Living in Frankfurt

Ë sights
22 X FRANKFURT
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Alte Oper (Old Opera
House) Neo-Renaissancestyle concert hall, designed
by Berlin architect Richard
Lucae.
bishopric and is thus not actually a cathedral, but between
1562 and 1792, fifty-two
German kings and emperors
were crowned in this church.
Bridge. This exhibition hall
for contemporary art shows
recent works of well-known,
but also of young international artists.
2 Eiserner Steg (Iron
Foodbridge) This footbridge,
which is actually made of
steel, is one of Frankfurt’s
most famous historical
monuments, depicted on
countless postcards.
9 Karmeliterkloster
(Carmelite Monastery)
Frankfurt’s only preserved
medieval monastery complex. Today it houses the
Archeological Museum as
well as the Institute for City
History.
16 Römer Frankfurt’s venerable city hall. The history
of this complex dates back
to 1322. The Kaisersaal
(Emperors’ Hall) with the
portraits of all 52 monarchs
crowned in Frankfurt is
certainly worth a visit.
10 Kleinmarkthalle (Little
Markets Hall) About fifty
market stalls offer
regional delicacies as well
as delicatessen from around
the world.
17 Römerberg This spacious square in front of the
Römer, with the Fountain of
Justice, the Old St. Nicholas’
Church, a row of half-timbered buildings and the
city hall forms the heart of
Frankfurt.
3 Rhine-Main Airport One
of the most important hubs of
international air traffic.
4 Frankfurt Stock Exchange Neo-Renaissancestyle domed structure. Since
the opening of the new facilities, only the open-outcry
trading of Germany’s leading
stock exchange takes place in
this building.
11 Main Tower The only
skyscraper in Frankfurt
accessible to the general
public.
5 Goethe-Haus Poet
Johann Wolfgang Goethe
(1749–1832) spent his
adolescence in this house
and wrote some of his early
works, including the Urfaust
and Götz von Berlichingen,
here.
12 Main River Bank
Frankfurt thrives along the
river. Bars, cafés, a kebab
boat, a Main River Bank
and a Museum Riverbank
festival all draw Frankfurters
to the green banks of the
River Main.
6 Hauptwache (Main
Guard House) As a former
military prison, this building
had “guests” such as the
(in)famous outlaw “Schinderhannes”. In 1833, a small
band of young revolutionaries
stormed the building in a
failed attempt to overthrow
the city militia.
13 Museumsufer
(Museum Riverbank) One
of Germany’s and Europe’s
most prestigious locations
for art exhibits: on the southern bank of the Main River,
14 museums are lined up
like pearls on a string.
7 Old Town of Höchst The
historically significant old
town is made up of timberframe houses and attracts
visitors with picturesque
nooks and architectural
gems.
14 Paulskirche
(St. Paul’s Church) In this sandstone-revetted oval, Germany’s
National Assembly (the “Frankfurt Parliament”) convened in
1848. Today, the Peace Prize
of the German Book Trade as
well as the Goethe Prize are
awarded in this building.
8 Kaiserdom (Emperors’
Cathedral) Saint Bartholomew was never the seat of a
15 Portikus Since April
2006, on an island in the
Main River near the Old
18 Palmengarten
(Palm Garden) The fascinating diversity of the plant
kingdom is presented in
palm houses and other
greenhouses as well as in
thematic gardens.
19 Sachsenhausen Frankfurt’s nightlife district with
traditional cider pubs and
trendy hangouts.
20 Saalgasse This narrow
lane successfully “quotes”
historical styles of architecture
with great sensitivity.
21 Stadtwald (City
Forest) A forest with 5,000
hectares (12,355 acres) of
ponds, paths for strolling, hiking, and horseback riding, the
“StadtWaldHaus,” restaurants,
and the Goethe Tower, offers
great recreation for all.
22 Zoo An oasis for humans
and animals alike in the heart
of a big city. The Frankfurt Zoo gained international
fame through the activities of
its legendary director, the late
Bernhard Grzimek.
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CONTENTS
2
4
5
6
9
16
23
26
30
36
42
sights FRANKFURT HIGHLIGHTS
city history A BRIEF CHRONICLE OF FRANKFURT
the mayor WELCOME TO FRANKFURT
service NEW IN FRANKFURT
neighborhoods FRANKFURT’S DISTRICTS
mobility GETTING AROUND IN FRANKFURT
jobs + education WORKING AND LEARNING
service WHAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER
culture + entertainment THEATERS AND MUSEUMS
fitness + activities SPORTS AND RECREATION
good to know FRANKFURT CONTACTS
Published by:
Presse- und Informationsamt
(Press and Information Office
of Frankfurt am Main)
Römerberg 32
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 069 212-33362
traffiQ – Local Transportation
Company Frankfurt mbH
(www.traffiQ.de)
V.i.S.d.P.
(Editor in charge):
Nikolaus Münster
Graphic Design:
DiehlDesign GmbH
Frankfurt am Main
Printed by:
BGR DRUCK-SERVICE GMBH
Frankfurt am Main
Copies printed:
30,000
(25,000 German,
5,000 English)
Information as of
Dec. 2008
Editorial Staff:
Sabrina Engelmann,
Andrea Kirch, Rita Machold,
Winfried Schmitz,
Almuth Westecker
The publisher assumes no responsibility and cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the information contained herein.
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, Fotolia
PUBLICATION INFORMATION
Ë city history
A BRIEF CHRONICLE
OF FRANKFURT
794
1150
1356
1405
1533
1585
1614
1711
1749
1792
1815
1833
1848
1866
1871
1875
1888
“Franconovurt” is first
mentioned in a document
The Frankfurt Fair is first
mentioned
The Golden Bull decrees
Frankfurt to be the city
where German kings would
be elected
The buildings called
“Zum Römer” and “Zum
Goldenen Schwan” are
converted into a city hall
The Reformation reaches
Frankfurt
The Stock Exchange is
established
The “Fettmilch Rebellion,”
triggered by Frankfurt’s
enormous debts, leads to
anti-Jewish riots
Fire in the Jewish ghetto
Johann Wolfgang Goethe is
born
Francis II is the last Emperor
crowned in Frankfurt
Frankfurt becomes a Free
City and the seat of the
Federal Assembly of the
German Federation, the
“Bundestag”
“Frankfurter Wachensturm”
(Guard House Assault): the
failed attempt of radical
students and craftsmen
to start a revolutionary
uprising
The first German National
Assembly convenes at St.
Paul’s Church
Frankfurt is annexed by
Prussia
The Treaty of Frankfurt
ends the Franco-Prussian
War
Frankfurt’s population
exceeds 100,000 for the
first time
The Central station
(Hauptbahnhof) opens
Foundation of the
Johann Wolfgang Goethe
University
1925–1930 City architect and planner
Ernst May stimulates urban
development
1928–1931 The main building of IG
Farben (Poelzig Building) is
erected
1933
The National Socialists take
over the city hall and force
Mayor Ludwig Landmann
into exile
1944
Frankfurt’s city center
is almost completely
destroyed in air raids
1945
U.S. troops liberate the city
1949
Frankfurt almost becomes
the capital of the Federal
Republic of Germany
1955
The population exceeds
600,000
1957
The German Bundesbank
(Federal Bank) begins
operation
1963–1965 The “Auschwitz Trial” takes
place in Frankfurt
1968
The Frankfurt subway
systems is opened
1981
The Old Opera House,
which had been destroyed
in World War II, is rebuilt
1984
Development of the
Museum Riverbank begins
1997
Frankfurt’s tallest
skyscraper is completed
1998
The European Central Bank
(ECB) begins operation
2000
The University begins to
relocate to the Poelzig
Building and to Riedberg
2005
The Römer celebrates its
600th anniversary
Frankfurt is one of the
2006
venues of the FIFA Soccer
World Cup
2008
The 60th annual Frankfurt
Book Fair sets a new visitor
record
1914
Photos: Institut für Stadtgeschichte, Tourismus + Congress GmbH, Stadt Frankfurt am Main
5
WELCOME TO
FRANKFURT!
Each year, approximately 45,000
new citizens move to Frankfurt, half
of them from abroad. With her international airport, Frankfurt is one
of the most cosmopolitan cities in
Europe, with more than 170 nationalities living together in peace. Almost a third of Frankfurt’s 660,000
citizens are foreign nationals. We are
very proud of our long tradition as a
tolerant and liberal city.
Frankfurt – the center of finance, the
European city, the traffic hub, the
world’s smallest metropolis. When
you think of this city, her skyline,
her airport, her stock exchange, the
Book Fair, or St. Paul’s Church come
to mind – but also, of course, Johann
Wolfgang Goethe, a native son of
Frankfurt. Famous writers and modern artists have made Frankfurt a city
of culture. Our numerous museums
along the Museum Riverbank and
in town, the art galleries, theaters,
movie houses, and concert halls are
indicative of a rich and vibrant cultural scene. The Frankfurt Opera has
won many national and international
awards for its
well-known
productions.
Frankfurt is a
city for the people.
We welcome thecommitment of our
citizens. Countless clubs, societies,
and associations as well as the 430
foundations who call this city home
take an active part in supporting
and promoting sports and culture
in Frankfurt. There is always some
sports event going on in Frankfurt,
as the city will, for example, host the
International German Gymnastics
Festival in 2009. Indoor and outdoor
pools, public sports facilities, an iceskating rink, and a golf course are
waiting for you. And there is in-line
skating, marathon, triathlon, biking,
and – last but not least – men’s and
women’s soccer: Frankfurt, the city
of sports, has something to offer for
everyone.
I hope this brochure will inspire you
to discover many wonderful and interesting aspects of the city.
Yours truly,
Petra Roth
Mayor
Ë We invite you to attend a reception in the Römer – more information in the voucher booklet.
Photo: Uwe Nölke
Frankfurt am Main is very happy to
welcome you as a new citizen. Whether it was your work or private reasons
that brought you here, whether you
are planning to stay here indefinitely
or only for a limited time – the City
of Frankfurt wants to help you adjust
quickly and feel welcome. Our little
brochure for new citizens, which was
produced in co-operation with traffiQ,
our public-transportation provider,
can be your first guide for finding
your way through our city.
6
Ë service
NEW IN FRANKFURT
You are new in Frankfurt, and you would like to find your way around
in your new home town? The City of Frankfurt wants to assist you by
providing informative Websites and brochures.
The most important information plus interesting tips
are available on our Website, www.frankfurt.de, where
you will also be introduced to Frankfurt’s Citizens’ Advice Service (Bürgerberatung), which provides personal
assistance that will help you get settled in Frankfurt.
Many services can be obtained with a single stop at the
Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Bureau).
On the German-language home page, you will also find a
service specially designed for new citizens. You can access it
by clicking on the corresponding link in the navigation bar
on the right-hand side of your screen, under “Frankfurt für”.
This service is meant to provide you with an initial orientation. We have summarized key information and services, so
you will quickly find your way around in your new environment
and feel at home as soon as possible. Among other things,
you will get more detailed information about life in your
particular neighborhood, be introduced to the wide range of
recreational opportunities, and find many online forms provided by a variety of departments that you
can fill out at home instead of running from
one office to another. Our check list can help
you organize your move and remind you
of important details that you should not
forget as a new citizen of Frankfurt.
For all other problems, future questions and suggestions,
please use the wide range of services provided on Frankfurt’s official Website, www.frankfurt.de.
You have moved to Frankfurt from abroad? At www.
newcomers-network.de you will find additional information and also an invitation to join an international
“Stammtisch.”
FRANKFURT FOR ME!
There is plenty to discover in Frankfurt: a little theater
next to a pub, a club in the ECB, themed bike tours across
the city or busy farmers’ markets in the neighborhoods.
You can find all these events at a glance in “Frankfurt
für mich!” (“Frankfurt for me!”), the only information service of its kind in the entire country. You can get it every
Thursday by e-mail to keep you informed on the events
ing week – free of charge! Just register on our Website,
The West-
www.frankfurt.de, in the “Newsletter” section: There is no
hafenturm
quicker way for getting to know Frankfurt!
(Western Port
Tower) in
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
the Gutleut
When you move to Frankfurt, you can get additional as-
Quarter
sistance and advice from a variety of sources that provide information by phone or in person about everything
the city has to offer. The most important contacts are
Bürgerberatung (Citizens’ Advice Service) and Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Bureau).
The Citizens’ Advice Service can help you if you have any
questions, but also if you have problems with the administration, want to know which department is in charge, or
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, iStockphoto
of your choice and on dates to remember for the upcom-
8
just need information on any matter relating to the City of
Frankfurt – the Citizens’ Advice Service is at your service!
Citizens’ Advice Service at the Frankfurt Forum,
Römerberg 32, 60311 Frankfurt
Available Monday thru Friday from 08:00 hrs.:
phone: 069 212-40000, fax: 069 212-33576
buergerberatung@stadt-frankfurt.de
Business hours:
Mon–Wed 10:00–16:30 hrs., Thu 10:00–18:00 hrs.,
Fri 10:00–14:00 hrs.
BÜRGERAMT (CITIZENS’ BUREAU)
Frankfurt has seven Citizens’ Bureaus (Bürgerämter) and
four branch offices. You may visit the Citizens’ Bureau that
is most convenient for you. The Central Citizens’ Bureau
is located city at Zeil 3. Additional Citizens’ Bureaus can
be found in these districts: Höchst, Sachsenhausen, Dornbusch, Nordwest, Nieder-Eschbach, and Bergen-Enkheim.
Business hours: Mon+Thu 09:00–18:00 hrs., Tue+Wed
07:30–13:30 hrs., Fri 07:30–13:00 hrs. You may also contact the Citizens’ Bureaus by dialing 212-30600 or sending
an e-mail to buergeramt.zentrale@stadt-frankfurt.de.
For the exact addresses of the Citizens’ Offices listed
above and the branch offices, please refer to the brochure “Adressen von A bis Z,” which is also included in
Citizen‘s
B u re a u
your kit for new citizens.
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9
Ë neighborhoods
FRANKFURT’S
DISTRICTS
Frankfurt’s 43 completely different districts give the city her distinctive
and unique character. Some – like Sachsenhausen or Nordend – have the
size of small cities, while others – like Berkersheim – have the appear-
DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS
Old Town, City, Bahnhofsviertel, Westend, Nordend,
Ostend, Gutleut Quarter, Gallus, Bockenheim,
Ginnheim, Eschersheim, Dornbusch, Eckenheim,
Preungesheim, Bornheim.
Those who live here, truly live in the heart of Frankfurt.
The park-like green belt that extends from the Jewish
Museum via the Old Opera House, the Eschenheim
Tower and Bethmann Park to the recently rebuilt City
Library surrounds the inner city. At Hauptwache, Konstablerwache, Opernplatz, and Rossmarkt, you can feel
the heartbeat of this vibrant city. Go shopping on Zeil
and Goethestraße, do business at the Stock Exchange,
grab a bite on the “Freßgass’” – Frankfurt City is always
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Harald H. Schröder)
ance of quaint little villages.
10
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busy. At the same time, there is no lack in tranquil spots
to rest and relax – around the Emperors’ Cathedral at
the Römerberg, between the Dominican and Carmelite
Monasteries and the Convent of Our Lady, the Old Town
of Frankfurt shows its most peaceful side. As a contrast,
you have the more colorful “Bahnhofsviertel”, the quarter around the Central Station, where you can experience
diversity and an international ambiance. Life beyond the
green park belt (“Anlagenring”) takes you back to Germany’s Gründerzeit (1871–1914). Hesse’s largest university
moved to the Westend in 2006, where embassies, banks,
and advertising agencies provide a cosmopolitan flair.
