GrünGürtel Rundwanderweg

The greener side of Germany's banking capital

Opened in 2003, the GrünGürtel trail goes full circle round Frankfurt's parks, gardens and immediate countryside. Glorious views of the city skyline and surrounding hills follow one after another, as you stride ahead through a variety of different landscapes - revealing a leafier side to the financial heart of Germany.

Most people associate Frankfurt with banks, big business and skyscrapers. Only a lucky few are aware of how enjoyable it is for walking. Unsurprisingly, the nearby hills of the Taunus, Spessart and Odenwald forest have always hogged the limelight, attracting weekend walkers from all over the Rhine-Main region. But more and more people are staying close to home to enjoy the municipal forest and the Nidda valley. Instead of heading for the shops on a Saturday or Sunday, they're taking the bus, train or metro to the outskirts of Frankfurt and exploring their city on foot.

South of the River Main, a walk through the beautiful Stadtwald woods reveals scattered lakes and patches of true ancient forest; the north-west is characterised by endless corn and beet fields, while the cider apple orchards in the north-east offer a splendid counterpoint to the famous skyscrapers. Nature is never too far from view here. Of special note is the section between Heiligenstock and Lohrberg where the views alternate between the Frankfurt skyline and the Taunus hills. Particularly eye-catching are the Altkönig and Grosser Feldberg peaks that rise majestically on the horizon. A long section of the GrünGürtel runs along level ground beside the Nidda river, which rises in the Vogelsberg hills and flows into the Main at Höchst. Round trip completed, you can switch from peace and quiet to hustle and bustle in one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Frankfurt is all the more charming for its unique contrast between ultra-modern skyscrapers in the banking district and historical houses in the old quarter.