Port guide: Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories.
This once dull financial capital is Germany's most overlooked city but is lively, cultured, and has buzzing neighbourhoods and great dining and shopping scenes.
Who goes there
A-Rosa, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking are among companies that sail the Main River. Itineraries are varied, with some concentrating on the Main between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, and others sailing longer journeys onto the Rhine and Danube which are connected by the Main River and Main-Danube Canal. Cruises also run in winter during the Christmas-market season.
Sail on in
Your ship sails right into downtown Frankfurt, marked by the small skyscrapers of the business district. If you're heading downstream, you'll first pass Gerbermuhle set amid greenery and chestnut trees on the port side. Goethe stayed at this former summer residence of a Frankfurt banker (now a hotel) for a month in 1815 and fell in love with Marianne von Willemer, whom he immortalised in poetry.
Berth rites
Ships dock at several locations along Untermainkai or occasionally at Osthafen depending on the cruise line. There are no terminals, with passengers disembarking onto quays and promenades. Untermainkai is a convenient location, with the old-town centre a 20-minute walk, and lively Sachsenhausen district located just across the river.
Going ashore
The medieval core, almost all recreated after World War II bombing, centres on the red sandstone cathedral and buzzy Romerberg Square. The Gothic city hall is worth a squizz. Goethe House was the birthplace of Germany's most famous writer and, even if you aren't literary, is a fine showcase of middle-class, 18th-century living. If you're a fan of views, head to the observation deck atop Commerzbank Tower. Frankfurt is leafy, but the best park might be 19th-century botanical Palmengarten, which often hosts summer concerts. Save some time to plunder the shops. Pedestrian Zeil is upmarket, Hauptwache mid-range, and Goethestrasse packs in some fine antiques.
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The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Port guide: Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. This once dull financial capital is Germany's most overlooked city but is lively, cultured, and has buzzing neighbourhoods and great dining and shopping scenes. Who goes there A-Rosa, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking are among companies that sail the Main River. Itineraries are varied, with some concentrating on the Main between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, and others sailing longer journeys onto the Rhine and Danube which are connected by the Main River and Main-Danube Canal. Cruises also run in winter during the Christmas-market season. Sail on in Your ship sails right into downtown Frankfurt, marked by the small skyscrapers of the business district. If you're heading downstream, you'll first pass Gerbermuhle set amid greenery and chestnut trees on the port side. Goethe stayed at this former summer residence of a Frankfurt banker (now a hotel) for a month in 1815 and fell in love with Marianne von Willemer, whom he immortalised in poetry. Berth rites Ships dock at several locations along Untermainkai or occasionally at Osthafen depending on the cruise line. There are no terminals, with passengers disembarking onto quays and promenades. Untermainkai is a convenient location, with the old-town centre a 20-minute walk, and lively Sachsenhausen district located just across the river. Going ashore The medieval core, almost all recreated after World War II bombing, centres on the red sandstone cathedral and buzzy Romerberg Square. The Gothic city hall is worth a squizz. Goethe House was the birthplace of Germany's most famous writer and, even if you aren't literary, is a fine showcase of middle-class, 18th-century living. If you're a fan of views, head to the observation deck atop Commerzbank Tower. Frankfurt is leafy, but the best park might be 19th-century botanical Palmengarten, which often hosts summer concerts. Save some time to plunder the shops. Pedestrian Zeil is upmarket, Hauptwache mid-range, and Goethestrasse packs in some fine antiques.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Port guide: Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. This once dull financial capital is Germany's most overlooked city but is lively, cultured, and has buzzing neighbourhoods and great dining and shopping scenes. Who goes there A-Rosa, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking are among companies that sail the Main River. Itineraries are varied, with some concentrating on the Main between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, and others sailing longer journeys onto the Rhine and Danube which are connected by the Main River and Main-Danube Canal. Cruises also run in winter during the Christmas-market season. Sail on in Your ship sails right into downtown Frankfurt, marked by the small skyscrapers of the business district. If you're heading downstream, you'll first pass Gerbermuhle set amid greenery and chestnut trees on the port side. Goethe stayed at this former summer residence of a Frankfurt banker (now a hotel) for a month in 1815 and fell in love with Marianne von Willemer, whom he immortalised in poetry. Berth rites Ships dock at several locations along Untermainkai or occasionally at Osthafen depending on the cruise line. There are no terminals, with passengers disembarking onto quays and promenades. Untermainkai is a convenient location, with the old-town centre a 20-minute walk, and lively Sachsenhausen district located just across the river. Going ashore The medieval core, almost all recreated after World War II bombing, centres on the red sandstone cathedral and buzzy Romerberg Square. The Gothic city hall is worth a squizz. Goethe House was the birthplace of Germany's most famous writer and, even if you aren't literary, is a fine showcase of middle-class, 18th-century living. If you're a fan of views, head to the observation deck atop Commerzbank Tower. Frankfurt is leafy, but the best park might be 19th-century botanical Palmengarten, which often hosts summer concerts. Save some time to plunder the shops. Pedestrian Zeil is upmarket, Hauptwache mid-range, and Goethestrasse packs in some fine antiques.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bigger is better: The world's 20 largest islands you need to visit
