Idstein, Hesse

I’d never really heard much about Idstein before this road trip, but it ended up being one of those places I’m so pleased we stopped in. We weren’t rushing to tick off attractions or follow a guide. We just wandered, and I think that’s the best way to see it.

The old town is full of wonky half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and little corners that make you stop and take another photo (well – it did me, at least!). It felt like we’d stepped into a postcard. Despite visiting in the middle of summer, it was surprisingly quiet. We could stroll without weaving through crowds, peek into little shops and simply enjoy being there.

I think that’s what I loved most about Idstein. Nothing was trying too hard. There weren’t souvenir shops on every corner or long queues outside the main sights. It felt like a proper town where people live, work and meet friends for coffee, and we just happened to be passing through.

We had a delicious meal of local tradtional Schnitzel and watched the locals go about their day before heading back to our air bnb before a busy day in Frankfurt the next day.

If you’re driving through this part of Germany, I’d genuinely recommend making the detour. You don’t need a full day. Just a couple of hours, comfy shoes and no real plan. Wander the streets, look up at the colourful buildings and enjoy the slower pace. It’s proof that some of the best places on a road trip are the ones you weren’t expecting to love.

Accommodation: We stayed in a small apartment on the outskirts of Idstein. A short, 10 minute drive from the centre. It can be found here.

Parking: Parking was easy to find, we parked in a free carpark here.