Mainz stretches along the Rhine at its confluence with the River Main. It’s a small university city that is more charming, beautiful and vibrant that the famous neighbors of Cologne and Frankfurt.
Mainz is part of one of the most scenic train rides in all of Germany, to say the least. So travel by train is mandatory. You really can’t miss it, I assure that the ride will be one of the highlights of your trip to Germany.
The train journey is along the banks of the river, its a relaxing journey that dazzles with its ruins of old fortresses, beautiful castles, small medieval towns, and countless vines. Most of the towns in this line are worth a visit if you have the time.
A good way to visit them is to stay in Mainz and do a return day journey to visit some of the most historic towns along the river.
Mainz
Mainz has a charming and inviting Old Town, easily explored by foot. The historic streets impress mostly with it’s fantastic architecture, cobbled streets, beautiful half-timbered houses, small boutiques, appealing open squares, restaurants, wine bars, rustic taverns and interesting museums and churches.
The atmospheric square, where the weekly farmers market takes place is the place where the impressive Roman Catholic church from the 10th century is located. The beautiful Mainz Cathedral – Dom is perfectly situated in the heart of the city, facing the Gutenberg Museum.
This museum is one of the oldest printing museums in the world and was founded over 500 years ago. The exhibition is a journey through the writing and printing history.
Unlike the Dom, the Gutenberg museum is not free. The ticket is 5€ for adults.
From the museum when walking through the pedestrian street “Augustinerstraße” (Augustinerstrasse), you can still see some details of the magnificent cathedral. This street leads to a Roman theatre.
The St. Stephen’s Church It’s another church that deserves a visit, for its world-famous Chagall windows. They have that name because of the ethereal stained-glass created by the Russian-Jewish artist Marc Chagall, as a symbol of the Jewish–Christian reconciliation.
A walk on the promenade along the Rhine River banks is also great.
Useful tips
- Mainz old town is a bit more than one kilometer from the train station.
- Cycling is also an option in Mainz, you just need the install an app to use one of the many public bicycles around town.
- Ryanair links several European airports with Frankfurt-Hahn airport, which is closer to Mainz than Frankfurt.
- To reach the airport from the city or the city from the airport buy online a ticket from one of the low-cost bus companies. The bus is direct and takes 1.30h.
- If you’re a fan of Carnaval you should go in February to take part in the traditional carnival festivities.
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha