Towering atop the village of Königstein in the Taunus region just outside of Frankfurt is Burg…read moreKönigstein. The castle ruins are host to the Ritter Von Königstein medieval festival each spring. Dating from the 12th century, the castle is nowhere near functional, but offers a quite place to let your imagination take you back in time. Pack a flashlight to explore the dark passageways underneath the castle. Top Three Highlights: 1.) Minuscule entrance fee (less than €5) 2.) Great view of Taunus region (and Frankfurt from the castle tower) 3.) Relatively uncrowded

The town of Oberursel, 15 minutes north of Frankfurt, has a delightful old town, with narrow…read morecobbled streets full of half-timbered houses, which climb to the delightful old church of St Ursula. Although there aren't many special 'sights', it nevertheless evokes images of exactly what an old German town should look like, (ie lots of half-timbered buildings with steep roofs) and is a delightful place to wander. The buildings date from the 16th century onwards, although most are 18th or early 19th century in origin. Look out for the Wenczel Welker, the former carding mill, which dates back to the 15th century. There's a small market on Saturdays, as well as a number of enticing hostelries around the edges, including the Alt-Oberursuler Brauhaus, which brews its own beers (see separate entry). The town, on the edge of the Hochtaunus hills, is easily reached from Frankfurt on either the S-bahn suburban railway to Bad Homburg (line S5) or via the U3 underground line.