Rhine and Alpine Adventures in Germany and Switzerland

Sachsenhausen

Take a trip across the river to see Frankfurt's laid back side.

The city of Frankfurt protected itself with a wall from 1390, and the village of Sachsenhausen was fortunate enough to be enveloped within the walls. This district still has a village atmosphere thanks to its cobblestone lanes and small squares. The Alte Sachsenhausen is located on the eastern part of the district close to the river. It is here that visitors can find traditional pubs, half-timbered houses, and narrow alleyways, and can choose from a good selection of bars and restaurants as well as music and nightlife. Be sure to try some of the famous Aplfelwein (apple wine or cider), that Sachsenhausen is famous for, with a plate of Frankfurt Green Sauce. 

Nizza Park

Find a nice bench to relax and take in the river view, and then go for a stroll with the locals.

The park is the perfect place to experience the river bank while taking in the optimistic, can-do atmosphere of this business-focused city. The park runs for 2.5km between the Lower Main Quay and the Friedensbrücke (Bridge of Peace). The park dates all the way back to the 17th century, and due to the moderate climate along the river, it's even possible to grow Mediterranean plants such as figs and olive trees. In warm weather, you'll find beer tents and other opportunities for refreshment and socializing.

Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)

Capture the best view of Frankfurt's skyline from this charming iron bridge.

The Eiserner Steg is the 170m/557ft iron footbridge that connects Frankfurt’s north and south banks. The bridge offers scenic views of both sides of the river, and undoubtedly the best view of Frankfurt’s famous skyline is from the Eiserner Steg looking north. Be sure to go in the evenings for the best lighting.

Dreikönigskirche (Church of the Three Kings)

Check out the lovely mid-century stained-glass windows in this riverside church.

The neo-Gothic church is a Lutheran parish located directly on the south bank of the river. Visitors come mainly to enjoy the wonderful stained-glass windows by artist Charles Crodel, which were installed in 1956 to replace those destroyed in the war.

Städel Museum

Make a visit to Frankfurt's most important art collection.

Städel is an art museum with 2,700 paintings, 100,000 drawings and prints, and 600 sculptures, including many masterpieces. The museum was founded in 1815 when the banker Johann Friedrich Städel left his priceless personal art collection to the city in his will. The exhibited art stretches back into the middle ages, however, the museum has worked hard to continuously increase its contemporary art collection as well. 

Seilbahn

Effortlessly ascend to the top of the hills overlooking the valley and go for a walk among the vineyards and forests.

This antique 1950s chairlift offers great views over the town and the Rhine Valley that streches away to Mainz. The upper station above many of the local vineyards is close to one of the most popular tourist sights in Germany for German tourists, the Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument, or Statue of Germania). 

Niederwalddenkmal

Hike about one mile (1.6km) from the top chairlift station to this over-the-top but undeniably impressive monument celebrating German unification.

Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument, or Statue of Germania) is a gargantuan and rather bellicose monument celebrating the 1871 foundation of the German Reich after the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Until then, most people within the new empire had continued to think of themselves first and foremost as Prussians, Bavarians or Saxons, and only secondly as Germans, so the erection of national monuments such as Germania was therefore intended to awaken German national feeling.

Castle Ehrenfels

Hike to these castle ruins overlooking the river.

From the Niederwald Monument, you can also follow the markings to the town of Assmannshausen and the picturesque medieval castle ruins of Burg Ehrenfels facing the equally romantic Mäuseturm (Mouse Tower) on an islet in the river originally used to collect river tolls until wrecked by the French in 1688. The hike from the Niederwalddenkmal to Assmannshausen takes two hours, and from there you can take a boat or train back to Rüdesheim.

Römerberg

Walk through a town square whose existence was nearly obliterated from history during WWII.

This historic town square was completely destroyed during bombing raids in WWII, but the structures have been reconstructed in their original form, including the medieval half-timbered burgher homes lining the square, the City Hall, and the Gothic-style Emperor’s Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. The cathedral is certainly worth a quick visit into the interior.