Sometimes bigger can be the best – for starters, there's more choice and more space. And so it is with islands. The world's biggest islands have some of the world's biggest coastlines: so there are more beaches to disappear to, and more bays and fjords where no one else goes. There's more hinterland too. With some of the islands on this list, such as Greenland, and Honshu, that means bigger mountains: colossal ranges that dwarf all who stand below, offering untold adventures, or at the very least, awe-inspiring backdrops. The world's biggest islands (Australia is an island-continent, rather than an island, so doesn't make the list) have bigger wilderness areas, from barely touched forests in destinations such as New Guinea or Madagascar, to glaciers at the ends of the Earth, in places such as Iceland, or Greenland. Then there are big islands out there we know little about. Barely four kilometres north of Australia lies New Guinea, the world's second-biggest island, full of adventure, culture, warm seas and World War II history. Then there's Indonesia's Bali – which was visited by 1.5 million Australians last year, making it our top international destination – and Java, the 13th biggest island on Earth, which is packed with ancient temples and barely visited beaches and national parks. Big islands mean big opportunities: to find somewhere magical, all for yourselves. To those who think the world has been 'done', here's a list of the world's 20 biggest islands offering untold adventures. Greenland Vital statistics The world's largest island, at more than 2 million square kilometres, is located north-east of Canada and north-west of Iceland. They say 'Greenland's coastline is riddled with fjords and inlets, through which the magnificent ice sheet seeps out into the surrounding oceans … bring one of only two polar ice caps in the world directly to your doorstep.' We say Greenland is fast becoming one of the planet's best adventure destinations for those who like it wild, with 50,000 residents among ice sheets, glaciers, fjords and polar bears. It's expensive to get around (there are no roads outside its small towns), the weather's unpredictable and the scale of the place can be overwhelming, but that's all part of the adventure. See + do The best way to see Greenland is on a cruise, though given its size, you'll still have to decide what region you would prefer to visit. West Greenland offers charming towns such as Uummannaq and the capital, Nuuk, and a range of boat tours out of Disko Bay; the north-east offers the world's largest national park, full of wildlife and icy wilderness. Essentials Adventurers and cruisers should come between May and September, and Northern Lights seekers in winter. Fly with Air Greenland or Iceland Air from Copenhagen or Reykjavik, or take an international cruise. See New Guinea Vital statistics New Guinea is the world's second-largest island. It's split into two countries, Papua New Guinea and West Papua (a province of Indonesia), and is just north of Australia They say 'New Guinea is one of the world's most beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush forests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make [it] an increasingly popular destination.' We say Be cautious, but don't be afraid. Avoid high-risk areas such as Port Moresby, then discover this untapped destination. There are World War II wrecks in some of the clearest ocean on Earth and culturally, New Guinea offers a window into the past: locals live off the land and sea and speak 1000 dialects. See + do The islands off PNG and the archipelagos of West Papua, especially Raja Ampat, are home to the most biodiverse reef systems on Earth. Consider an expedition ship journey which incorporates these islands. Jungle trekking tours are available all over, especially in PNG's highlands. Surfing, fishing and diving are world-class. Essentials Visit during the dry season, May to October. There are no direct flights to West Papua, but you can fly via Bali to Sorong or via Port Moresby. Visas are available on arrival. See Madagascar Vital statistics The fourth-biggest island on Earth, Madagascar is located 400 kilometres east of Africa. They say 'The fauna and flora of Madagascar are outstanding riches. You will discover unique species with nearly seven types of baobabs, 19,000 plant species and more than 100,000 different species of fauna.' We say Bring cash, credit cards are rarely accepted. Also consider a hire car and driver because the roads in Madagascar are terrible. Or, better still, visit with a tour company. The infrastructure of Madagascar is challenging (to say the least), but the attractions are worth it. It's evolved in isolation for 90 million years: 90 per cent of its fauna and flora exist nowhere else. See + do The landscapes are mind-blowing, the creatures unique – and bizarre. See the best of it at national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo. And don't forget the beaches which rival ones in Mauritius, elsewhere in the Indian Pacific. Head to the north-west coast to Nosy Be, the Anjajavy Peninsula and Nosy Iranja for the best of them. Essentials Visit during the dry season from April to November and fly via Mauritius. Visas are available on arrival. See Sumatra, Indonesia Vital statistics The sixth-largest island on Earth, Sumatra is west of Java and south of the Malay Peninsula in Western Indonesia. They say 'Indonesia's lush island is rich in biodiversity, culture, and stunning landscapes. Embark on an adventure in Gunung Leuser National Park … visit Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in