Peter Truman heads to Germany’s dynamic financial centre, Frankfurt

The world of travel is awash with wise sayings, and one of the most popular and clichéd is the adage about travelling being more about the journey than the destination.

Anyone stuck on a long-haul flight next to a crying child or a gentleman struck down with man-flu knows this is plain nonsense, but the city of Frankfurt and its surrounding area is hoping some take the phrase on board.

The airport is more often a transfer hub, filled with business people headed somewhere else. But those behind the region are desperate to show that there is more than just an onward flight to look forward to, and that adding a day or two to the itinerary between destinations is a worthwhile venture.

Frankfurt itself has banked on its nickname of Main-hattan, a reference to its imposing while impressive skyline. The buildings in Frankfurt are much more sleek, modern and well designed. Bear in mind the majority of the city’s original timber buildings were bombed to shreds. With the rise of banking and its position as Germany’s financial powerhouse, it has tried to make this a selling point. Indeed, try is the word that sums up the whole of Frankfurt, both burdened with, and boasting of, its bankers.

The sky-high buildings afford spectacular views across the countryside from the top. The Main Tower has a viewing platform that givespanoramic views of the city’s skyscrapers from a height of 200m. If that wasn’t draw enough, they even televise their weather forecasts from there.

For those who prefer to look up at the sights rather than down, you can get a great feel for the city from terra firma aboard one of the many velo-taxi tours. You can explore the city and see the new ECB building up close, as well as its former home in the city, complete with gaudy Euro symbol outside, the riverside, the old town and the cathedral.

Hotels are kitted out to attract business clients and conferences, but you can still find a gem. The old Fleming’s hotel has added a new wing, but has managed to retain most of its character, including the wonderful old Paternoster lift – incredible fun to ride before hopping out at the rooftop terrace. Enjoy a finely-made cocktail as you look down on the hubbub below – all flash cars and taxis trying not to collide as they zoom to the next power lunch – and be thankful you’re above it all, literally.

There are great opportunities for worthwhile excursions, taking advantage of the boats that cruise along Main and then down the Rhine.

Some 60 km lies Ruddesheim, as quaint as a postcard, with narrow alleys and timber-framed houses. It is famed for its Christmas market, while the summer sees the hillside that climbs from the river resplendent with Riesling grapes. The town is part of the UNESCO world heritage Upper Middle Rhine region. Away from the too-common shops selling tourist tat, take a cable car to enjoy the rolling Rhine valley beneath. At the summit lies the grand Niederwalddenkmal, built by Kaiser Wilhelm I to mark the unification of Germany.

Heading back towards Frankfurt, Ederbach Abbey offers exquisite local wines and dining in a beautiful monastery founded in 1136. Wine tasting-tours are available as you take in the Romanesque architecture that hosted Sean Connery and Christian Slater during the filming of The Name of the Rose.

Wiesbaden is well worth scheduling an extra day for on a trip. An old spa town, you can still fill up a bottle from one of several public faucets and taste the supposedly life-extending aqua. The magnificent Kurhaus hosts a stunning concert hall and is only slightly ruined by a gaudy casino occupying a small quarter of the marble-walled interior.

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And heaven be praised then for Seligenstadt, only 30 minutes from Frankfurt, but a jump back in time. The market square is outrageously pretty, lined with beautifully preserved timbered houses, including an old bakery supposedly responsible for the town’s name after an adventure with a king and his daughter. Details in the wooden carvings are sensational.

The town plays host to the Geleitfest, when everyone comes out to celebrate its heritage with a parade of traditional dress such as bakers, joiners, farmers and lawyers. The climax is three nominated people having to drink a litre of wine from a giant spoon. The festival only takes place every four years.

Caught up in the rat-run of business meetings and international conferences, those whizzing through Frankfurt Airport’s terminals are probably unaware of the wonders that lie so close to their journey. For those who can spare the time, a minor detour is of major benefit.

FRANK FACTS

FLY: Flights to Frankfurt am Main Airport start from £97 return from London Heathrow with British Airways 
STAY: Rooms at the Fleming’s Deluxe in Frankfurt costs from €115 per night.
DO: Primus Linie Skylight river tours cost €11.50 for adults.