its surroundings? We bet you’ll have lots to talk about at the canteen when you return.

You’re an architectural geek and you’re ready to show it

Darmstadt aka “The City of Science” is also a feast for the eyes. Located 35 km from Frankfurt, the city abounds with Art Nouveau style. At Mathildenhöhe, a former artist colony, not only will you marvel at the Russian Orthodox Church but you may want to enjoy a scenic view of the town at the Hochzeitsturm, an impressive 50 metres Art Nouveau tower, and then, complete your experience with the peculiar architecture of House Olbrich, Hans Dieter’s House and Behren’s House.

Alexandraweg 23, 64287 Darmstadt

Shed your corporate suit to embrace German greenery

If you are tired of concrete streets, head to Taunus, a low mountain range, 30 km north of Frankfurt. Leave your derby shoes behind to hike its highest peak, the 881 meters Great Feldberg, ditch your tie and breathe in some fresh, non-polluted air. Finally, if you are fond of deep underground and subterranean spaces, make your way down the hypnotic Kubach Crystal Cave.

Taunus, 61479 Glashütten

Finally, you get to feed a very cute llama

18 km from Frankfurt, a visit to the zoo will offer a well-deserved change of scenery. Two hundred species live in the forest park, although we have a soft spot for its African elephants, giraffes and red pandas. And, if you are well-behaved, you can even pet and feed some animals such as the African Black Dwarf goats or the Rhoen sheep.

Am Opel-Zoo 3, (ehemals Königsteiner Strasse 35), 61476 Kronberg im Taunus

Is it the non-polluted air you can smell?

Covered in animals’ hairs, you just need to drive two minutes to experience the typical Teutonic way of life. The small town of Königstein and its pedestrian cobbled streets are absolutely charming. However, if the ancient castle is not your cup of tea, Königstein is also renowned for its invigorating fresh air. It is Germany’s only climatic health park, hence its highly recommended wellness centres.

Königstein im Taunus, 61462

Food is good for the soul they say

Why don’t you leave your slideshow presentation behind and go for a 49km drive east ? You sure deserve to treat your tastes buds at Zum Krug in the lovely quiet town of Eltville. How can you not fall in love with the restaurant’s deliciously quaint facade? And how can you resist the Sauerbraten de Organic Weiderind, a German culinary national treasure to die for?

Zum Krug, Hauptstraße 34, 65347 Eltville am Rhein