South-East Asia … head to Mentawai, a world-renowned surfing destination.' We say Sumatra is an island of extraordinary beauty. There are volcanoes within wild jungles where tigers, elephants and orangutans dwell. But it's all so fragile. Scientists call what's going on here 'ecocide' since more than half of Sumatra's old-growth rainforest has been lost in 30 years with those aforementioned creatures critically endangered. See + do There's just so much. Surfers and beach lovers should go to the tiny islands off the west coast for the best waves and beach culture (the Mentawis, the Banyaks). Go trekking through wild jungle searching for orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, while Kerinci Seblat National Park offers the best chance of spotting a Sumatran tiger. The world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba, is well worth a look. Essentials The dry season is best, between May and September. There are no direct flights from Australia so fly to Medan or Pedang (for the west coast islands) from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta or Bangkok. See Newfoundland, Canada Vital statistics Newfoundland, the world's 16th-biggest island, is the easternmost province of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. They say 'There's enough coastline … to stretch across Canada four times over. Whether you take a hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales, or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs, you'll find it all comes with an ocean view.' We say Perhaps you know this island best from the book-cum-film, The Shipping News. It's as quirky as portrayed in both. Locals sound a little like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, and wow, they do love a chat. Throw in wilderness, fjords and wild creatures such as moose and polar bears beside a sea of icebergs and whales, and you've got one of the most underrated, uncrowded nature escapes. See + do Rent a car – there's a great highway network. Kayak through fjords and hike into the Earth's mantle at Gros Morne National Park. Explore the capital, St Johns, which has the highest concentration of bars per person in North America and colourful row-houses. Examine where the first Europeans lived in the Americas 400 years before Columbus at L'Anse aux Meadows. Essentials Spring and summer are best, but avoid July; fly to one of five airports from Calgary or Toronto. See Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) Vital statistics The third-biggest island, Borneo, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, Indonesia's Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. They say 'Borneo is a popular destination known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife with each [of the three nations that share it] offering various attractions for tourists to explore.' We say It's been a battle between Malaysia and Indonesia as to who can destroy the most rainforest – driven by logging, mining and agricultural expansion. But while the damage is obvious, there's still so much wildness to experience, and each state or country feels totally different from the other. See + do Indonesian Kalimantan feels the rawest. Trek to see orangutans in Tanjung Putting National Park then cool off snorkelling among reef and diverse marine life at the Derawan Archipelago. The bite-sized nation of Brunei offers a taste of Islamic culture and is mostly made up of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Sabah and Sarawak offer everything from a walk up a 4000-metre-high mountain (Mount Kinabalu) to World War II historical sites and rainforest adventures including orangutan rehabilitation areas. And then there are the island resorts. Honshu Vital statistics Japan's largest island, the world's seventh-biggest, is located roughly in the middle portion of Japan. They say 'Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. But its size and geographic diversity also mean there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding.' We say There's something for every traveller. Honshu has the most populous metropolitan area on the planet (Greater Tokyo is home to 37 million people), but where Tokyo feels futuristic, much of Honshu feels like you're time travelling backwards. It's that constant shift between history and modernity that makes it fascinating. Bullet trains, travelling at up to 320km/h, transport tourists between destinations. See + do Choose your own adventure. Skiers love the mountains that crisscross Honshu. It offers the world's deepest snow, ryokan accommodation options and onsens. Explore original fortresses such as Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and ancient villages and World Heritage religious sites in lesser-known Tohoku. The almost-4000-metre Mount Fuji is visible from Tokyo on a clear day. Essentials Snow lovers should visit in January or February. Summer can get sweaty so consider autumn or spring though bear in mind the spring cherry blossom season is tourist-heavy. There are direct flights to Tokyo. See Mindanao, Philippines Vital statistics The largest island in the Philippines and the world's 19th-biggest, Mindanao is located in the south of the country. They say 'Mindanao offers natural beauty – beaches, mountains and waterfalls – as well as a rich cultural heritage.' We say Long regarded as the Philippines' most volatile island, warnings advise Australians to avoid the central and western regions. But at 100,000 square kilometres, there's much to see, and it's rarely crowded with tourists, like some other parts of the Philippines. It's home to some of the country's best beaches, its tallest mountain and the country's most diverse culture. See + do There's plenty to see in Mindanao's north-eastern region, including Siargao Island, home to some of the world's best surf breaks plus Mindanao's best beaches and beach resorts. Go white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and swim in the Enchanted River, a sapphire-coloured saltwater lagoon, on the east