Jiaying & Nico
Things To Do
Gundelsheim Old Town
Stroll through Gundelsheim’s Old Towns' narrow streets surrounded by traditional half-timbered (Fachwerk) buildings with a very German charm. Local Cafés & Restaurants Bräustüble Restaurant (Schloßstraße 14): A restaurant run by the same family in the third generation offers hearty local dishes. Schäfer’s Landrestaurant (Michaelsberg 3): Known for its regional cuisine and rustic ambiance. Schell Schokoladen (Schloßstraße 31): For coffee, sweet treats, and delightful chocolates (our wedding cake will be delivered from here). Don’t miss to try regional dishes like Käsespätzle, Maultaschen, and Schupfnudeln. Gundelsheim is surrounded by vineyards; many offer tastings and tours, if you are interested in a local flavor experience.
Nearby Castles & Fortresses
Burg Guttenberg (10-minute drive just on the other side of the Neckar river): Famous for its birds of prey flight show and scenic castle grounds. (burg-guttenberg.de) Burg Hornberg (15-minute drive): Perched above the Neckar River, offering beautiful views and historical insights. (burg-hornberg.de)
Local Outdoor Activities
For those of you that prefer a little hike, there is a small hiking trail through a gorge with waterfalls called Margaretenschlucht (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kBzdnL1fn54WvQWY6). If you are just looking for a short stroll, nature is very accessible in Germany and you can start uphill from the castele and enjoy the view from Calvarienberg (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dVE1u5tkdnDYWyMg8). If we are lucky with the weather there is a chance the public outdoor swimmming pool, in walkable distance from the castle, will open as well (https://maps.app.goo.gl/c1K8oFrq127nNRKc7).
Regional Day Trip - Heidelberg
Heidelberg is about one hour by train or car from both Frankfurt or Gundelsheim. Things to do include: Heidelberg Castle: Romantic ruins overlooking the Neckar River and the city’s red rooftops. Philosopher’s Walk: Picturesque path with panoramic views of the old town and the castle. Altstadt (Old Town): Baroque-style streets lined with shops, cafés, and historical landmarks.
Regional Day Trip - Würzburg
Würzburg is about one hour by train from Frankfurt. Things to do include: Würzburg Residence (UNESCO): A Baroque palace known for its grand staircase and frescoed ceilings. Fortress Marienberg: A medieval stronghold with panoramic views of the city and surrounding vineyards. Old Main Bridge (Main - the river) with statues of saints and kings; sip a glass of local wine from the on-bridge vendors.
Regional Day Trip - Frankfurt am Main
Römerberg: Historic old town square with reconstructed half-timbered buildings. New Old Town: centre of the old town of Frankfurt am Main, which was reconstructed as part of a project called the Dom-Römer Project might be interesting for architecture enthusiasts. Museumsufer (Museum Embankment): A collection of art, architecture, film, and other museums along the Main River. While Frankfurt is among the few places with a skyline in Europe, the views might disappoint, given the places many of you are traveling from...
Regional Day Trip - Koblenz
Koblenz is reachable in approx. 1.5 hours by regional train from Frankfurt. Attractions include: Deutsches Eck (German Corner): Confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, marked by a grand monument. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: Reachable by cable car across the Rhine, boasting breathtaking views of the city and surrounding region. Rhine Gorge: Koblenz is an ideal starting point for exploring the castles and lore of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (UNESCO site).
Regional Day Trip - Strasbourg
Strasbourg in France is only about 2.5 hours by car or by train from Frankfurt and offers a blend of French and Germanic heritage seen in architecture, cuisine, and language. Petite France Quarter: Charming canals, half-timbered houses, and scenic bridges. Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece with an astronomical clock and a famous rose window.
Regional Day Trip - Rothenburg ob der Tauber
One of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, famous for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses (Fachwerk), and intact town walls.
Nature in Black Forest
For nature enthusiasts, we can recommend the Black Forest Region (1.5–3+ hours, depending on destination). Triberg: Known for Germany’s highest waterfalls (not that high) and traditional cuckoo clocks. Titisee: A scenic lake perfect for boating, swimming, or simply relaxing. Schwarzwaldhochstraße: One of the oldest scenic drives in the Black Forest, offering panoramic views and hiking trails.
European Excursions
If you want to go further, there are direct high-speed trains with scenic views from Frankfurt to major European destinations like Paris (Approx. 3.5–4 hours by TGV or ICE) and Zürich (Approx. 4.5–5 hours by ICE).
Planning your travels
Purchasing ICE/IC tickets early can lead to reduced fares. However, be aware that these discounted tickets often restrict you to a specific train and departure time. Flex-Tickets allow more flexibility (any train, on a specific day) but cost more. If you plan traveling on local trains multiple days, you might want to choose the German Ticket (58€). It’s valid for a full month on buses, trams, and regional trains across Germany, making it a great option for day trips or extended stays. Note that it does not cover high-speed or InterCity services. The German ticket system can be confusing. Please let us know if you need help navigating schedules or booking. For greater freedom when visiting smaller towns or exploring natural areas, renting a car can be more convenient.