First settled in the 2nd century, Seligenstadt is one of Germany’s oldest towns, perched on the banks of the Main River. Just a half-hour from Frankfurt, but still often overlooked by tourists; it’s known for its Benedictine Abbey, medieval Old Town, and lively Carnival celebrations.
The star attraction of Seligenstadt is its Benedictine Abbey, where you can explore the old monastery, stroll around the cloister gardens, and peek inside the restored mill. Afterwards, take time to wander through the Old Town, where the narrow lanes are lined with timber-framed houses, handicrafts boutiques, and traditional restaurants. Stop to admire landmarks such as the Einhardhaus and the Romanisches Haus; take a tour of the Glaab Brewery, famous for producing both beer and Vitamalz Malzbier (a popular non-alcoholic malt drink); then enjoy lunch looking out over the central Marktplatz.
Seligenstadt is located 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of Frankfurt or about a 30-minute drive. It’s most convenient to visit with your own transport or as part of a tour, but otherwise you can ride the S1 train to nearby Weiskirchen, then take bus 58 to Saligunstat.
Seligenstadt’s spring Carnival celebrations are renowned and many Frankfurters make the trip to attend the festivities, which include the Rosenmontag Parade and Children’s Carnival Parade. Another atmospheric time to visit is over the festive season, when the town hosts a lively Christmas Market and glittering illuminations.
Frankfurt is well situated for exploring the medieval towns of northern Bavaria, Hesse, and the Black Forest, and there are plenty of options for day trips. Combine a visit to Seligenstadt with a stop in nearby Aschaffenburg, known for its half-timbered buildings and 17th-century Johannisburg Castle; or Darmstadt, where highlights include the Jugendstil-style Wedding Tower and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site. Further afield, the storybook towns of the Romantic Road make up one of Germany’s most famous road trips, while the medieval city of Heidelberg and UNESCO-listed Trier both abound with historic monuments.