Paulskirche

Visit one of the most politically symbolic places in all of Germany.

The red brick church of St. Paul (Paulskirche), located just off the Römerberg, is seen as a memorial to the start of democracy in Germany. This is because it was the seat of the 1848 Frankfurt Parliament, the first freely-elected German legislative body. As with most buildings in Frankfurt, this church was completely destroyed in 1944 but was quickly rebuilt after the war. It was inaugurated on May 18, 1948, on the 100th anniversary of the German National Assembly. 

Kleinmarkthalle Frankfurt

Indulge all your desires for fresh produce and other delicacies in this 16,000 square foot (1500 sqm) indoor culinary paradise.

This market, with over 150 stands, is the place to find fresh produce, flowers, meats, and more. Be sure to sample all of the regional culinary delicacies including Frankfurt’s “Green Sauce”.

Main Tower

Enjoy a long afternoon lunch or a romantic dinner overlooking the city from one of Germany's tallest buildings.

Reaching a height of 285m/935ft, the Main Tower is Germany’s fourth tallest building. The observation deck provides visitors with outstanding panoramic views of the city and the surroundings. The Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a meal, but it is recommended to make reservations on the website (https://www.maintower.de/en/observation-deck-more/restaurant-lounge/).

Hofbräuhaus

Enjoy some fine Bavarian brews in a beer hall that dates back to 1589.

Originally built in 1598 by Maximilian I, Duke of Bavaria, as an extension to the state brewery, this beer hall was opened to the public in 1828, remodeled in 1897, almost completely destroyed during World War II, and reopened following its restoration in 1958. It is now situated across three floors, with a restaurant, ballroom, and beer garden, and is one of the largest tourist attractions in the city as well as a favorite of locals. This is where the ingurgitation of vast quantities of beer and pretzels has been taking place since 1644. Even if you're a teetotaller, you'll want to at least take a look at the interior of the three-storied temple to the consumption of fermented hops and watch the odd local quaff his or her ale amid the sea of tourists. There's also an attractive courtyard where you can escape the din on a summer's day or evening.

New Town Hall & Glockenspiel

Enjoy the mechanical show as the figures on the Glockenspiel on the New City Hall come to life and re-enact stories from the 16th century.

The Marienplatz is the main square of the Altstadt, and its centerpiece is the domineering facade of the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). It is decorated with gargoyles and statues, including a dragon scaling the turrets. For a great view of the city, ascend the 279ft (85m) tower (elevator available to the left just inside the main entrance to the town hall). The highlight of the building is the Glockenspiel, which attracts large numbers of tourists at 11 am and noon (and 5pm in the summer) who come to watch the contraption in operation. There's dancing, a joust, and more, all set to musical chimes. Unusually, the New Town Hall mostly survived WWII intact, probably because it was used by Allied bombers as a direction finder for obliterating the rest of the city.

Peterskirche

Climb to the top of Munich's oldest church tower for what is still today its best view.

The best views of central Munich can be viewed from the 302ft (92m) tower of St Peterskirche, inner Munich's oldest church and possibly the city's origin point. The presence of a church on its site goes back to before the city's founding, and it has existed in a number of iterations since. Its nearly 3000ft-tall tower is affectionately called "Alter Pete" or "Old Pete" as a recognition of its significance to Munich's social and cultural history.

Viktualienmarkt

Assemble a gourmet picnic lunch in one of Europe's best known markets.

The Viktualienmarkt is one of Central Europe's finest gourmet markets where many of the stalls have been run by generations of the same family. Prices are high, but you can gather all the ingredients for an haute cuisine picnic and then seat yourself in the market's own beer garden to enjoy an al fresco lunch. The very existence of such a market in an old town quarter is the result of Munich's dedication to preserving its past. Fearing that fast food chains will replace the old-fashioned market stalls and quaint eateries that make the Viktulienmarkt one of Europe’s most charming squares, the city subsidizes the rent so they can survive on the some of Germany’s most expensive real estate.

Jewish Museum

Learn about Munich's rich Jewish heritage and see it's most striking synagogue.

The museum focuses on Munich's Jewish heritage, as well as Jewish history and culture in general, with a contemporary flair and modern means of display. Adjacent to the museum is the Ohel Jakob synagogue, which ranks among the most striking structures built in the city in recent years. It is the first synagogue to serve as the main synagogue of the city since the Nazi Kristallnacht (i.e. the Night of Broken Glass). Tours are offered but must be arranged 10 days in advance.

Frauenkirche

Restored Gothic church.

The Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, dominates the Altstadt. This is because the twin onion-domed towers inspired the city council to prohibit any other building in the Altstadt from exceeding their height of 325ft (99m). Much of the interior was destroyed during WWII, but it has been rebuilt. An attraction that survived the bombing in original form is the Teufelstritt, or Devil's Footstep, at the entrance. This is a black mark resembling a footprint, which according to legend is the result of a deal the devil made with the builder to finance construction of the church on the condition that it contains no windows. The clever builder, however, tricked the devil by positioning columns so that the windows were not visible from the spot where the devil stood in the foyer. By the time the devil discovered that he had been tricked, he could not enter the already consecrated church. The devil could only stand in the foyer and stomp his foot furiously, which left the dark footprint that remains visible in the church's entrance today.

Residenz Palace Museum

Wander where you will, audio guide in hand, through the spectactular royal residence.

You'll experience jaw-dropping architecture and beautiful artwork as you explore the museum and the adjacent Royal Treasury. Among the many highlights, unmissable is the Antiquarium, the largest and most lavish Renaissance hall north of the Alps. The window reveals are decorated with 102 views of towns, markets, and palaces in what was then the Duchy of Bavaria, providing an unique insight into how the country once looked. The Rich Chapel (Reiche Kapelle) was the private place of worship of Duke Maximilian I and his wife, and it was decorated with particular magnificence using colored marble and gilt reliefs. The Ornate Rooms (Reiche Zimmer) meanwhile represent a high point of the court Rococo style, and are works of art in their own right. 

Cuvilliés-Theatre

Visit what is perhaps the most ostentatious and sensually overwhelming building in Munich.

The exceptionally extravagant court theatre was built by Elector Max III Joseph's court architect François Cuvilliés between 1751 and 1755, and was intended to showcase Munich as a home to the arts and the enlightenment. It only survived the destruction of WWII because the elaborately carved tiers of boxes were removed from their original location in the Alte Residenztheater building for safekeeping. It's still used as a theatre today.FYI - to visit the Cuvilliés-Theatre you need to exit the museum and walk around the palace to get onto Residenzstraße and then re-enter the palace and cross through either the Chapel Courtyard or the Imperial Courtyard. 

Odeonsplatz

See the square where Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch came to a bloody end.

The square directly adjacent to the Residence is the Odeonsplatz, which is guarded by the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshalls' Hall) in honor of the Bavarian army. It was here that Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 came to a bloody end in a gun battle with the police. During the Nazi regime, anyone passing the Feldherrnhalle was obliged to give the Nazi salute, which prompted some locals to instead take a side street. The Nazis derogatorily nicknamed it the Shirkers' Alley, but the 'shirkers' are memorialized in a trail of brass cobblestones. Also on the square is the bright yellow Theatinerkirche with its two massive twin towers. It was the personal church of Bavaria's rulers and many of them are interred there.  

Chinese Tower

Enjoy some Bavarian brews with the locals in Munich's second largest beer garden.

Located in the middle of the English Gardens, this beer garden (7,000 seats) is located beneath the wooden Chinese Tower. The 25 meter high (75 feet) pagoda was built in 1789 during a pan-European craze for all things East Asian. The food stalls around the pagoda offer traditional beer garden food such as Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Hendl (roasted chicken) and Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle). The beer served is Hofbräu and a Maß Hell (lager).

