Clustered with beautiful Baroque buildings and religious landmarks, Fulda is a photogenic city that lies on a river of the same name north-east of Frankfurt. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century and is the resting place of one of Germany’s most important saints. Fulda is located along the German Timber-Frame Road, which celebrates destinations featuring traditional fachwerk architecture.
Things to do in Fulda
An excellent first port of call is the Vonderau Museum, which explores the social, cultural and natural history of Fulda. Browse the archaeological exhibits that detail the settlement’s Stone Age origins, then embark on a journey through space in the state-of-the-art planetarium. Also on display are examples of the Fuldamobil, a three-wheeled vehicle manufactured in the city between 1950 and 1969.
In the heart of Fulda is the Baroque Fulda Cathedral, a former abbey church and the burial place of Saint Boniface, a pioneer of Christianity in the Germanic parts of the Frankish Empire. Gaze up at its 65-metre-high towers and the ornately decorated portal door, then get up close to treasured vessels, religious artworks and the dagger that killed Saint Boniface in the Dommuseum.
Dating from the early 18th century is the Stadtschloss, which once served as a residence for Fulda’s prince abbots and bishops. Its beautifully preserved rooms are open to the public, with fine porcelain ware, period furnishings and sculptures on display. Don’t miss the stunning Hall of Mirrors or a stroll through the landscaped gardens.
Getting around Fulda
Fulda is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Frankfurt Airport and regular trains connect from central Frankfurt to the Fulda railway station. Buses travel throughout Fulda while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.