How long does it take to walk through Frankfurt's Old Town?

A standard walk through the main historical sites takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This distance covers about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) and includes plenty of time for photos at the Römerberg and the Cathedral. The terrain is flat and very easy to navigate.

Is Frankfurt Cathedral free to visit?

Entry to the main area of the Frankfurt Cathedral is generally free for visitors. However, there is usually a small fee if you wish to visit the Cathedral Museum or climb the tower for panoramic views of the city skyline. Always check for service times, as sightseeing is restricted during mass.

Where can I find the best walking tour Frankfurt has for history lovers?

For history enthusiasts, the Altstadt (Old Town) offers the most dense concentration of landmarks. A self-guided walk from the Römerberg to the Cathedral allows you to see the imperial coronation sites and the birth of German democracy at your own pace. This route provides a comprehensive look at the city's role in the Holy Roman Empire.

Can I see Roman ruins in Frankfurt?

Yes, you can see significant Roman remains at the Kaiserpfalz franconofurd archaeological site near the Cathedral. The site features foundations from a Roman bathhouse and a Carolingian palace. It is an open-air site protected by a modern canopy, making it accessible year-round.

Why is St. Paul's Church famous in Germany?

St. Paul's Church is famous for hosting the first freely elected German National Assembly in 1848. It is considered the 'Cradle of German Democracy' because it was the site where the first democratic constitution for Germany was drafted. Today, it serves as a memorial and cultural venue rather than an active church.

Is a guided tour Frankfurt necessary to see the Altstadt?

While a guided tour Frankfurt can be informative, the Altstadt is very walkable and well-signed for independent explorers. Using a self-guided audio walk allows you to linger at the sites that interest you most, such as the Goethe House or the Cathedral, without following a group schedule. Most major landmarks are within a 10-minute walk of each other.

What is the best time of day to visit the Römerberg?

The best time to visit the Römerberg is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Early morning light is particularly beautiful for photographing the half-timbered houses. If you visit in the evening, the square is beautifully illuminated, though some interior sites like the Cathedral will be closed.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Frankfurt is often seen as a city of steel and glass, a financial hub dominated by skyscrapers. However, beneath the shadows of the 'Mainhattan' skyline lies a storied past that shaped the course of European history. This self-guided walking route invites you to step back in time and follow the footsteps of the Holy Roman Emperors. For centuries, Frankfurt served as the site of imperial elections and coronations, turning this bend in the Main River into the symbolic heart of an empire that spanned much of the continent. Your journey begins at the Römerberg, the city's iconic central square. Here, you'll encounter the distinct half-timbered houses and the historic Römer, which has served as Frankfurt's city hall for over 600 years. As you explore independently, you will traverse the 'Coronation Path,' the ceremonial route taken by newly crowned kings as they made their way from the Cathedral to the banquet halls. This area, known as the Dom-Römer Quarter, has been meticulously reconstructed to blend modern living with medieval charm, offering a unique look at how the city honors its architectural heritage. The route leads you to the Kaiserdom, or Imperial Cathedral, where the electors gathered to choose the next ruler. You'll also discover the archaeological roots of the city at the Kaiserpfalz franconofurd, where Roman remains and Carolingian foundations sit side-by-side. The narrative then shifts from imperial power to the birth of German democracy at St. Paul's Church, a site of immense political significance. Finally, you'll conclude your neighborhood stroll at the Goethe House, the birthplace of Germany's most celebrated writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This walking tour Frankfurt offers is more than just a history lesson; it is an opportunity to see how a city destroyed during World War II has risen from the ashes to reclaim its identity. Whether you are a history buff or a first-time visitor, this self-guided walk provides a flexible way to experience the Altstadt at your own pace, away from the rigid schedules of a traditional tour.

