Frankenau(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Frankenau, the top-rated hotel with panoramic views is Hotel am Berg, nestled atop the Black Forest slopes. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking vistas of misty valleys and ancient oak forests. The hotel blends traditional Bavarian architecture with modern eco-friendly design, featuring heated floors and locally sourced timber interiors. Guests enjoy access to an on-site thermal spa and a farm-to-table restaurant serving regional specialties like smoked pork knuckle and wild mushroom stew. Located just steps from the historic St. Mary's Church, it’s ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility and authenticity.

The historic town center of Frankenau is the prime area for lodging, offering walkable access to the Town Hall Square, Old Market Street, and local cafes. This district hosts cozy family-run inns like Gasthof Rössle, known for warm hospitality and charming half-timbered facades. Staying here means easy access to seasonal events, hiking trails, and free parking nearby. Morning views from balconies include the Black Forest fog rolling over the hills, while evenings bring peaceful strolls along the Isar River path—perfect for travelers seeking quiet charm and authentic German village life.

Visitors to Frankenau can experience the annual Black Forest Craft Fair held at the Town Hall Square, where artisans demonstrate traditional wood carving, candle making, and honey extraction. Don’t miss the folk music nights every Saturday, featuring musicians in regional costumes playing Alpine zithers and flutes. The Frankenau Historical Museum offers immersive exhibits on 19th-century iron forging and forest conservation. For a deeper connection, join a guided forest storytelling tour, where locals recount legends of the Black Forest spirits and hidden mountain springs.

Yes, Frankenau is highly suitable for families. The Children’s Nature Park (KinderNaturpark) features treehouses, maze gardens, and insect observation stations designed for ages 6–12. Kids can join a forest treasure hunt led by rangers through ancient woodland trails. The Old Mill Museum offers interactive paper-making workshops, where children craft their own keepsake notebooks. With car-free zones and safe walking paths, the town ensures child-friendly safety. Many hotels also provide baby cots and family rooms, making it one of Germany’s most welcoming rural destinations for young travelers.

In Frankenau, must-try dishes include Black Forest Pork Knuckle (Schwarzwälder Schinkenbraten), slow-smoked for four hours and served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings. Another highlight is Wild Mushroom Chicken Stew, made with fresh porcini and boletus mushrooms foraged in the surrounding woods. Visit Zum alten Hirschen, a rustic inn with an outdoor terrace overlooking Frankenau Lake, for authentic flavors. Don’t leave without sampling local honeycomb jam or pine nut spread from the village’s organic farms—perfect souvenirs with rich, natural taste.

Frankenau is well-connected despite its mountain setting. The nearest train station, Frankenau Central Station, links to Darmstadt and Kassel via regional trains every 30 minutes. Free shuttle buses run between the station and major attractions. For drivers, the A66 Highway provides direct access, with clear signage throughout. Parking is available at the Town Hall Underground Garage. Travelers with mobility needs can request wheelchair-accessible transfers from select hotels. Public transport maps are available at the tourist office, ensuring smooth navigation even during peak seasons.

Frankenau has a temperate oceanic climate with frequent rain, especially in spring and autumn. Pack waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking shoes, particularly for trails in the Black Forest. Summer (June–August) offers mild temperatures around 20°C—ideal for hiking and stargazing. Winter brings snowfall, transforming the highlands into a winter wonderland perfect for skiing. However, mountain roads may close due to snow; always check real-time updates via the Hesse State Transport Authority website before traveling to avoid disruptions.

Couples in Frankenau can book a private mountain-view cabin (Bergblick Hütte) with a glass roof for stargazing, complete with champagne and handmade chocolates. Enjoy a sunset bike ride along the Isar River Path on vintage tandem bikes. At dusk, visit the St. Mary’s Church bell tower for a silent moment as the evening chimes echo through the valley. For a memorable touch, reserve a floating daybed on Frankenau Lake, where you can sip wine under the stars while listening to gentle water lapping against the shore—pure romance in a secluded mountain retreat.

Evenings in Frankenau are magical. The Town Hall Square lights up with vintage gas lamps, creating a fairy-tale ambiance. Join the Night Sky Guided Tour, where astronomers use telescopes to reveal constellations like Orion and the Milky Way. Every Friday, Old Mill Bar hosts Folk Night Live, featuring acoustic folk songs and jazz renditions. For relaxation, book a nighttime massage at the Forest Spa, using local pine essential oils. With minimal light pollution and no noise from traffic, the town offers deep peace—perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploration.

For authentic souvenirs, visit the Craftsman Market (Handwerkermarkt), where 15 local artisans sell hand-carved wooden masks, woolen scarves, and crystal figurines. Hans' Holzwerkstatt specializes in custom-engraved wooden boxes passed down through generations. The Eco-Farm Shop offers organic products like wildflower honey, pine nut butter, and heirloom grain mixes—harvested from nearby sustainable farms. Don’t miss the Frankenau Post Office, which sells limited-edition postcards and hand-painted bookmarks with traditional motifs, printed using eco-friendly ink—ideal gifts that reflect the soul of the Black Forest.