Eisbachwelle

Watch surfers catch some waves in the middle of the city.

At the extreme southern end of the park you can find one of the more unusual and entertaining pastimes enjoyed by the locals - surfing on the man-made Eisbach river. There is a standing wave produced by the water pumping mechanism and surfers line up along the bank taking turns entering the water with their boards. After a minute or so, successful surfers will voluntarily drop out, returning to the end of the line allowing the next person in line an opportunity. The water is cold and shallow (sometimes only 40 cm deep), making it suitable only for experienced surfers.

Herrenchiemsee Palace

Explore King Ludwig II's own version of Versaille on the island of Herreninsel.

The Herrenchiemsee Palace is yet another of King Ludwig II's megalomaniacal building projects (such as Neuschwanstein Castle). This monument to regal absolutism, which is far more magnificently furnished than the palace of Versailles on which it was modeled, was begun in 1878. The State Bedroom is the most expensive single room built in the 19th century, helping to explain how Ludwig brought Bavaria to the brink of bankruptcy and why his ministers sought to have him declared unfit to rule. Inside the palace, there's a museum documenting Ludwig II's life.

Frauneninsel

Journey by boat to a splendid little island within the lake where you'll find a 1200-year old convent.

The 15.5-hectare (38-acre) Frauneninsel (the 'women's island' as opposed to Herreninsel, the 'men's island'), is home to 300 permanent residents and an active Benedictine convent called Frauenwörth, which was founded in the 800's AD. A number of pubs and cafés serve what are said to be among the best Bavarian dishes around, and the island's fishermen offer freshly smoked Chiemsee whitefish and other delicacies in their gardens.

NS Documentation Centre

Learn how Nazism managed to capture Germany and about the terrible consequences.

Opened in 2015, the documentation center shows how the Nazi Party was able to rise and rule Germany, and the role which the city of Munich played. Visitors learn not only about the origins of the Nazi movement and how they managed to seize power, but also about the regime during the war, and the post-war process of de-Nazification. 

Lake Lucerne Boat Docks (Luzern Bahnhofquai)

Jesuit Church

One of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Switzerland

One of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Switzerland

Kriens-Pilatus Cable Car Station

Museum of Tourism

Museum showcasing the history of tourism in the Jungfrau region

Featuring excellent commentaries on the history of tourism in the Jungfrau Region presented in three floors of exhibits that cover everything from early transport and hotels to travel clothing and skiing. Housed in a lovely restored 17th-century timbered house, the museum includes models of early postal coaches, rack railway locomotives, bicycles and lake steamers, as well as actual historical carriages and vehicles.

Schloss Interlaken

Former Augustinian monastery turned castle with a chapel and Gothic cloister

A picturesque gem located close to the center of the city. The castle dates back to the 12th century. You can see the 14th-century bell tower along with a Gothic cloister and remains of a chapel dating from 1452. 

Grindelwald

Village in the Bernese Alps

Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists

Oberhofen

Small village along Lake Thun

Reformation Wall

A monumental reminder of Geneva’s history and influence during the Reformation.

The men depicted on the wall are the main protagonists of the Reformation, John Calvin, Willian Farel, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. Engraved on the wall is the Genevan motto “Post Tenebras Lux” which translates to “light after darkness.”

Bourg-de-Four Square

City Square

Geneva's oldest square that is filled with high-end shops, cafes with patios & fountains.

Reformation Wall

A monumental reminder of Geneva’s history and influence during the Reformation.

The men depicted on the wall are the main protagonists of the Reformation, John Calvin, Willian Farel, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. Engraved on the wall is the Genevan motto “Post Tenebras Lux” which translates to “light after darkness.”

Lake Geneva

Lake

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is a crescent-shaped lake shared between France and Switzerland and overlooked by the Alps.

Mer de Glace

The Sea of Ice in French is the largest glacier in France and the third largest glacier in the Alps

Many attractions can be seen at the Mer de Glace including the Grotto de Glace, Gallery of Crystals, and the Glaciorium.