Things To Do
in Oberursel

Oberursel sits at the edge of the Taunus hills just north of Frankfurt, blending medieval charm with forested landscapes. Its well-preserved Altstadt winds around timber-framed houses, and hillside trails offer quick access to nature. The town serves as a gateway for hikers and culture lovers alike, with a relaxed pace and easy rail connections into the Frankfurt metropolitan area.

Expect scenic viewpoints, local Hessian cuisine, and a warm, small-town atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Oberursel
morning
:

Arrive at Frankfurt Airport and take a short train ride to Oberursel. Check into your cozy accommodation and prepare for your adventures ahead. Take a leisurely walk around the charming town square to acclimatize yourself to the local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a local café, sampling traditional German fare. Explore the picturesque streets lined with half-timbered houses and boutique shops. Don’t forget to visit the stunning St. Ursula Church, a noteworthy architectural gem.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional German restaurant, indulging in local specialties like Sauerbraten or Bratwurst. Take an evening stroll in the nearby parks, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the town. Optionally, visit a local pub to mingle with the friendly locals.

day 2
Hiking in the Taunus Mountains
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a hiking trip into the scenic Taunus Mountains. Choose a well-marked trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Prepare to immerse yourself in the forest's tranquility while enjoying the fresh air.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful landscape. Continue your hike, discovering hidden waterfalls and wildlife along the way. Wrap up your hiking adventure with a visit to the ancient Roman fort ruins.

evening
:

Return to Oberursel for a well-deserved dinner at a restaurant specializing in regional cuisine. Relish in the flavors of the region while sharing stories of your day's adventure. Conclude the evening with a relaxed walk back to your accommodation under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$3-5
🍺Beer at a bar$4-7
🚌Public transit (1-day pass)$5-10
🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center)$1,200-1,800

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Frankfurt with easy rail connections
  • Charming and walkable historic center
  • Access to the Taunus hills for hiking and outdoor activities
  • Strong local cuisine and welcoming Hessian culture
  • Limited nightlife within Oberursel itself
  • Smaller town amenities compared to nearby Frankfurt
  • Some services and shops may close on Sundays
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like to have ...

Places to Visit in Oberursel

Visit one of these nice places.

Altstadt Oberursel (Market Square and Timber-Framed Houses)

Colorful facades, cobbled streets, and the historic Rathaus create quintessential German townscape shots.

St. Ursula Church

A striking church with a prominent tower; great for architectural details and interior photography.

Schlossberg Viewpoint

Taunus panorama and town rooftops framed by forested hills; especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.

Oberurseler Stadtwald (City Forest Trails)

Quiet woodland paths, dappled light, and seasonal flora ideal for nature and long-exposure shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Oberursel

Oberursel sits in Hesse near Frankfurt, where Hessian cuisine centers on comforting, seasonal fare, fresh produce, and regional beverages like apple wine.

Oberursel Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grüne Soße

A cold herb sauce made from a mix of garden herbs (such as parsley, chives, chervil, dill, and mint) traditionally served with potatoes and eggs or with meat.

Must-Try!

Handkäse mit Musik

Marinated cheese served with onions and rye bread; best enjoyed with a glass of Apfelwein.

Rippchen mit Kraut

Slow-braised pork ribs with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes—a hearty Hessian classic.

Apfelwein (Äppelwoi)

Apple wine served in a traditional Bembel; dry or semi-dry and a perfect match for rustic dishes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Oberurseler Wochenmarkt

Weekly market on the Marktplatz with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, sausages, and local specialties.

Seasonal Street Food Stands

During town festivals and market days, temporary stalls offer pretzels, currywurst, and regional snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Oberursel experiences a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. The Taunus hills influence local weather, bringing higher rainfall in the spring and autumn and more sunshine in summer. Snow is common on higher elevations in winter, while the town itself remains relatively mild due to its proximity to Frankfurt.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is respected in both daily life and formal settings.

Greetings

A firm handshake and polite greeting in German; use Sie with strangers and switch to Du only when invited.

Recycling and Quiet Hours

Germany emphasizes proper waste separation; be mindful of quiet hours in residential areas, especially at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall, Oberursel is a safe town with a friendly atmosphere. Typical urban precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings at night, and use well-lit pedestrian routes. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112 for medical or fire and 110 for police.

Tipping in Oberursel

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% as a tip is common; service charges are not typically included unless stated. Cash or card payments are widely accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long afternoons; outdoor cafés buzz with activity, and there are often local festivals. Expect occasional thunderstorms and good conditions for hilltop hikes.

Autumn

Pleasant hiking weather with colorful foliage; golden-hour light over Taunus is ideal for photography and outdoor meals.

Winter

Cool to cold and sometimes snowy; Christmas markets bring festive atmosphere and cozy cafés with hot drinks.

Spring

Milder temperatures and blooming trees and flowers; great for outdoor strolls and early-season hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Oberursel at Night

Oberursel offers a low-key nightlife with cozy pubs, wine bars, and beer gardens around the Altstadt. For a more vibrant scene, Frankfurt’s clubs and live-music venues are accessible by short train rides, making it easy to combine a relaxed evening in town with a night out in the city.

Hiking in Oberursel

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Großer Feldberg Trail

Popular summit hike in the Taunus with sweeping valley views and well-marked paths.

Altkönig Circular

A scenic loop through forested slopes with rewarding panoramic outlooks.

Weihergraben to Oberursel Vista

Short, easy routes ideal for leisurely walks and photography of the landscape.

Airports

How to reach Oberursel by plane.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Major international hub just south of Oberursel; excellent rail and road links to the town and the Frankfurt region.

Frankfurt-Egelsbach Airport (local/GA)

Smaller regional airfield used by general aviation and private planes; helpful if you’re arriving by private aircraft.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is compact and walkable, with most attractions, cafés, and markets reachable on foot. Some steep streets and cobblestones can be challenging, but public transit is convenient for longer trips. Overall, Oberursel rewards pedestrians and is a great base for exploring the Taunus by foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Growing families with good local schools and safe neighborhoods.

Young Professionals

Commuters who work in Frankfurt and the surrounding area.

Students

Access to higher education institutions in the region and affordable housing options.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed in the area, with local clubs and community leagues.

Hiking and Trail Running

Very popular due to the Taunus hills; numerous trails and scenic routes nearby.

Transportation

Traffic

Oberursel benefits from good regional connectivity via the A5 and A66, with easy access to Frankfurt. Within town, streets can be narrow and parking can be limited in the historic center; public transit (S-Bahn, bus) is a convenient alternative. Traffic around Frankfurt can be busy during peak hours, so plan travel accordingly.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Oberursel.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for Grüne Soße variants, salads, and cheese-based dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Germany provides high-quality healthcare with many doctors and hospitals within reasonable reach. In Oberursel you’ll find general practitioners and specialists, and English-speaking staff are common in urban areas. Always carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or your private health insurance information when traveling.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide