Frankfurt Höchst

Frankfurt am Main is such a wonderful and vivid city, offering a variety of attractions for every taste.

The neighborhood Höchst is a very interesting destination for local and foreign visitors. Situated on the bank of Main River, Höchst has been during centuries an independent town and since 1928 is part of Frankfurt.

The best place in Höchst and our favorite spot is the Baroque Bolongaro Palace, built by the wealthy Bolongaro family in 1735, who established here the biggest European tobacco factory.

What a wonderful and harmonically combination of a stylish architecture and a calm, cozy, small garden.

The floating water brings serenity and the green areas around are in perfect combinations with the statues and balconies.

The park is divided into two terraces.

Fascinating landscaped gardens with the Triton Fountain, dominated by the sculpture of a big dolphin.

The city hall is also a part of the palace complex.

From here we enjoy such breathtaking views towards the green lawns around Main River. This is a perfect place for picnic with the family or for sport activities.

Long promenade around the river brings us to the very good preserved historical center. Höchst has a long history, the origins of the first settlement date back to the beginning of the 8^th century and from this period is the oldest church Justinuskirche, located close to the River of Main.

The church is surrounded by the stone wall and is the oldest building in Frankfurt and one of the oldest churches in Germany.

We enter the city through the Zolltor, here is also the small castle, which was originally built and used by the bishops of Mainz.

The castle dates back to the 13-16^th century and its construction is dominated by the huge white tower. The area around the castle offers nice views towards the historical center and the river.

The colorful half-timbered houses around the main square.

The famous Inn Der Karpfen, one of the most fascinating buildings here, has offered since centuries comfort and rest to guests, like Dürer and Goethe.

We also take a break here and enjoy the atmosphere around. What a great finish of a late Sunday afternoon.

Idstein

Idstein is one of the most picturesque towns in Hessen. The well-preserved medieval center attracts tourists with its colorful timber-framed houses and the vivid romantic atmosphere.

The best place to feel and enjoy the town’s charm is around the Town Hall. The small König-Adolf square offers several foto motives. We take a break in one of the many cafes around the square. This is the best viewing point to relax and enjoy the medieval architecture around.

The Town Hall from 1698 is connected through a small bridge with the Idstein castle.

We reach the castle through the stoned gateway arched house. The house was built by the Count of Nassau-Idstein. The area here is the best tourist attraction.

The castle is a complex of good restored buildings, which is now used by the city administration.

The most fascinating part is the Hexenturm (The tower of witches). Built around 1170, the tower is the landmark of the city.

Very close is the residence palace built in 17th century by the princes of Nassau-Idstein.

Before going back to the historical center, we cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy the small garden in front the castle.

The idyllic historical center is so impressive with its colorful houses.

Right to the Town House is the blue Schiefes House, built in 1727 by the mayor of Idstein.

Killingerhaus, one of the most beautiful timber-houses in Germany, so impressive and richly decorated.

The impressive architecture of Höerhof, which is today used as a hotel.

The other streets here also represent a harmonically ensemble of colorful and buildings.

The atmosphere is really unique and memorable. 

We visit the town in a sunny summer day and could find everywhere cozy corners and picturesque views.

Bad Homburg

Bad Homburg in Hessen is a small and charming town on the slopes of Taunus, well known by its medical mineral waters and the famous casino, one of the oldest in Europe. Impressed by the unique beauty of the town and the clean air, the German Emperor Wilhelm II made the city his summer residence.

Once arrived in the city we are eager to discover its hidden beauty. Bad Homburg Spa park (Kurpark) is a vast green area very well maintained and quiet. This is most probably one of the best spa parks in Germany. Here is the famous golf club, the oldest in Germany.

 

The park is so amazing and full of variety with its green lawns, alleys and unique trees.

What a colorful and vivid experience!

 

The park brings the feeling of freedom and serenity.

 

 

Here is also the Russian church, so amazing with its colorful façade. The construction of the church dates back to the end of 19^th century and the first stone was laid by the Russian Imperial couple.

 

The casino in Bad Homburg was built in 1842 and its design was used also to build the Casino in Monte Carlo. The casino helped Bad Homburg to become a world-class spa town. Here even the famous Russian writer Dostoevsky lost a lot of money which inspired him to write his famous book “ The Gambler”.

 

Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad is another impressive attraction in Bad Homburg. Here the wealthy guests enjoyed the spa house during their visit -the left wing for ladies and right for gentlemen.

 

Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad with the monument of Kaiser Wilhelm.

 

 

Following the alleys, we reached the Orangerie. Originally designed as a place to protect the flowers during the cold winter months, the area was later used by the gusts and locals as a favorite place to drink or stroll and relax.

 

Bad Homburg is a famous spa center and the relaxing atmosphere, in combination with the mineral springs, can be felt at every corner.

 

Elisabethenbrunnen with the statue of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health. The water of this spring is so outstanding  and even to this day is the most important mineral spring in Bad Homburg.

 

This park is such a lovely place to stroll and relax. Here we also enjoyed the two golden Thai garden pavilions- Thai Sala. One of them sent as a gift by the King of Thailand, who was cured here by the medical mineral waters.

The second one was a gift from the Thai Royal Family to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the King’s stay in Bad Homburg.

 

After the long relaxing walk we went back to the city, we strolled along the center and enjoyed the crowded atmosphere and the sunny day.

We were very curious to visit the Langrave’s castle and park.

Fridrich’s castle is very close to the city center and its white tower is the landmark of Bad Homburg. The castle was built in 1680 and was used as a summer residence by the German Royal Family.

The palace is beautiful and well maintained.

 

The park around the castle is so colorful and full of joy. 

Really quiet and inspiring place. We got fascinated by its immense and the beautiful lake with many many  ducks and geese.

 

A phenomenal views.

 

The inner courtyard has beautiful views towards the Taunus Mountains and the park.

 

Close to the city center is located the Church of the Redeemer which construction was paid by the German Emperor Wilhelm II.

The interior of the basilica is so impressively beautiful, with mosaic decorations remaining of Hagia Sophia.

 

Stunning views towards the beautiful Romanesque church with its four towers.

 

The picturesque town of Bad Homburg is an unforgettable destination for a day trip. A visit to remember!!!