The Natural Side of Frankfurt, Germany

[Iness Greener]

Frankfurt am Main is packed with excellent history, dining, culture, shopping, nightlife, and more. But there's also plenty to appeal to nature lovers, as well. The city is famous for its delightful gardens and parks, one of the most beautiful and large-scale is the Palmengarten botanical garden, ideal for a relaxing visit among exotic flora and lovely fountains.

Also very popular among visitors and locals alike is the expansive Frankfurt Zoo, enclosures,, pools, waterfalls and sculptures. Lamas and rhinoceroses, lions, gazelles, white goats, and a variety of monkeys await, along with a pavillion housing marine species.

The Gunthersburg Park is suitable for resting with children and sporting entertainments, it also occupies a rather impressive territory. The park has an equipped picnic area, and in summer, there are always large fountains. In addition, among the beautiful gardens is the Garden of Heavenly Freedom, and for a rest on a hot day there is an ideal shade park Rothschild park.

To diversify the program of leisure Kobelt Zoo opens its doors for visitors –  a small private zoo, well-groomed and clean, it is perfect for a holiday with young children. The purpose of the Kobelt Zoo is to introduce young visitors the way fauna representatives behave in natural habitats. Lovers of movies will enjoy a large selection of modern cinemas, moreover, in the heart of the city there is a large cinema CineStar Metropolis.

Climb to the Hängebrücke Geierlay (suspension bridge) near the village of Mörsdorf, 130 km west of Frankfurt. It is laid at a height of 100 m and has a length of 360 m. The bridge is made for those who want to not only walk discovering the nature, but also get a dose of adrenaline. It can hold about 600 people weighing 80 kg at once. The bridge is free of charge, open to pedestrians and cyclists (at your own peril and risk). The bridge is open from 7 to 21 hours, but it can be closed during thick fogs, thunderstorms and strong storms. From parking to the bridge, you need to walk 1.2 km on foot along a gravel path.

Bad Orb is also a great place for hiking. It is a resort located in the middle of the Natural Park Spessart. Here are four valleys, where mountains rise up to 500 m above the resort. For those who like active recreation there are tennis courts, fitness center, heated pool, two golf courses, sports equipment rental and solarium. Also at guests' disposal are walking tours, massage, cosmetic sessions, medical drinks.

Especially to get to some of these more far-flung options, rent a car in Frankfurt and roam with your imagination.