Clustered with half-timbered buildings, Eppstein is a historic town west of Frankfurt am Main. It lies on the edge of the Taunus, a mountain range that has long been renowned for its mineral waters and geothermal springs.
Things to do in Eppstein
Dominating the town centre are the ruins of Eppstein Castle, which lie scattered atop a ridge of the Taunus Mountains. It was first mentioned in 1122, although the current ruins date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Learn about the castle’s storied past in the engaging museum before soaking up the views across Eppstein from its towers and fortifications. Open-air theatrical events regularly take place on the castle grounds.
Nearby is the Kirche St. Laurentius, a dedicated cultural moment that was built in honour of St. Lawrence of Rome. A castle chapel was originally constructed here in 1299, with the current church dating back to the early 20th century. Admire the Neo-Gothic stained-glass windows and the Baroque statue of St. Anthony, as well as the late 19th-century organ built by Wilhelm Sauer.
On the opposite side of the Eppstein railway station is the Bergpark, a picturesque park that centres around a summer residence known as Villa Anna. Its beautiful gardens were designed by the 19th-century landscape architect, Andreas Weber, and include magnificent Douglas firs, sequoias and Japanese sickle spruce. While exploring the park, take note of the Gothic-style Neufville Tower and the aptly named Swiss House.
Getting around Eppstein
Eppstein is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Frankfurt and 20 minutes from Frankfurt am Main Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Eppstein railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Eppstein is compact enough to explore on foot.