Kronberg im Taunus: Castle, Old Town and Culture

Castle and historic old town

Kronberg Castle stands on a rocky spur on the southern slope of the Taunus and offers views of the Rhine-Main Plain. Exhibits at the Kronberg Castle Museum include a faithful replica of 14th-century armor belonging to Hartmuth VI of Kronberg and a Gothic kitchen. The kitchen features a large fireplace, a well and various utensils. Since 2008, a permanent exhibition on the history of the castle has been on display in the north wing of the central castle. In the broader Hochtaunus travel destination, the museum and interior rooms of Kronberg Castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.

Half-timbered houses shape the old town and give it a medieval feel. St. John’s Church features impressive tombs of the von Kronberg family and a painted wooden barrel vault. The Streitkirche stands right next door: it was built as a Catholic church in the 18th century under the rule of the Electors of Mainz, but was never consecrated as one. Another historic site is the Receptur, a former administrative building from the Electoral Mainz period. Its courtyard opens behind a 16th-century archway. The Kronberg Lantern Trail links silhouette images on lanterns in the old town with guided walks featuring historical scenes. The images depict major events and small anecdotes from the past.

Art and design

Kronberg’s art history also reaches back to the 19th century: around the middle of the century, painters from the Städel Art Institute in Frankfurt discovered the town as an idyllic spot in nature and founded an artists’ colony there. Since 2001, the Kronberg Artists’ Colony Museum has displayed works by artists from the colony. The Braun Collection offers a different perspective. Its permanent exhibition traces the development of the Braun company in technology and design; changing exhibitions showcase objects from its design archive. The areas of focus are therefore distinct: one centers on painting and the artists’ colony, the other on the history of technology and design.

Spring park and Opel Zoo

Kronthal Spring Park is a historic garden with mature trees and springs. A mineral spring in the small valley was first mentioned in a document in the mid-16th century. At Opel Zoo, walking routes and nature trails provide views into the enclosures across the 27-hectare site. The zoo is home to around 1,700 animals from more than 220 species, mostly from Africa, Asia and Europe. Animal and species numbers may change.

Opel Zoo’s educational programs are aimed at kindergartens, school classes from primary school through to upper-secondary graduation classes, and other groups. They include, for example, holiday activities, children’s birthday parties, trips for seniors and company outings. If you are planning a group visit, check the current program details in advance. The paths around the zoo and its educational programs are different aspects of a visit: the walking routes offer views into the enclosures, while the educational activities are aimed at specific groups.

Getting there and finding accommodation

You can reach Kronberg from Frankfurt Central Station in less than 20 minutes on S-Bahn line 4. Check the current timetable before you travel. If arriving by car, the centrally located parking garage at Berliner Platz is one parking option in Kronberg; check the current parking conditions in advance.

The castle and old town offer historic buildings and exhibits, while the history of art and design provides further opportunities to visit museums. The spring park and Opel Zoo complement these cultural attractions with a garden and wildlife. This makes it easy to search for hotels in Kronberg based on your interests during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Neu-Anspach, Königstein im Taunus, Usingen, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Weilrod, Oberursel, Schmitten, Glashütten.

Return to the overview of the wider region: Hochtaunus.