The Nordend, especially the Holzhausen Quarter, offers
bourgeois coziness in beautiful old buildings, while the
Ostend is currently experiences another age of renewal,
with the construction of the new headquarters of the
European Central Bank on the grounds of the ancient
Großmarkthalle (Wholesalers Market Hall) spearheading
an international, contemporary development.
The Westhafen Tower looms like a giant “Geripptes” (the
Zeil, Frankfurts
glass with a lozenge cut traditionally used to serve the
shopping mile
local cider) on the banks of the River Main, symbolizing
life in the Gutleut Quarter in the 21st century: directly by
the riverside. The quality of life is also keeps increasing
in the “Gallus”, whith the new “City-West” and the development of the former freight depot. Bockenheim has
always been Frankfurt’s “Latin Quarter,” home to many
of the city’s college students. Leipziger Straße is a smaller
11
version of the “Zeil” shopping mile. Ginnheim is home
to the “Asparagus,” Germany’s second-tallest television
tower. Together with Eschersheim, this neighborhood is
located on a hill above the Nidda, Frankfurt’s second,
smaller river. The banks of the Nidda, which originates
at the Vogelsberg and flows into the Main River at the
“Wörthspitze” in Höchst, provide a popular recreation
area for the citizens of Frankfurt. Not far from the complex of the Hessischer Rundfunk or HR, the local television broadcaster, is Dornbusch. In 1949 this part of the
city almost became the home of the Bundestag, Germany’s Federal Parliament. The neighboring districts of Eckenheim and Preungesheim frame the Main Cemetery,
which by itself is a special attraction in Frankfurt that
invites you to take a little stroll and look for the graves
of Frankfurt’s famous sons and daughters – not only on
misty Sundays in November. On the other end of the
with Bockenheim, is a favorite among the young and the
Ginnheim’s
young-at-heart. What Leipziger Straße is to Bockenheim,
Asparagus
Berger Straße is to Bornheim: a small, yet vibrant shop-
(above), view
ping street outside of downtown, with weekly farmers’
of Oberrad
markets, trendy cafés, and cider pubs.
(below)
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Oberrad, Sachsenhausen, Niederrad, Airport.
Frankfurt’s South, which comprises Oberrad, Sachsenhausen, Niederrad, and the Airport,
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Karola Neder, Harald H. Schröder, Tanja Schäfer)
liveliness scale is Bornheim. This “jolly village,” together
12
The Städel
lies “dribbdebach”, which, in the local vernacular, means
on the Main
“beyond the [Main] river.” These are neighborhoods full
riverbank
of contrasts: Oberrad, the “City of Gardeners,” is a rural
village where the herbs are grown that go into the famous “Grie’ Soß,” a green sauce that is a local specialty.
On the other end is Niederrad, famous for its “Bürostadt”
(Office City). And in between lies Frankfurt’s largest and
probably best-known district, Sachsenhausen. The Museum Riverbank, which is truly unique in Germany, traditional cider pubs, the bars around the Affentorplatz
(Monkey Gate Square) and hip cafés along the Schweizer
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Karola Neder, Tanja Schäfer)
Straße: Sachsenhausen is a place to hang out for tourists
and natives alike. “Brunnenkönigin” (Fountain Queen)
and “Klappergass’,” Goethe Tower and professional bike
racing – without Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt wouldn’t be
half of what it is today. And the same applies to the airport: As one of the largest and busiest on the continent,
the airport is a “city within the city,” with hospitals, shopping malls, and a population of 236 – believe it or not!
WESTERN DISTRICTS
Griesheim, Schwanheim, Nied, Höchst, Sindlingen,
Zeilsheim, Unterliederbach, Sossenheim.
Those who live in the Western parts of Frankfurt have a
particular identity on top of being Frankfurters. The prestigious administrative center at the Bolongaro Palace, a
china factory, a pedestrian zone, a palace and Frankfurt’s
13
oldest church lend a special distinction to the main district
of Höchst. This is the location where the Nidda joins the
Main River in a picturesque setting, where timber-frame
buildings and cobblestone streets make it easy to forget
the big city around the corner. And yet, like no other part of
the city, the West is characterized by an industrial culture:
a railroad repair shop that was shut down a long time ago
in Nied, waste dips in Griesheim (jokingly referred to as the
“Alps”), the former compound of Hoechst AG in Sindlingen,
and workers’ housing estates everywhere, many of them
with small gardens: In the West, work and recreation are
more intertwined than in other parts of Frankfurt. And the
jobs themselves have also changed – old paint factories
have been taken over by IT and bio-tech companies, and the
Höchst industrial park has become one of Europe’s largest
research centers, which also includes production facilities.
And yet there is plenty of space for nature: Zeilsheim, for
example, the westernmost district, is entirely surrounded
by woods, and an alley of chestnut trees leads into town.
Schwanheim, on the other side of the Main River, offers refuge to rare species of animals in the “Schwanheim Dunes”
conservation area, and the districts of Unterliederbach and
Sossenheim, as different as they are, are located at the foot
of the Taunus mountains, linking the big city with nature.
Hundertwasser
NORTHERN DISTRICTS
kindergarten
Rödelheim, Hausen, Praunheim, Niederursel,
in Heddern-
Heddernheim, Riedberg, Bonames, Nieder-Eschbach,
heim and view
Berkersheim, Harheim, Nieder-Erlenbach,
of the Nidda
Frankfurter Berg.
River
Few districts are as quaint and peaceful as Frankfurt’s
North and Northwest. Hausen, Rödelheim, Praunheim,
14
and Heddernheim are located directly on the Nidda River.
Brentano Park (with the Bretano Bath), Volkspark Niddatal (Niddatal People’s Park), Römerstadt (Roman City),
and Riedweisen (Ried Meadows) with the Eschersheim
Open-Air Pool provide ample recreational value. But the
old farming villages between Taunus and Wetterau are
also characterized by – and frequently named after – the
little brooks and creeks. There is no doubt that life, compared to the inner city, is more relaxed out here, where
slow-running rivers and babbling brooks like Nidda and
Eschbach determine the rhythm of life.
In Berkersheim, show horses are led
through the streets by their riders, while
Harheim almost has the ambiance of
a spa. Nieder-Eschbach and Bonames
Sybille Nicolai
are linked to the inner city by subway con-
Actress,
nections, and Frankfurter Berg offers an excellent view
anchorwoman,
of the peaks of Altkönig and Großer Feldberg. Kalbach-
author
Riedberg, Frankfurt’s youngest district, is surrounded by
nature. In Bonifatius Park and Kätcheslach Park, families
feel as much at home as students from the neighboring
science faculties. This district is not only home to the new
“To me, Frankfurt is a
wonderful mixture of
miniature metropolis and urban village.
Spectacular skyscrapers are located only a
stone’s throw from local cider pubs, and from the English
Theatre and Frankfurt’s Volkstheater (literally, People’s
Theater) – and halfway down the road, you can hear
enticing sounds ringing out from Germany’s best opera
house. Next door, near the Central Station, you find a
multinational hodge-podge of shops and stores, and just
a few steps further on, on the other bank of the Main,
the “Städel” and its neighboring museums – evidence of
Frankfurt’s traditional public spirit.”
15
“freshness center” – a giant wholesale market for fresh
View from
food – but also features the Bonifatius Fountain.
Lohrberg at
the Frankfurt
EASTERN DISTRICTS
skyline
Seckbach, Bergen-Enkheim, Fechenheim, Riederwald.
