Right on the left bank of the River Main and in the southwest of Frankfurt am Main, the Hessian town of Kelsterbach is a perfect place for a city trip.
Kelsterbach was originally recorded in the 9th century and has developed today into a lively, economically active town. While the Oberdorf (upper village) contains newly built housing developments, the restored traditional town centre of Kelsterbach is found in the Unterdorf (lower village). During your mini-break here you can experience festivals like the Kelsterbach Kerb (fair) and enjoy the delicacies Kelsterbach has to offer. The Taunus mountains will convince you to take a short trip into nature and you can reach them in just half an hour from the town by car.
The Mönchhofkapelle (monks’ chapel), between the areas of Raunheim and Kelsterbach, attracts many visitors on a city trip to Kelsterbach. The chapel is shrouded by the trees of a small cemetery and is a reminder that masses have been held in this place since the beginning of the 12th century. Once belonging to the village of Wüsteneddersheim, the chapel was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. In March 2008, eleven out of the twelve apostles’ crosses were rediscovered in the course of restoration work. You can explore the building from outside.
The Municipal Museum in the lower village of Kelsterbach is home to exhibits of Kelsterbach porcelain and glazed earthenware as well as the old clock from St. Martin’s church tower and artefacts from the Paleolithic Era to the Iron Age and the Roman Period. In the museum you will see models of former ships from the River Main and a tugboat called the Maakuh , which was pulled along the Main by means of a chain in the river and whose steam horn sounded like cows mooing. Learn about the methods for tailoring with rabbit fur that were used to produce rabbit fur hats.
The Wolfenburg was the former Kelsterbach castle. It was built by Count Wolfgang von Ysenburg-Ronneburg in the mid-16th century and was badly damaged during the Thirty Years’ War. Today the ruins are a reminder of the once magnificent Renaissance building. There is a model you can visit in the Municipal Museum.
The Mainanlage (Main park) on the banks of the Main will ensure you have a relaxing break on your trip to Kelsterbach. Luscious grassy areas beside the flowing River Main will persuade you to stay a while. In the summer months passenger ships dock in the marina and offer the chance to explore the banks of the Main from the water. South of Kelsterbach, the Staudenweiher (plants pond) will beckon you to visit on your city trip. From a viewing pavilion you have a wonderful view over the former quarry and its banks bordered by weeds and trees.
