Old Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany
With its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered buildings, and historic taverns serving up Frankfurt’s beloved Apple Wine (Apfelwein); the old quarter of Sachsenhausen has no shortage of charm. Stretching along the south bank of the Main River, it’s an atmospheric spot for a walking tour and one of Frankfurt’s liveliest nightlife districts.
The Basics
Sachsenhausen is a district to explore at a leisurely pace, whether browsing the shops around Schweizer Strasse or dining at one of the alfresco restaurants along the Rittergasse. To learn more about the historic quarter, join a guided walking or food tasting tour, stopping to see landmarks such as the Goethe Tower and Frau Rauscher fountain, or come after dark to hop between the many bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Another highlight is the riverfront Museum Embankment (Museumsufer), home to more than a dozen of Frankfurt’s most important history, art, and design museums.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Foodies wanting to sample Frankfurt’s regional specialties will find some of the city’s most popular restaurants in Sachsenhausen.
- Sachsenhausen has some of Frankfurt’s most unique shopping—browse the boutiques along Schweizer Strasse or visit the Saturday flea market along the riverfront.
- The best way to get around Sachsenhausen is on foot, but the cobbled streets mean comfy shoes are recommended and access may be more difficult for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
It’s easy to walk into Sachsenhausen from downtown Frankfurt—from Römerberg square, head south to the riverfront and cross the Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg). To arrive using public transport, take the U-Bahn to Schweizer Platz, the S-Bahn to Lokalbahnhof or Frankfurt Sud, or hop on tram 14 which has multiple stops throughout the district.
When to Get There
Sachsenhausen comes alive in the evening hours, when the bars and taverns fill up with both locals and travelers. An atmospheric time to visit is during one of the seasonal festivals and events—the district hosts the annual Apple Wine Festival, the Museum Embankment Festival, and a winter Christmas market.
Sampling Frankfurt’s Apple Wine (Apfelwein)
The Old Sachsenhausen district is also known as the Apple Wine Quarter and it’s the best place to sample Frankfurt’s famous Apfelwein, a sweet and fizzy apple wine that has been produced in the region for more than 250 years. The pedestrianized area around the Rittergasse is dotted with traditional Apfelwein taverns (Epelwoi), many of which produce their own on-site. Join a food tasting or bar-hopping tour to learn more, or take a ride on the Apple Wine Express (Ebbelwei-Express) streetcar on summer weekends.
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