coast. Essentials Travel during the dry season from November to April. There are many airports to fly to from Manila – consider Sayak Airport on Siargao Island. See Iceland Vital statistics The 18th-largest island on Earth is just below the Arctic Circle, between North America and Europe. They say 'Iceland, a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscape, is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world's most active volcanoes.' We say Iceland gets jammed with tourists every summer, and its prices go higher each year. But it's easy to hit the road to escape the crowds in its 100,000 square kilometres, though avoid July and August. You'll discover glaciers, volcanoes and fjords with no one near them, especially if you head to the east. See + do Iceland will be one of the best places to experience a total solar eclipse on August 12 next year; rent a car and drive along the Volcanic Way, a new 700-kilometre road trip through Iceland's southern volcanic landscape. Take a whale-watching boat trip from Husavik, Iceland's whale-watching capital, or hike among stunning waterfalls on the Waterfall Circle in the eastern highlands. Essentials Consider the shoulder season in May and September to mid-October, or in winter for the Northern Lights. Connect to Reykjavik by air from across Europe and the UK. See Java, Indonesia Vital statistics Java is the 13th-biggest island, located between Bali and Sumatra. They say 'Java is the cultural heart of Indonesia, discover the vibrant energy of modern cities and the timeless charm of world-renowned cultural heritage sites.' We say It's the world's most populated island, but it's easy to find an escape. The Australians who venture beyond Bali to Java, discover a wonderland of landscape and culture: from the world's largest Buddhist temple to blue-flamed volcanoes and the world's rarest mammals. It's probably best to avoid the packed and environmentally challenged capital, Jakarta. See + do Visit Borobudur Temple, the world's biggest Buddhist temple, which was built in the 8th and 9th centuries; head to the south-west tip to World Heritage-listed Ujung Kulon National Park for stunning beaches and pristine coral; check out Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's coolest culture cities and discover Hindu temples dating back to the seventh century among volcanoes on the Dieng Plateau. Essentials Travel from May to October in the dry season; fly to Jakarta from Australia or Bali which has ferry connections to and from Java. See Big islands we know and love Great Britain Combining England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great Britain is the world's ninth-largest island, attracting more than 40 million visitors a year. Beyond London, consider the wild coastline of southern Wales, including the port town of Tenby, Bath's Roman history or Northern Ireland's magical northern coast, including the Giant's Causeway. See South Island, New Zealand The 12th-largest island is one of the world's most stunning alpine wildernesses. But while we know the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, it's only the beginning. Discover wine regions such as Central Otago and Marlborough, explore the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and hike the trails of World Heritage-listed national parks. See Loading North Island, New Zealand Two spots in size below its southern neighbour, the North Island may look entirely different, but it's stacked too with natural wonders, including its isolated golden beaches and islands and its under-visited 'winterless north'. Add to that the North Island's vibrant ties of Auckland and Wellington and the proud Maori culture, and you'll see it's worth including on your itinerary. See Cuba Holidaying on the 17th-largest island on Earth is like time-travelling; 1950s American cars cruise the streets of the capital, Havana, while the nation's beaches are a must. But it's no easy feat to get here. In 2021 Cuba was declared a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US State Department, meaning you'll lose your right to an ESTA to travel back to the US. You'll have to fly there through South America with LATAM, or through Canada with Air Canada. See Ireland Scraping in at No. 20 size-wise, Ireland offers everything to everybody. A diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches and that famous green, green grass is interspersed with historic castles, churches and estates as well as towns full of friendly locals keen for a chat (and a drink). Really, there's barely an inch of Ireland that won't fascinate. See Big islands you may not have heard of Baffin Island, Canada The world's fifth-largest island with a population of only 13,000 is located east of Canada's mainland and offers an escape focused on adventure and wildlife viewing. In summer, when there's less ice, consider an expedition cruise to spot polar bears, beluga whales, narwhals and Baffin Island wolves. See Luzon, Philippines We know Manila is on Luzon – the world's 15th-largest island – but it is overshadowed by the Philippines' more famous islands, such as Boracay. Luzon offers everything: historic towns of Spanish colonial architecture, active volcanoes, World Heritage-listed rice terraces and stunning beaches. See Loading Victoria Island, Canada The planet's eighth-largest island is located to the west of Baffin Island within the Arctic Archipelago (flights do run from a little further south in the North-West Territories). It isn't easy to access so the best way to see the island is on an expedition ship, though you can book outdoor activities such as fishing, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling from its main settlement, Cambridge Bay, home to 2000 locals. See Sulawesi, Indonesia The world's 11th-largest island is north of Bali and you can fly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Land in the capital, Makassar, and explore its karst landscape then escape to the beaches of Pantai Bira. Fly north for biodiversity – Bunaken Marine Park is a diver's dream. See
