Things To Do
in Kriftel

Kriftel is a small town in Hesse, Germany, located just west of Frankfurt in the Main-Taunus district. Surrounded by the rolling Taunus foothills, it offers easy access to forest trails and scenic countryside. The town center centers around a traditional square with bakeries, cafes, and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

It’s a compact, walkable base for day trips to Frankfurt and natural areas while maintaining a tranquil, village feel.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore local parks
morning
:

Start your journey with a refreshing stroll through the beautiful parks in Kriftel, such as the idyllic Schlosspark. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the vibrant flora while soaking up the morning sun. This peaceful ambiance sets the perfect tone for the days ahead.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely morning, find a cozy café where you can sample local delicacies and warm refreshments. Spend some time people-watching or reading a book as you embrace the tranquil lifestyle of this charming town. Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the area.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant that offers traditional German cuisine. The warm atmosphere and friendly service create an inviting environment for mingling with locals. End your evening with a peaceful walk through the park, feeling the cool breeze as night falls.

day 2
Visit Frankfurt's skyline
morning
:

Set out early to visit Frankfurt, just a short train ride away from Kriftel, and marvel at the stunning skyline. Begin your day with a visit to the famous Römer square, where the architecture tells stories of the city's rich heritage. Capture moments with your camera as you stroll amidst the blend of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings.

afternoon
:

After exploring Römer, take time to visit the Städel Museum, which hosts an impressive collection of European art. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby bistro, savoring the city's culinary delights while discussing artwork with new friends. Spend the afternoon wandering along the River Main, perhaps taking a boat ride to see the city from a different perspective.

evening
:

Dine at a rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the illuminated skyline as night falls. Allow the vibrant atmosphere of Frankfurt's nightlife to envelop you while trying some local beverages. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk back to the train station, feeling exhilarated by all you’ve experienced.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚆Public transit ticket (1 ride)$3-4
🏨Hotel/night (mid-range)$100-180
🧀Groceries for a few days$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Frankfurt with easy access to major city amenities
  • Safe, family-friendly environment and walkable town center
  • Limited nightlife and dining variety within Kriftel itself compared to larger cities
  • Smaller-town pace may feel quiet for travelers seeking constant activity
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Bitte" - Please
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Kriftel

Visit one of these nice places.

Kriftel Market Square at Dawn

Historic half-timbered houses framing a cobbled square; early light creates soft shadows and inviting textures.

Taunus Foothills Lookout

Forest trails and open hillsides provide panoramic views over the Main valley, ideal for wide landscape shots.

Main River Promenade near Hattersheim

Water reflections, boats, and the skyline of nearby towns offer tranquil sunset photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kriftel

In Kriftel and the surrounding Rhine-Main region, expect hearty German dishes, seasonal produce, and a café culture with strong bakery traditions.

Kriftel Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grüne Soße

Herb green sauce served with boiled potatoes and sometimes eggs; best enjoyed in spring and early summer with regional herbs.

Must-Try!

Handkäse mit Musik

Marinated cheese with onions, typically served with rye bread; pairs well with a crisp white wine or regional cider.

Wurstsalat

Sliced sausage salad with pickles and onions, a common deli staple often enjoyed as a light meal.

Apfelstrudel

Warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce or cream; a classic dessert at cafés and bakeries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kriftler Wochenmarkt

Weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays featuring regional produce, breads, cheeses, and pastries.

Frankfurt Market District (nearby)

Vibrant markets in nearby Frankfurt offering street foods, fresh produce, and international snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kriftel experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, winters are cool to cold, and precipitation is fairly evenly distributed across the year, with slightly more rain in late spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time for appointments and trains is appreciated; plan a little extra time for travel during peak hours.

Greetings

A polite “Guten Tag” or “Hallo” is common; formal settings may require using Sie (you).

Quiet public spaces

Keep voices moderate in trains and cafés; avoid loud conversations in shared spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

The area is generally very safe with typical small-town precautions. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places, and be cautious when crossing roads near busier routes. In emergencies, dial 112 for medical or fire services.

Tipping in Kriftel

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants; you can leave cash with the bill or add it to a card payment.

Payment Methods

Cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still useful in smaller shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees; great for daylight city walks and flower-filled countryside photos.

Summer

Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor dining, river walks, and outdoor events.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures; excellent for hiking with colorful backdrops.

Winter

Cool to cold with occasional frost and possible light snow; cozy cafés and nearby Christmas markets provide atmospheric scenes.

Nightlife Guide

Kriftel at Night

Kriftel’s nightlife is typically low-key, centered on local pubs and wine/cafés. For more vibrant options, residents and visitors often travel to nearby Frankfurt or Mainz for bars, clubs, live music, and late-night dining.

Hiking in Kriftel

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Taunus Regional Trails

A network of trails through the Taunus foothills offering scenic viewpoints, forest walks, and day-hike options.

Airports

How to reach Kriftel by plane.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Major international hub about 25-30 minutes by car or 40-60 minutes by public transit from Kriftel.

Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN)

Smaller international airport about 60-90 minutes away by car or bus connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kriftel is compact and walkable, with most amenities reachable within a 15-20 minute stroll. Biking is popular, and there are well-connected pedestrian and cycling paths to nearby towns and parks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are长期 families who commute to Frankfurt or nearby towns for work and enjoy the schools and parks Kriftel offers.

Commuters

A substantial portion of residents commute to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, or Mainz for work, benefiting from good rail and road links.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and followed; local clubs participate in regional leagues.

Cycling

Popular due to flat to gently rolling terrain around the Taunus and Main valley.

Transportation

Traffic

Road connections are solid via the A66 and regional roads; public transport includes regional trains and buses. Expect heavier traffic toward Frankfurt during weekday peak hours; cycling and walking are practical for local travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kriftel.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetarian options; look for greens, potatoes, Grüne Soße variants, salads, and egg/dairy dishes. When in doubt, ask for vegetable-forward plates or simpler pasta/bread-based meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care doctors are available in Kriftel and nearby towns; larger hospitals and specialized care can be found in Frankfurt, Hofheim, or Mainz. Emergency services are accessible by dialing 112.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide