Once around Frankfurt
Driving around Frankfurt in a convertible means: wind in your hair, sun on your face, and an adventurous ride through some of the most beautiful regions of Hesse and Rheinhessen. The route leads through the Taunus, the Rheingau, along the Rhine, through the Bergstraße, and the Odenwald – past wineries, castles, old towns, and nature parks. This convertible tour combines enjoyment, culture, and nature into a particularly stylish round trip.
Whether as a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned convertible journey – on this route, you will experience impressively how diverse and contrasting the surroundings of the Main metropolis are. The winding sections in the Taunus, the picturesque wine routes in the Rheingau, and the idyllic forests of the Odenwald make this tour the perfect convertible route for everyone who loves both nature and history.
The Stages of the Convertible Tour Once Around Frankfurt
Stage 1: Frankfurt – Kronberg – Bad Homburg – Rüdesheim
The starting point is Frankfurt am Main, from where the drive quickly leads out into the Taunus. After just a few kilometers, the driving fun begins: the winding roads between hills and forests are a dream for anyone driving a convertible or roadster. In Kronberg, a visit to the old town and a short stop at the castle are worthwhile – the view over the Rhine-Main area is spectacular.
Next, we continue to Bad Homburg with its magnificent spa architecture, the castle, and the traditional spa park. Subsequently, the route leads through the hilly landscape of the Rheingau to Rüdesheim – a must on any convertible route through Hesse. Here, the famous Drosselgasse, the Niederwald Memorial with cable car, and wide views over the vineyards await you.
Stage 2: Rüdesheim – Eltville – Mainz
The second stage of this convertible tour runs almost continuously along the Rhine – with plenty of views of the water and wine. Eltville, known as the "wine, sparkling wine, and rose city," offers a beautiful Rhine promenade, a baroque cityscape, and numerous wine taverns. Those who start early can enjoy a lovely breakfast here or have a first wine tasting.
Just half an hour further lies Mainz – and it deserves more than just a quick stop. The cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the old town with its colorful alleys and historical facades invite you to stroll and explore. For those who want to combine culture with pleasure, Mainz is an ideal place on this convertible trip.
Stage 3: Mainz – Heppenheim – Zwingenberg – Seligenstadt
After the Rhine, the route leads over the river into the hilly wine landscape of the Bergstraße. Especially in spring during the almond blossom or in autumn during the grape harvest, the slopes near Heppenheim transform into a colorful panorama – a dreamy section on this convertible route. The center of Heppenheim, with its half-timbered houses and marketplace, is a highlight for all architecture lovers.
Zwingenberg, the oldest town on the Hessian Bergstraße, impresses with picturesque alleys, wine taverns, and small courtyards. Next, we head east to Seligenstadt, which offers its impressive Einhard Basilica and the idyllic monastery garden as a perfect stop for a longer pause. Here, tranquility, history, and nature come together – an ideal spot for convertible drivers who like to unwind.
Stage 4: Seligenstadt – Michelstadt – Mespelbrunn – Frankfurt
The fourth section of your convertible tour leads deep into the Odenwald. Michelstadt is a true gem – the world-famous half-timbered town hall from 1484 is a prime example of historical architecture and absolutely worth seeing. The whole town radiates rural charm without seeming kitschy – perfect for a cozy stop.
Another highlight is the romantic water castle Mespelbrunn in the Spessart. Set in a quiet valley, it is one of the most photogenic spots on this convertible route. After that, we travel through dense forests back into the plains – with Frankfurt on the horizon. The contrast between the tranquil nature and the vibrant skyline creates an exciting conclusion to this versatile convertible road trip.
Tour Highlights Along the Route
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Kronberg Castle and the panoramic road in the Taunus
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Spa architecture and castle in Bad Homburg
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Vineyards and Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim
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Eltville am Rhein with roses and sparkling wine cellars
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Cathedral and old town of Mainz
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Half-timbered ensemble and vineyards in Heppenheim
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Zwingenberg with historic town center
- Auerbach Castle in Zwingenberg
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Felsenmeer in Lautertal
- Einhard Basilica and monastery garden in Seligenstadt
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Wertheim Castle
- Water castle Mespelbrunn
Tips for Your Convertible Tour
The route "Once Around Frankfurt" is ideal for an extended weekend. Plan for two to three overnight stays, e.g., in the Rheingau, in Michelstadt, or Seligenstadt. During the week, the places are less crowded, which makes a difference especially in Rüdesheim and Mainz. Enjoyers should spontaneously stop in good weather – many wineries and taverns invite you to culinary breaks. The entire tour is very well signposted and can be driven mostly on quiet country roads – perfect for a relaxed convertible tour with plenty of panorama and little traffic.
Those who wish can also drive individual sections as day stages and constantly set out on new excursions. This convertible journey is not only a loop around Frankfurt but also an exploratory journey through the scenic and cultural diversity of Hesse.
Conclusion – Traveling Around Frankfurt in a Convertible on a Grand Tour
Traveling around Frankfurt in a convertible shows you a region full of contrasts: modern metropolis meets medieval half-timbered towns, lively wine regions meet tranquil forests, panoramic roads meet dreamy river valleys. This convertible tour offers significant variety over a comparatively short distance – perfect for a long weekend or as an introduction to a larger convertible road trip through Southern Germany. Those who want to experience the Main metropolis in a different way will find on this tour the ideal mix of driving fun, enjoyment, and relaxation. The combination of winding sections, historical highlights, and culinary experiences makes it one of the most beautiful convertible routes around a German metropolis.
All stops on this route
Frankfurt
Bad Homburg
Great Feldberg
Kronberg
Eltville am Rhein
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Niederwald Monument
Bingen
Mainz
Mainz Cathedral
Zwingenberg

Auerbach Castle
Heppenheim

Rock sea in the Lautertal