In the historical core of the district, Seckbach is a quaint
little village, with one timber-frame house tightly squeezed to the other in the hillside of the Lohrberg, Frankfurt’s
only vineyard and a popular destination for outings. Right
vistas of the Main valley: Bergen-Enkheim, the only district made up of two separate villages. The “City Poet of
Bergen” has a home here, the Bergen “Fools” defended
their water castle, and the “Bergen Market” is Frankfurt’s
last genuine livestock market. Enkheim, which lies below
Bergen, offers excellent shopping and – in the “Enkheimer
Ried” – a kind of recreation you don’t find in many big
cities. The former fishing village of Fechenheim is located
in an idyllic setting in a bend in the River Main, offering
plenty of unspoiled nature in the Fechenheim Forest to
the North and in the “Mainbogen” Nature Preserve to the
South. And it goes without saying that the Riederwald district – Wald meaning “forest” – is surrounded by nature.
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Karola Neder)
next to it, Frankfurt’s most “literary” district offers great
16
Ë mobility
GETTING AROUND IN
FRANKFURT
Buses and trains for new citizens of Frankfurt. Discover the new things.
Get where you want to go. Arrive.
Would you like to discover the city? Whether it’s a museum or a cider pub, a club or an office, a cinema or a
church – we’ll get you there: busses and trains in Frankfurt. traffiQ, the local public transport authority, provides
a modern and comfortable public transport services for
you.
WHAT IS THE FASTEST WAY TO GET FROM HERE TO
THERE? WHEN DOES MY BUS LEAVE?
Being well-informed ensures that you will have a pleasant trip. traffiQ and RMV, the local network of publictransportation providers, offer you numerous options to
get information and advice for any occasion, at home
and on the move, printed, via Internet, by phone, or in
person at the “Verkehrsinsel”.
The Mobility Center “Verkehrsinsel” at the Hauptwache in downtown Frankfurt has a qualified staff of
specialists concerned with your mobility: bus and train,
bike and car-sharing are our areas of expertise.
Employees who know this city inside out will
help you find your way around your new home
town and throughout the Rhine-Main region
with dedication and individual advice. And
of course you can also purchase your tickets
here. The traffiQ team at the “Verkehrsinsel”
is at your service Monday through Friday from
9:00 to 20:00 hrs. and on Saturday from 9:30
through 18:00 hrs.
In the timetable boards, the book of all Frankfurt timetables, as well as in the timetables published individually
for every tram line in Frankfurt, you can find out easily
when and where your bus, train or tram departs. You
can obtain additional brochures about fares and special
offers at the “Verkehrsinsel” at Hauptwache as well as
the sales outlets of the VGF (Frankfurt municipal transportation company) – in various languages, of course. In
addition, our traffiQ telephone service offers qualified
mobility consultation plus information on any connection, schedule or fare for all the trains and buses in Frankfurt. To get this and a few insider tips as well, just call
01805 069 960* any day between 6 a.m. and midnight.
At this number, you can also order free traffiQ brochures.
For regional traffic beyond the city of Frankfurt, call the
RMV hotline at 01805 RMV INFO (= 7684636)*.
* 0.14/min. from landlines within Germany, cell-phone charges vary
Check the Web, too: www.rmv.
de and www.traffiQ.de. At
www.rmv.de, you are always
up to date and can easily
electronic schedule information. At www.traffiQ.de,
you will always find the
latest information on
Photos: traffiQ, Corbis
plan your trip with RMV’s
18
the subject of mobility in Frankfurt. On this Website,
you can download all available brochures as well as the
specific schedule for “your” line or “your” particular bus
Buses and
trains for
stop or train station. You will also find detailed public
transport information on your neighborhood.
Frankfurt
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
TICKETS IN THE RHINE-MAIN PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (RMV)
Frankfurt’s public transport is part of the RMV, which
gives you easy access to the entire Rhine-Main region,
from Wiesbaden to Fulda and from Marburg to Darmstadt – thanks to a joint fare system. This means that
you need only one ticket to get from any point within
this network to another, no matter how many times you
change.
The tickets are valid on all means of transportation that
are part of the network (bus, tram, subway, suburban
and regional trains). There are tickets for adults and for
children (up to the age of 14). Children who are 5 years
old or younger travel for free. Price category 3 applies
Photos: traffiQ
throughout Frankfurt (tariff zone 50).
Single tickets are valid for a single trip immediately after purchase. For short distances, we recommend special
short-hop tickets (“Kurzstreckenfahrkarte”). If you want
19
to know whether your destination can be reached with
one of those tickets, please refer to the list on the ticket
vending machine where you want to purchase the ticket,
or go to www.traffiQ.de. You can get single or day tickets
at vending machines, at RMV sales outlets, or from your
bus driver.
Of course, you can get daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tickets for the RMV network. We are convinced that
we have the type of ticket that suits your needs. You can
get all of these tickets at the “Verkehrsinsel” at Hauptwache or at the VGF sales points, for example at the
Hauptwache or Konstablerwache stations.
The 9-o’clock monthly or annual ticket is a special offer
for those who have a little more time in the morning. It
is valid after 9 o’clock from Monday through Friday and
around the clock on weekends.
The best offer for pupils and trainees is our CleverCard.
In order to benefit from this reduced annual ticket, however, you have to prove your status by supplying a confirmation from your school.
The perfect solution for discovery tours
with friends and family is the
group day ticket. It allows groups
of up to five persons to travel for
as many trips as you like on one
day (until the end of service)
on trains and buses within
the RMV, including weekend
night buses! You can test
this offer right away by
ordering a free group day
ticket with the voucher
contained in this kit.
20
BUSES AND TRAINS FOR EVERYONE – BARRIER-FREE
TRAVEL IN FRANKFURT
Are you traveling in a wheelchair or with a baby carriage
on a subway train or with extra baggage on a bus? Our
goal in Frankfurt’s public transportation system is to provide access to our network for everyone. Most stops have
already been modified to allow nearly level boarding of
buses and trains. Nearly all underground subway stations are accessible via elevators. We are in the process
of making more stops and stations accessible within the
near future. Frankfurt regularly uses low-floor buses and
trams, which – in conjunction with barrier-free stops and
stations – make public transportation more accessible.
Other measures – from call buttons and ramps to announcements for the visually impaired
:
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– facilitate the use of buses
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to others – senior citizens,
people who are visually
impaired or have walking
disabilities and parents
with baby carriages will
be grateful. If you yourself need help, please do
not hesitate to ask our staff or your fellow
passengers. You will find more information for customers
with limited mobility in our traffiQ brochure, „Barrierefrei unterwegs” (“Barrier-free Travel”) and in our network
map that includes information on barrier-free travel.
JUST FOR YOU: THE 10-MINUTE GUARANTEE
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late at your destination, we’ll give you your money back. This offer applies
to all RMV regional bus lines, trams, busses, and sub-
21
ways within the city of Frankfurt, in Offenbach county
(Kreis), in the city of Darmstadt, and in Darmstadt-Dieburg county. All you have to do is let us know about the
delay within three days – preferably via Internet. You will
find further information on the 10-Minute Guarantee as
well as an online form to apply for the refund at www.
traffiQ.de.
LATE-NIGHT SERVICE
It is never too late to get to know Frankfurt’s nightlife.
Late-night bus lines converge at the Konstablerwache
rendezvous point. On weekends and
before public holidays, Frankfurt’s
night buses take discotheque
visitors, partygoers, movie fans
and other “restless” people to all
the districts of Frankfurt as well
as the surrounding region – every
half hour. You will find more information
for “night owls” in the late-night bus schedule or at
www.nachtbus-frankfurt.de.
TAXICABS AND BIKE TAXIS
In case you need a cab, you can call one of the following
Frankfurt’s “Velotaxis.” These cycle rickshaws give you a
close-up view of the city while they take you to your desti-
Photo: traffiQ
dispatch numbers: 250001, 230001, 230033, 792020.
