Exploring Germany: Frankfurt To Cologne Road Trip

There are many interesting places to visit between Cologne and Frankfurt. Here are some of the top cities and attractions to check out:

- Koblenz - A German metropolis located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

- Bonn - A city steeped in history and culture, with attractions like the Beethoven House and the Altes Rathaus.

- Mainz - A charming German city with a well-preserved old town and impressive Marktbrunnen.

- Mannheim - A city with a rich history, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers.

- Rüdesheim am Rhein - A charming town renowned for its winemaking tradition and lively Drosselgasse street.

- Wiesbaden - A city known for its neoclassical architecture and beautiful gardens, such as the Kurpark and Kurhaus.

- Frankfurt - A bustling metropolis with attractions like the Frankfurt Cathedral, Römerberg square, and the Iron Footbridge.

The Iron Footbridge over the Main

The Eiserner Steg, or the Iron Footbridge, is a pedestrian bridge over the river Main in Frankfurt. It connects the city's Old Town with the Sachsenhausen district. The bridge has existed since 1868, although the original structure was replaced in 1912 with a widened, reinforced, and elevated construction. The external appearance of the original bridge was retained for historical reasons, but the bridge was made structurally different, switching from a suspension to a cantilever model.

The bridge is also known as the "Love Lock Bridge", as it is adorned with thousands of locks interlinked with each other, symbolising "eternal love". It offers fantastic views of the downtown skyline, "Mainhatten", and the museums that line the Main River in Sachsenhausen. The Greek motto, a quote from Homer's Odyssey, was created by artist Hagen Bonifer in 1999 to celebrate the year of Goethe: ΠΛΕΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΟΙΝΟΠΑ ΠΟΝΤΟΝ ΕΠ ΑΛΛΟΘΡΟΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ (“Sailing on the dark sea to people of another tongue”).

The bridge is a popular spot for photographers, particularly at sunset, when the skyline can be captured in all its glory. The Iron Footbridge is also one of the first bridges in Germany to be rebuilt after World War II, in 1946, after it was blown up by the Wehrmacht in the final days of the war. A complete renovation took place in 1993, prompted by decades of corrosion, and two elevators were added to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.

Frankfurt Cathedral

The present church is the third church on the same site, with the previous two buildings traced back to the seventh century. The cathedral's history is closely linked with the general history of Frankfurt and Frankfurt's old town because it was associated with the religious counterpart of the Royal Palace in Frankfurt.

The cathedral was an imperial collegiate church and served as the site of coronation for Holy Roman Emperors for 300 years. Since 1356, when the Golden Bull of 1356 was issued by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected in this collegiate church as kings in Germany, and from 1562 to 1792, emperors-elect were crowned here.

The cathedral suffered severe damage during World War II, with the interior completely burning out. The building was reconstructed in the 1950s, and the spire now stands at 95 meters (312 ft) tall. Visitors can climb the Cathedral Tower via 328 steps to enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding Old Town and Frankfurt's Museum Embankment on the Main River.

Botanical Garden, Bonn

The Botanische Gärten der Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, also known as the Botanischer Garten Bonn, is a botanical garden and arboretum maintained by the University of Bonn. Located at Meckenheimer Allee 171, the garden is open to the public from Sunday to Friday during the warmer months, with free admission.

The garden's history dates back to the 14th century when it served as castle grounds for the Archbishop of Cologne. Over the centuries, it underwent transformations, from a Renaissance garden in the 17th century to a Baroque garden in the 18th century, with the addition of the rococo Poppelsdorf Palace in 1746. However, the focus on scientific botany began in 1818 with the founding of the University of Bonn and the appointment of its first garden director, Dr Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck.

Today, the botanical garden boasts a diverse collection of approximately 8,000 plant species, ranging from endangered local species to protected species from around the world. The outdoor gardens feature an arboretum with 700 species of woody plants, a systematic section with 1,200 species arranged by evolutionary relationships, a geographical section grouping plants by their origin, and a biotope section showcasing important plant communities from the Bonn region.

The garden also includes a substantial greenhouse area, featuring several specialised houses. The Fern House displays tree ferns and cool-climate indigenous plants, while the Mediterranean House shelters subtropical plants from regions like the Mediterranean and South Africa during winter. The Palm House showcases epiphytes and large rainforest plants, including bananas and bamboos. Succulent enthusiasts will enjoy the Succulent House, which features cacti, agaves, aloes, and euphorbias. For something more exotic, the Victoria House displays the giant water lily (Victoria regia), along with tropical bog plants and a specimen of Amorphophallus titanum. Additionally, there are smaller houses dedicated to carnivorous plants, geophytes, and orchids.

The Botanical Garden Bonn offers a tranquil escape, providing opportunities for relaxation and plant appreciation. With its variety of plant species, well-maintained grounds, and cheerful gardeners, it is a gem for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful respite from their daily routines.

St. Augustine's of Canterbury, Wiesbaden

St. Augustine's is a welcoming and inclusive place of worship, open to people of all nationalities and backgrounds. It is part of the Episcopal Church in Europe and the wider Anglican Communion, which has member churches worldwide. The church follows the Anglican tradition of being a "Bridging Church", allowing Catholics and Protestants to share communion at the same altar, making it unique among German churches.

The church offers a range of worship services and programmes for all ages, including Eucharistic ministers, adult Christian formation, book discussion groups, and a Sunday School that puts on nativity plays. They also host special events like charity concerts and book sales. Visitors are welcome to explore the church and its grounds, and those seeking spiritual guidance or community are encouraged to attend a service or reach out to the church community.

If you're travelling between Frankfurt and Cologne and wish to visit St. Augustine's, it is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. The distance between Frankfurt and Cologne is approximately 118 miles (191 km) and can be covered in about 2 hours by car via the Autobahn A3. The train is the fastest option, taking just over an hour, while the bus is the most affordable choice.

Frankfurt Central Station

The interior boasts a grand main station hall, a spacious concourse, and 25 mainline platforms. The platforms are conveniently numbered from 1 to 24, with an additional platform 1a, making a total of 25 platforms. The wide range of amenities includes various eateries, such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Sam's sports bar, as well as kiosks offering Asian noodles, ice cream, and crepes. For those seeking a quiet beer, Uddin's bar in the main hall is a great option, while Starbucks caters to coffee enthusiasts.

The station's centrality makes it a common stop for long-distance travel, with 13 of the 24 ICE lines and 2 of the 3 ICE Sprinter lines serving the station. It is also a hub for regional travel, connecting to 15 regional lines. With its impressive architecture, efficient transport links, and array of conveniences, Frankfurt Central Station is a vital gateway for travellers in Germany and beyond.

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