A Weekend of Wandering in Frankfurt, Mainz, and Kronberg
Once my last class of the week finished Thursday afternoon, I boarded a bus near Georgia Tech-Lorraine and rode to the Gare de Metz, backpack in tow and a weekend of adventure on the horizon. After arriving at the station, I caught a train east to Frankfurt, kicking off my first journey to the Rhine region of Germany.
Traveling to Frankfurt
From Frankfurt, I transferred to a local train to Friedrichsdorf, a small town just north of the city. My destination was the Frankfurt Germany Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where I had arranged to stay overnight in the adjacent patron housing. After checking in, I walked across town to grab some groceries from an Aldi before settling in for the night.
Frankfurt Germany Temple
I began Friday morning by spending some time at the temple itself, a peaceful and grounding experience amid a weekend otherwise filled with movement. Afterwards, I checked out of the patron housing, walked back to the Friedrichsdorf station, and made my way by train back to Frankfurt, then west over to Mainz.
Walking Down the Rhine
I walked a bit from the Mainz train station to find my Airbnb and dropped off my bag before heading out again on a walk to explore the city. I wandered down toward the Rhine, following a pathway along the river to the Theodor Heuss Bridge, an elegant arch bridge that offered beautiful views of the water and the city beyond.
Architecture in Mainz
After climbing up onto the bridge to get a better look at the river, I passed by a government building with beautiful architecture overlooking the area. From there, I cut into town, weaving through cobblestone streets and small shops as the late afternoon sun lit up the buildings. I passed by two prominent churches in Mainz – St. Peter’s and the Christuskirche. Their architecture was striking, and the quiet plazas around them offered a peaceful pause before the excitement that would come later that evening.
FSV Mainz Match
Eventually, I made my way back to Mainz Hauptbahnhof and hopped on a tram bound for MEWA Arena – home to 1. FSV Mainz 05. I walked the rest of the way to the stadium, stopping at a vendor to grab a team scarf and some stadium food before heading in to find my seat. The energy was electric even before kickoff, but when Mainz equalized on literally the final touch of the game, the place erupted. It was easily one of the most dramatic 1-1 draws I had ever witnessed.
After soaking in the celebration, I made my way back the way I came – walking to the tram, then heading back to the Hauptbahnhof, and finally winding my way back to the Airbnb beneath a night sky still buzzing with post-match energy.
From Mainz to Kronberg
Saturday morning started early with a walk back to the station, passing by an interestingly shaped Jewish synagogue along the way. I boarded a train to Frankfurt, then continued on to Kronberg, a picturesque town nestled at the base of the Taunus Mountains. My goal for the day: the Drei-Burgen-Wanderung – the “Three Castle Hike.”
The Three Castle Hike Near Frankfurt
I set off on foot from the Kronberg train station, heading north into a web of forested trails and quiet hills, following the 3 Burgen Weg markers posted on trees along the way. The morning air was crisp, and before long I reached my first stop: the Ruine Antoniuskapelle im Ruthardshain, the ruins of a small forest chapel tucked away just off the trail. I walked around the remains of the building’s foundations, now open to the sky, and stood still for a moment among the trees and old stones, listening to birdsong echoing through the forest.
First Castle: Burg Falkenstein
The next leg of the trail led uphill through dense woods to Burg Falkenstein, a partially ruined fortress perched on a rocky bluff. Though much of it has been reclaimed by nature, the site still commands impressive views and carries an ancient charm. I wandered around the ivy-clad stones, climbed onto the remaining walls, and looked out over the valley below.
Stop in Königstein im Taunus
After leaving the first castle of the morning, I walked further along the trail to Hildablick, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the town of Königstein im Taunus in the valley below that provided sweeping views of the wooded Taunus landscape. From there, the trail descended into town, where I stopped at a REWE grocery store to grab a quick lunch and refuel for the rest of the hike.
Second Castle: Burg Königstein
Well-fed and reenergized, I made the steep hike up to Burg Königstein, the largest and most dramatic of the three castles of the day. This sprawling ruin includes towering walls, vaulted passageways, and open courtyards, with panoramic views in nearly every direction. As I explored the site, climbed staircases and peered out from atop ancient towers, I spotted someone wearing a Georgia Tech hat. So, naturally, I had to ask. Sure enough, he was an alum from Germany who had studied business in Atlanta. He and his wife were hiking the same loop, and we shared a short but memorable conversation. It was one of those perfectly timed “small world” moments that made the hike even more memorable.
Third Castle: Burg Kronberg
Leaving Königstein, I continued east along wooded paths that passed beside the Opel Zoo and even caught glimpses of a few animals through the fence. The final stretch brought me back into Kronberg and up to Burg Kronberg, a beautifully preserved hilltop castle that felt like something out of a medieval fairytale. Unlike the earlier ruins, this castle has been carefully maintained and even partially restored, with its pointed turrets, cobbled courtyards, and fortified gates standing tall. I walked the grounds, climbed one last tower, and took in a final panoramic view across the hills I had just crossed.
The Drei-Burgen-Weg
All in all, I hiked for about 10 miles (about 16 kilometers) in roughly four hours, including stops, on a trail with a truly little bit of everything: ruined walls and reconstructed towers, hilltop views and valley paths, ancient stones and modern surprises. It was one of the most satisfying and immersive days I’ve had all semester – history, nature, and a hint of home, all in one unforgettable loop.
Back from Frankfurt to France
My original plan was to continue south by train, but a delay in Frankfurt meant I would miss my connection. So after some quick research I pivoted and rerouted back to Mainz to catch a different train later heading west. I ended the weekend on a quiet ride to Saarbrücken, then connected back to Metz, tired but content.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much I fit into just a few days – quiet mornings at the temple, a roaring stadium under the lights, forest trails through centuries-old ruins, and even a chance encounter with a fellow Yellow Jacket halfway up a German mountain. It was the kind of weekend that reminded me why I travel: to see new places, yes, but also to feel a little more connected to the world and your place in it.