If you are looking for a special kind of ride for two, try
22
nation. For more information, visit www.0700velotaxi.de.
PARKING GUIDANCE SYSTEM
Sometimes, it takes a bit of good luck to find a parking space in Frankfurt. For this reason, an automated
guidance system was installed for the downtown area
that helps drivers find their way around and directs them
straight to the closest available parking garage. To find
further parking options plus additional traffic information for Frankfurt, visit www.mainziel.de.
BICYCLE
Bike lovers will find that Frankfurt is a bicycle-friendly
city. Apart from numerous well-marked bike paths, “parking spaces” for bikes can be found nearly everywhere.
RMV, the local network of public-transportation providers, offers a Bike & Ride service in addition to bike
rentals and a variety of other possibilities to combine
traveling by bus, train, and bicycle. For more information on bike tours and rentals, go to www.frankfurt.de
Flexibility
> “Leben in Frankfurt” > “Verkehr”. If you don’t own a
through public
bike, it is easy to rent one from Call a Bike, available at
transportation
major intersections. For more information, go to www.
callabike-interaktiv.de.
23
Ë jobs + education
LEARNING AND
WORKING
Whether you have questions relating to jobs and education,
want to take an exam to receive credentials in a specific line
of work, or just want to know what to do in order to start
your own business successfully, you should contact either
the Frankfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, service center hotline 2197-1280, www.frankfurt-main.ihk.
de, or the Frankfurt Chamber of Trade, phone number
97172-0, www.hwk-rhein-main.de for qualified assistance.
You can find a GUIDE TO FRANKFURT’S SCHOOLS
on our Website, www.frankfurt.de, or you can obtain it
from the Bürgerberatung (Citizens’ Advice Service).
The FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
has 1,700 students from 50 different coun-
ISF INTERNATIONALE SCHULE FRANKFURT
is located in the district of Sindlingen. It has 1,100 students and offers classes in English from kindergarten
through to 13th grade. www.isf-net.de
Photos: traffiQ, iStockphoto
tries. www.fis.edu
Photos: Stephanie Agethen, Städelschule, Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main
24
The JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL offers elementary and middle-school education in Japanese.
www.jis-ffm.de
The FRANKFURT EUROPEAN SCHOOL offers classes
for the staff of European Union institutions, with limited vacancies for additional students. Classes are held
in English or French. www.eursc.org
FRANKFURT ADULT EDUCATION CENTER (VHS)
supports and assists life-long learning for the general
population, including a variety of language classes.
www.vhs.frankfurt.de, phone: 212-71501
GOETHE UNIVERSITY
with 36,000 students is among Germany’s ten largest uniUniversity
versities. It has four campuses with 16 faculties, offering
Campus West-
170 different courses of studies. www.uni-frankfurt.de
end (Poelzig
Building
Getting to the Westend Campus:
by subway train (U-Bahn): U 1, 2, 3 to Holzhausenstraße
by bus: line 36, 75 to Campus Westend
UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
FRANKFURT AM MAIN
is the only university in the greater Frankfurt area that
offers technical studies in addition to social studies and
economics. It has more than 8,000 students. www.fhfrankfurt.de
25
STÄDEL SCHOOL
The State College for the Fine Arts is an art academy
for aspiring painters, photographers, and architects, but
also offers classes for amateurs. www.staedelschule.de
COLLEGE FOR MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
The only college for music, theater, and dance in the
State of Hesse. Nearly 1,000 students are enrolled here.
www.hfmdk-frankfurt.de
FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE AND
MANAGEMENT
This private business school offers part-time continuing
education in addition to academic studies.
www.frankfurt-school.de
SANKT GEORGEN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF
PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY
is a graduate school recognized by both the
Catholic Church and the Government for the
training of priests and theologians.
www.sankt-georgen.de
JOB AGENCY, FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Fischerfeldstraße 10–12, 60311 Frankfurt
phone: 01801 555111 (employees)
phone: 01801 664466 (employers)
e-mail: Frankfurt-Main@arbeitsagentur.de
www.arbeitsagentur.de
26
Ë service
WHAT THE CITY
HAS TO OFFER
MOTOR VEHICLES
Would you like to register a new motor vehicle or order your vanity plate? In these and other cases, you will
have to go to the Motor Vehicle Registration Office: Am
Römerhof 19, phone: 212- 42750. In matters relating
to your car’s safety, you will have to contact the TÜV
Service Center: Am Römerhof 15, phone: 79160, www.
tuev-hessen.de. And whenever you have car trouble or
your car breaks down on the road, you can turn to either
of the two automobile clubs with headquarters in Frankfurt: ADAC Hessen-Thüringen, breakdown service
hotline: 0180 2222222, or AvD, breakdown service
hotline 0800 9909909.
GOVERNMENT/CITIZENS’ ADVICE
Are you looking for a specific government office, department, or institution in Frankfurt? Or for information
about public and cultural life in the city? Or do you have
any problems with the administration? The Citizens’ Advice Service (Bürgerberatung) at Römerberg 32 will be
glad to give you advice and information on anything
you would like to know about
Frankfurt: call 212- 40000 or
send an e-mail to buergerberatung@stadt-frankfurt.de.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
You have bulky waste that you
would like to have picked up free
of charge? Or would you like to
know where to find the nearest collection point for biological or hazardous waste? You can get this information
from the call center of the Frankfurt Waste Disposal Service (FES). They are the experts on all matters relating to
waste disposal, recycling, and sanitation: phone: 0180
33722550, www.fes-frankfurt.de.
HEALTH
You will find important tips on vaccination and nutrition,
as well as addresses to contact in an emergency, on our
contact the city’s Public Health Department, phone:
212-33970, or the Environmental Department, environment hotline: 212-39100.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Citizens with disabilities will find special services on our
Website www.frankfurt-handicap.de. The city’s Official
Representative in Charge of People with Disabilities may
be contacted at 212-35771.
CHILDREN
Whether you need individual counseling or general
information from a competent source – the Frankfurt
Children’s Bureau is your contact for all matters concerning your child – phone: 212-39001, www.kinder
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, FES, Stadt Frankfurt am Main
Website www.frankfurt.de. For personal consultation,
28
“As a native of Frankfurt,
I feel very attached to this
city. Frankfurt is so captivating because
of her strong contrasts and her diversity. On the one hand, you have the vibrant life of a big city
in the Germany’s banking capital, on the other hand peace,
tranquility, and recreation in one of the many public parks.
In particular, Frankfurt has a lot to offer in terms of highlevel competitive sports. Apart from the Eintracht Frankfurt
soccer team, the Skyliners Frankfurt basketball team, and
the Frankfurt Lions ice-hockey team, I can recommend, of
course, that you watch a match of the 1. FFC Frankfurt in the
women’s Federal Soccer League.”
Birgit Prinz
buero-ffm.de. You can get information on schools and
Soccer World
daycare centers at the City School Department, phone:
Champion and
212-33891. If you want to get an overview of the many
World Soccer
things offered especially for children, take a look at
Player
the cultural program for children, “Frankfurter Flöhe,”
at www.kinderkultur-frankfurt.de, where you will also
Photos: SIDI-Sportmanagement, iStockphoto, Tourismus + Congress GmbH
find the current program.
RELIGIOUS LIFE
Frankfurt’s religious life is characterized
by a great diversity. You can find the two
major Christian denominations (Catholic
and Lutheran) together on the Web at www.kirchefrankfurt.de. All other religious communities in Frankfurt are listed at www.frankfurt.de (English) > “Living
in Frankfurt” > “Churches and Religions”.
MULTICULTURAL FRANKFURT
People from more than 170 countries live in Frankfurt.