Highlights

The iconic half-timbered houses of the Römerberg

The Imperial Cathedral (Kaiserdom) where emperors were crowned

Archaeological ruins of the Carolingian royal palace

St. Paul's Church, the cradle of German democracy

The reconstructed 'New Old Town' (Dom-Römer Quarter)

The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Tour Stops (6)

Römerberg

The Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt and the perfect place to begin your exploration. This square has been the site of markets, festivals, and imperial celebrations since the 12th century. The most prominent building is the Römer, a complex of three gabled houses that has served as the city hall since 1405. It was here that coronation banquets were held for the Holy Roman Emperors. Notice the Fountain of Justice in the center of the square; during imperial celebrations, it was known to flow with wine instead of water. Although much of the square was destroyed during World War II, the faithful reconstruction of the 'Ostzeile'—the row of half-timbered houses opposite the city hall—allows you to visualize the medieval grandeur that once defined this space.

Alte Nikolaikirche

Standing on the south side of the Römerberg is the Old St. Nicholas Church, a charming Early Gothic structure. Originally built in the 12th century as a palace chapel for the Holy Roman Emperors, it later became the official church of the city council. Its distinctive red sandstone and double-sloped roof make it an architectural standout against the timber-framed houses nearby. One of its most beloved features is the carillon, which rings out traditional melodies several times a day. Historically, the church played a vital role in the city's civic life; the council would attend services here before making important decisions. Inside, the atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation, contrasting with the vibrant activity of the square outside.

Kaiserpfalz franconofurd

Just a short walk from the square, you’ll find the Kaiserpfalz franconofurd, an open-air archaeological site that reveals Frankfurt’s earliest layers. This Archaeological Garden sits beneath a modern canopy, protecting the remains of a Roman bathhouse and the foundations of a Carolingian royal palace dating back to the 9th century. It was here that the city began as a 'ford of the Franks'—a safe crossing point on the river. These ruins provide tangible evidence of Frankfurt's long-standing importance as a seat of power. As you walk through the site, you can see how the city has literally built itself upon its own history, with the medieval cathedral rising just behind these ancient stones. This stop offers a rare glimpse into the Roman and medieval foundations that underpin the modern city.

Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom)

The Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, or Kaiserdom, is perhaps the most significant religious site in the city. While technically a collegiate church rather than a cathedral—as it was never the seat of a bishop—it earned its 'Imperial' title because ten Holy Roman Emperors were crowned here between 1562 and 1792. The towering 15th-century spire is a landmark of the Frankfurt skyline. Inside, the Election Chapel served as the secret chamber where the seven prince-electors of the empire would cast their votes for the next king. The cathedral’s red sandstone interior houses numerous historical treasures, including the 14th-century choir stalls and the grave slab of King Günther von Schwarzburg.

St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche)

St. Paul's Church is a symbol of a different kind of power: the power of the people. This oval-shaped neoclassical building became the seat of the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848, the first freely elected legislative body in Germany. It was here that the foundations for a democratic German constitution were first laid. Although the 1848 revolution ultimately failed to unify the country under democratic rule, the church remains a 'Cradle of German Democracy.' Today, it is no longer used as a church but as a venue for major cultural events and the awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Its simple, dignified interior serves as a reminder of the long struggle for civil liberties and national unity.

Goethe House

Your final stop is the birthplace of Frankfurt’s most famous son, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Born in 1749, Goethe went on to become a titan of world literature, known for works like 'Faust' and 'The Sorrows of Young Werther.' The house is a reconstruction of the original family home, furnished with period pieces that reflect the lifestyle of a wealthy 18th-century bourgeois family. Walking through the rooms, you can see the study where Goethe began his writing career and the puppet theater that sparked his imagination as a child. It offers a fascinating transition from the grand imperial history of the city to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of the Enlightenment era.

Frequently Asked Questions

The coronation route, or 'Königsweg,' is the path between the Frankfurt Cathedral and the Römerberg square. Traditionally, newly crowned Holy Roman Emperors walked this route to celebrate their coronation with a banquet in the city hall. Today, much of this path has been restored as part of the New Old Town project.