In order to make it easier for them to live together, the
29
Department of Multicultural Affairs (AmkA) wants to offer its assistance in all walks of life – phone: 212-38765,
www.stadt-frankfurt.de/amka.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Whether you need tips for senior citizens, information on
ambulatory care for the elderly or on welfare legislation
– the Senior Citizens’ City Hall provides advice and information: Hansaallee 150, phone: 212- 49911, www.
aelterwerden-in-frankfurt.de.
HONORARY SERVICES
Would you like to offer your services on an honorary
basis? The „Citizens’ Commitment Section – Honorary
Office and Foundations“, phone: 212-35501, www.
buergerengagement.frankfurt.de, will be glad to answer your questions and inform you about your options.
“Büro Aktiv,” an innovative institution for the young and
the young-at-heart, provides a wide variety of honorary
services – phone: 97201730, www.bueroaktiv-frankfurt.
de.
30
Ë culture + entertainment
THEATERS AND
MUSEUMS
Opera house and playhouse, ballet and independent theaters, museums
and galleries – with a diverse and very ambitious program of cultural
events, the City of Frankfurt has gained international fame and recognition. Join us on a “KulTour” of the city!
ALTE OPER (OLD OPERA HOUSE)
City, Opernplatz 1,
Ticket hotline: 1340400, www.alteoper.de
Since it was reopened in 1981, Frankfurt’s Old Opera
House has become an integral part of the city’s cultural
scene. Every night, the mahogany-paneled “Großer Saal”
(2,450 seats) – famous for its acoustics – and the smaller
“Mozartsaal” (720 seats) offer a wide variety of events
with international ensembles and soloists: symphony and
Alte Oper
chamber concerts, lieder recitals, classical and modern
Frankfurt
music, but also jazz, rock and pop, light entertainment,
cabaret, or – during the summer and before Christmas
– events featuring dance, musicals, and entertainment
Photos: traffiQ, iStockphoto, Monika Rittershaus (Oper Frankfurt, Guiseppe Verdi)
for children.
Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): S 1–6, 8, 9
to Taunusanlage,
by subway train (U-Bahn): U 6, 7 to Alte Oper,
by bus: n1/n11, n2 to Alte Oper
SCHAUSPIEL (PLAYHOUSE) FRANKFURT
City, Neue Mainzer Straße 17,
Ticket hotline: 1340400, Municipal Theaters: phone:
212-37000, www.schauspielfrankfurt.de
All-time classics – from Friedrich Schiller’s The Maid of
Orleans to Bertolt Brecht’s Threepenny Opera – are performed in the “Big House” and the “Small House,” but also
in other, quite original locations, along with contemporary
plays. In addition, lounge events, morning performances,
co-productions, guest performances, and theater festivals
are always popular with the Frankfurt audience.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 1–5
to Willy-Brandt-Platz, by streetcar: line 11, 12 to
Willy-Brandt-Platz,
by bus: n1, n8 to Willy-Brandt-Platz
OPER FRANKFURT (FRANKFURT OPERA)
City, Willy-Brandt-Platz, Ticket hotline:
1340400, Municipal Theaters: phone: 212-37000,
www.oper-frankfurt.de
The Frankfurt Opera, under the directorship of Bernd
Loebe, always ranks among the top positions in media
surveys about the nation’s best opera houses. The house
on Willy Brandt Square was repeatedly named “Opera
House of the Year.” The schedule includes works by Monteverdi, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Britten, and many other
composers of operas. In addition, there are vocal recitals
with renowned singers in the evening, chamber music
with musicians from Frankfurt’s Museum Orchestra in
the morning, and numerous special events – including
an extensive program for children of all ages and their
families. Moreover, the schedule regularly features “shoestring events” for audiences with a limited budget.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 1–5 to
Willy-Brandt-Platz, by streetcar: line 11, 12 to WillyBrandt-Platz, by bus: n1, n8 to Willy-Brandt-Platz
32
MUSEUM FÜR MODERNE KUNST
(MUSEUM OF MODERN ART)
Old Town, Domstraße 10, phone: 212-30447,
www.mmk-frankfurt.de
The MoMA’s forty rooms, all different from each other,
were designed by world-famous architect Hans Hollein.
The unique layout with its transitions and open spaces
offers one-of-a-kind insights and perspectives on the foPhoto: Norbert Miguletz (Kunsthalle Schirn)
cal points of the collection, such as American art of the
1960s and 1970s. Also on exhibit are the works of important German artists like Beuys, Palermo, and Ruthenbeck, as well as video and performance installations. In
addition, special exhibits frequently complement the
presentation of the collection.
Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): to Konstablerwache, by subway train (U-Bahn): U 4, 5 to Römer,
by streetcar: line 11, 12 to Römer/Paulskirche
SCHIRN KUNSTHALLE (SCHIRN ART GALLERY)
Old Town, Römerberg 6, phone: 2998820,
www.schirn-kunsthalle.de
Although the Schirn Art Hall does not have a collection of its
own, it is one of Germany’s best-known exhibition halls. In
cooperation with museums from around the world, it offers
a broad range of high-quality exhibits on a wide variety of
subjects over an area of 2,000 m2² (21,500 sq. ft.) – everyPhoto: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main
thing from ancient through modern art to photography.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 4, 5 to
Römer, by streetcar: line 11, 12 to Paulskirche
STÄDESLSCHES KUNSTINSTITUT UND
STÄDTISCHE GALERIE
(STÄDEL ART INSTITUTE AND CITY GALLERY)
Sachsenhausen, Schaumainkai 63, phone: 6050980,
www.staedelmuseum.de
2,700 paintings and 600 sculptures – the Städel, one of
the leading art museums of international renown, presents
33
masterpieces of European art from the early 14th century up
to the present. The collection of graphic art, which includes
100,000 drawings and graphics from the late Middle Ages to
the present, is one of the most important in all of Germany.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 1–3 to
Schweizer Platz, by streetcar: line 15, 16,19 to OttoHahn-Platz, by bus: line 46 to Städel
VOLKSTHEATER FRANKFURT
(FRANKFURT FOLK THEATER)
Großer Hirschgraben 21, phone: 288589,
www.volkstheater-frankfurt.de
In addition to classics like Goethe’s Faust, Frankfurt’s
Folk Theater,
Museums
a
We have listed below
and
selection of museums
nd a
theaters. You can fi
on the
more extensive list
w.
cultural pages of ww
frankfurt.de Website.
5 to
Brandt-Platz; U 4,
Willy-Brandt-Platz
16 to
by streetcar: line 15,
Schweizer Straße/
Gartenstraße
terby bus: line 46 to Un
mainbrücke
Deutsches Filmmuseum (German
Film Museum)
Sachsenhausen,
Schaumainkai 41
phone: 961220220
www.deutschesfilmmuseum.de
way
Getting there: by sub
to
train (U-Bahn): U 1–3
WillySchweizer Platz or
5 to
Brandt-Platz; U 4,
Willy-Brandt-Platz
16 to
by streetcar: line 15,
/
aße
Str
r
ize
we
Sch
Gartenstraße
by bus: line 46 to
Untermainbrücke
um.de
www.caricatura-muse
way
Getting there: by sub
5 to
4,
U
):
hn
Ba
(Uin
tra
Dom/Römer
12 to
by streetcar: line 11,
e
Römer/Paulskirch
m
Historisches Museu
m)
(Historical Museu
19
Old Town, Saalgasse
phone: 212-35599
www.historischese
museum.frankfurt.d
way
Getting there: by sub
5 to
train (U-Bahn): U 4,
Römer
to
by streetcar: line 12
e
rch
ski
aul
r/P
me
Rö
turDeutsches Architek
museum (German
Museum of
Architecture)
Sachsenhausen,
Schaumainkai 43
phone: 212-38844
www.dam-online.de
way
Getting there: by sub
to
train (U-Bahn): U 1–3
WillySchweizer Platz or
m
Jüdisches Museu
(Jewish Museum)
14–15,
City, Untermainkai
phone: 212-35000
um.de
www.juedischesmuse
way
Getting there: by sub
to
train (U-Bahn): U 1–5
Willy-Brandt-Platz
12 to
by streetcar: line 11,
z
lat
t-P
nd
Bra
llyWi
Museum für Ange
useum
wandte Kunst (M
of Applied Art)
Sachsenhausen,
Schaumainkai 17
phone: 212-34037
ge
www.museumfueran
urt.de
wandtekunst.frankf
way
Getting there: by sub
to
train (U-Bahn): U 1–3
WillySchweizer Platz or
5 to
Brandt-Platz; U 4,
Willy-Brandt-Platz
16 to
by streetcar: line 15,
Schweizer Straße/
Gartenstraße
by bus: line 46 to
Untermainbrücke
sche
Museum für Komi
Kunst (Museum for
Comic Art)
frankfurt
caricatura museum
Weckmarkt 17
phone: 212-30161
@stadtcaricatura.museum
frankfurt.de
Portikus
City, Alte Brücke 2,
Maininsel
phone: 96244540,
www.portikus.de
way
Getting there: by sub
5 to
train (U-Bahn): U 4,
Römer
12 to
by streetcar: line 11,
tz
pla
Börne
to
by bus: line 30, 36
Schöne Aussicht
founded in 1971, presents favorite plays from the long
tradition of writing in Frankfurt’s local dialect. It is also
The Sencken-
the only theater in Frankfurt that performs in the open
berg Museum
air during the summer months, namely in the courtyard
of the Dominican Monastery.
Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): S 1–6, 8, 9
to Hauptwache, by subway train (U-Bahn): U 1–3 to
Willy-Brandt-Platz or Hauptwache,
by streetcar: line 11, 12 to Willy-Brandt-Platz
SENCKENBERG NATURMUSEUM
(NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SENCKENBERG)
Senckenberganlage 25, phone: 75420,
www.senckenberg.de
The Senckenberg Museum is one of the largest natural
science museums in Germany, and it houses the country’s largest dinosaur display. On an area of 6,000 m2
(64,584 sq. ft.), visitors will find many unique exhibits,
and they are introduced to the latest findings in biology,
paleontology, and geology. For young explorers, guided
Photo: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main
tours for children are offered regularly as an integral part
of the museum’s educational program.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 4, 6, 7 to
Bockenheimer Warte,
by streetcar: line 16 to Bockenheimer Warte,
by bus: line 32, 50 to Senckenbergmuseum
DIALOGMUSEUM
Hanauer Landstraße 145, phone: 904332144,
www.dialogmuseum.de
A truly “enlightening” experience awaits visitors of the
35
Dialog Museum, although they won’t be able to see a
thing! In complete darkness, their senses will be trained
to “see” the world in the way of a blind person, as one
of them will be their guide through the exhibit. In the
“Taste of Darkness” restaurant, the palate will be tested:
How much does our sense of taste rely on our eyes, and
will our taste buds work equally well in total darkness?
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 6 to Ostbahnhof, by streetcar: line 11 to Osthafenplatz,
by regional train (S-Bahn): to Ostendstraße
Theaters +
Museums
Künstlerhaus
Mousonturm
Bornheim,
Waldschmidtstraße
4
phone: 40589520
www.mousonturm.d
e
Getting there: by sub
way
train (U-Bahn): U 4
to
Merianplatz; U 6, 7
to Zoo
by streetcar: line 14
to
Waldschmidtstraß
e
by bus: line 30, 36
,
all night-buses to
Konstablerwache
Getting there: by reg
ional train (S-Bahn):
S1–6,
8, 9 to Taunusanlag
e
by subway train (U
Bahn): U 1–5 to Wi
llyBrandt-Platz
by streetcar: line 11,
12
to Willy-Brandt-Plat
z
Fritz Rémond Thea
ter
Ostend, BernhardGrzimek-Allee 1
phone: 435166 (bo
x office), www.fritzremon
d.de
Getting there: by sub
way
train (U-Bahn): U 6,
7 to
Zoo, by streetcar: lin
e 14
to Zoo,by bus: n5 to
Zoo
The English Thea
tre
City, Gallusanlage 7
phone: 24231620
www.english-theatre.o
rg
Getting there: by reg
ional train (S-Bahn):
S 1–6,
8, 9 to Taunusanlag
e
by subway train
(U-Bahn): U 1–5 to
Willy-Brandt-Platz
by streetcar: line 11,
12
to Willy-Brandt-Plat
z
Goethe-Museum
City, Großer
Hirschgraben 23–2
5
phone: 138800
www.goethehausfrankfurt.de
Getting there: by reg
ional train (S-Bahn):
S 1–6,
8, 9 to Hauptwach
e
by subway train (U
Bahn): U 1–3, 6, 7
to
Hauptwache
Tigerpalast (Tige
r
Palace Cabaret)
Die Dramatische
City,
Bühne
(The Drama Stage
Heiligkreuzgasse 16
)
–20,
Bo
cke
nheim, Leipziger
phone: 9200220
Str
. 91, phone: 6199372
www.tigerpalast.de
6
www.dramatischeGetting there: by reg
iobu
ehn
e.d
e
nal train (S-Bahn):
S 1–6,
Getting there: by sub
8, 9 to Konstabler
way
wache
train (U-Bahn): U 6,
by subway train (U
7 to
Festhalle
Lei
pzi
ge
r Straße
Bahn): U 4–7 to Ko
(Festival Hall)
nstablerwache
Ludwig-Erhard-Anla
Neues Theater Hö
ge 1
by streetcar: line 11,
chst
phone: 75756404
12
(New Theater Hö
to Konstablerwache
chst)
ww
w.f
est
hal
le.de
Höchst, Emmerich-Jo
by bus: line 30, 36
sefGetting there: by sub
,
Straße 46a
way
all night-buses to
tra
in
(U
-Bahn): U 4 to
phone: 33999933
Konstablerwache
Fes
tha
lle/Messe
www.neues-theater.d
e
by streetcar: line 16
Getting there: by reg
, 17
Komödie (Comed
ioto Festhalle/Messe
y)
nal train (S-Bahn):
City, Neue Mainzer
S
1,
2
by bus: line 32, 50
Straße
to Höchst Bahnho
14–18,
f
to Festhalle/Messe
by bus: lines 51, 53
,
phone: 284580
,
“City” entrance
54, 57, 58, 59, n8
www.diekomoedie.d
to
e
Höchster Markt
36
Ë activities and fitness
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Eintracht Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Lions, traditional clubs and health
clubs, runners’ meets and public pools – whether it is a major sporting
event, or just your personal workout with fun or sports and games with
the kids: “taking part” is what counts in Frankfurt.
REBSTOCKBAD (REBSTOCK POOL)
Rebstock, Zum Rebstockbad 7, phone: 2710891100
www.rebstockbad-frankfurt.de
Water fun at the Rebstock Pool: for example, in the wave
pool, the pool with the diving board, or the open-air pool
– plus the giant double slide and the kiddie pool. At an
extra charge: massage, steam bath, Mongolian sauna
– in Frankfurt’s No.1 fun pool.
Getting there: by bus: 34, 50 to Rebstockbad
by streetcar: line 17 to Rebstockbad
EISSPORTHALLE (ICE-SKATING RINK)
Bornheim, Am Bornheimer Hang 4, phone: 212-30308
(admission), www.eissporthalle-frankfurt.de
Skaters have a choice between four ice-skating rinks
– two of them indoors – plus a 400-meter (1312-ft.)
circular open-air track and a roofed outdoor skating
area outside. The indoor rink is also used by Frankfurt’s
professional ice-hockey team, the Lions, for their home
games in the German Ice-Hockey League (DEL).
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn): U 7 to Eissporthalle/Festplatz
by streetcar: line 12 to Eissporthalle/Festplatz
by bus: line 38, 103, n5 to Eissporthalle/Festplatz
COMMERZBANK-ARENA
Niederrad, Mörfelder Landstraße 362
phone: 238080121, www.commerzbank-arena.de
The conversion of the old “Waldstadion” (Forest Sta-
dium), which was begun in June 2002, was completed
three years later. The new, multi-purpose Commerzbank
Arena now has a capacity of up to 55,000 spectators.
Home games of Eintracht Frankfurt, the local professional soccer team, in Germany’s premiere soccer league,
the Bundesliga, are played here, but business and other
major events have also found a new home.
Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): line 7–9 to
the Stadium („Stadion”)
by streetcar: line 21 to the Stadium („Stadion”);
and 21 from Central Station („Hauptbahnhof”)
SOCCER IN FRANKFURT
No matter what league – from district to premiere:
Soccer in Frankfurt covers a wide variety of options,
whether you would like to join a club or just watch a
match. The poster boys and girls of Frankfurt’s soccer
scene are the “1. FFC” (women), www.ffc-frankfurt.de,
and “Eintracht” (men), www.eintracht-frankfurt.de. And
Frankfurt is a city of world cups: In 2006, hundreds of
thousands celebrated the “miraculous” FIFA World Cup
in men’s soccer, and seven ladies from the 1. FFC were
part of the women’s national team the won the women’s
World Cup for the second time in a row in 2007 – and in
2011, Frankfurt will host the final of the women’s soccer
World Cup.
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Alexander Heimann), iStockphoto
on game days: special trains of streetcar lines 20
SPORTS CLUBS
From aerobics through
roller hockey to yoga,
from flamenco to gymnastics for children – the
sports clubs of Frankfurt offer a wide range of options for
all ages. You can find a list of clubs through the “Vereinsfinder” (club locator) on our Website, www.frankfurt.
Get that
de > “Sport” > “Sportvereine”. With 16,000 members
jungle feeling
practicing 184 different sports, Turngemeinde Born-
at the
heim 1860, phone: 4600040, www.tgbornheim.de, is
Palmengarten!
the largest sports club in the State of Hesse, offering
700 hours of training per week in various categories.
PALMENGARTEN (PALM GARDEN)
Westend, Siesmayerstraße 61
phone: 212-36689, www.palmengarten-frankfurt.de
The spacious park offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart
of Frankfurt. Plants from all over the globe have found a new
home in this botanical paradise. Explore rainforests, deserts,
and savannahs, and enjoy the beauty of the plant kingdom!
In addition, you will find changing exhibitions plus a diverse
cultural program here. One of the highlights is the annual
Rose and Light Festival, which takes place in June.
Getting there: by subway train (U-Bahn) U 4, 6, 7 to
Bockenheimer Warte
by bus: line 36, 50, 75 to Palmengartenstraße, line
36, 75 also to Palmengarten
STADTWALD (CITY FOREST)/“STADTWALDHAUS”/
NATURE TRAIL
Photo: Palmengarten Frankfurt
Location: in the southern part of the city
phone: 683239, www.stadtwaldhaus-frankfurt.de
Frankfurt’s “Stadtwald“ (City Forest), the largest urban
forest in Germany, welcomes about six million visitors
every year. A network of trails 450 kilometers (280
miles) long provides ample space for joggers, hikers, and
39
horsemen. In addition to several educational trails, visitors who would like to learn more about the City Forest
can go to the “StadtWaldHaus” (CityForestHouse), an
information center for forestry and ecology located close
to the Oberschweinstiege. A “forest experience trail”
combines elements of a sensory trail with the contents
of an educational nature trail. Getting there: by streetcar: line 14 to Oberschweinstiege
GRÜNGÜRTEL (GREEN BELT)
www.gruenguertel.de
With an area of about 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres),
the Green Belt is the “green lung” of Frankfurt and also
its most important recreation zone. It provides ideal surroundings for a hike, a ride on horseback, or simply some
relaxation after an exhausting day at work. Bikers can
also use the Green Belt to enjoy nature. To avoid getting
lost, we recommend using the bike route planner for
Hesse at www.radroutenplaner.hessen.de. And there is
also an educational program for the little ones called
“Discover, study, and learn in the Green Belt,” which introduces children to the mysteries of nature, big and
small.
Sports +
Recreation
rts
Sportamt (Spo
urt
Bureau) Frankf 54,
aße
Hanauer Landstr
5
phone: 212-3356
ankfurt.de
www.sportamt.fr
Garten
Zoologischer
nkfurt
Frankfurt (Fra
rden)
Ga
l
ica
og
ol
Zo
k-Allee 1,
Bernhard-Grzime
5,
73
33
Tel.. 212rt.de
www.zoo-frankfu
Getting there:
(Uby subway train
Zoo,
to
7
6,
U
):
Bahn
e 14
by streetcar: lin
to Zoo
rte
Volkssternwa
rvatory)
se
Ob
e’s
pl
eo
(P
rtbe
Ro
,
im
he
Bocken
4,
Mayer-Straße 2–
, www.
phone: 704630
rein.de
physikalischer-ve
subway
e:
er
th
ng
tti
Ge
): U 4,
trains (U-Bahn
ating
,
Sk
t
gh
Ni
y
da
streetcar line 16
Tues
7,
6,
, start
line 36, 50 to
phone: 622703
es
ss
bu
hrs.
Warte
Tuesdays at 20:30
Bockenheimer
rrnufer,
at the Deutschhe (Alte
idge
hn
near the Old Br
Galopprennba
-s.de
t-n
w.
ww
),
ke
üc
Br
lop Track)
al
(G
ber)
arz(March thru Octo
Niederrad, Schw
phone:
waldstraße 125,
rennw.
ww
0,
90
T-Hall, climbing
80
67
lbeler
de
rt.
kfu
ran
Fechenheim, Vi
klub-f
one:
by streetLandstraße 7, ph
Getting there:
all.de
t-h
w.
nnbahn
ww
,
81
to
93
9421
car: line 21 Re
line 61 to
s:
Getting there:
bu
by
e 11 to
by streetcar: lin
Rennbahn
Mainkur
ff
Spiridon Lauftre
t)
ee
M
’
rs
ne
un
(R
Sachsenhausen,
ndstraße
Babenhäuser La
y
sports facilit
ankfurt.de
www.spiridon-fr
40
Ë activities + fitness
INSIDER-TIPS
KLEINMARKTHALLE (LITTLE MARKETS HALL)
City, Hasengasse 5–7, phone: 212-33691,
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 hrs., Sat 08:00–16:00 hrs.,
www.kleinmarkthalle.de
In this functional building from the 1950s, Frankfurt celebrates food in all its variety: The scent of spicy herbs and
exotic fruit penetrates the air. Pyramids of local vegetables,
piles of Italian pasta, and delicacies from the Middle East
are sold at more than 50 stalls. Gourmets from Frankfurt
and from countries around the world come here to taste
Frankfurt’s beef sausage as well as delicious daily dishes.
Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): S 1–6, 8, 9
to Konstablerwache
by subway (U-Bahn): U 4, 5 to Dom/Römer
by streetcar: line 11, 12 to Römer/Paulskirche
MAINTOWER
City, Neue Mainzer Straße 52–58,
phone: 3650-4740, www.maintower.de
Get to know Frankfurt from a different point of view –
from above. There is no point in the city from which you
can look further than from the observation platform of
Main Tower. At a height of 200 meters (656 ft.), you can
look across skycrapers and the historical city center all the
way into the Taunus mountains. Getting there: by regional train (S-Bahn): S 1–6, 8, 9 station Taunusanlage,
by subway (U-Bahn): U 1–5 to Willy-Brandt-Platz, by
streetcar: line 11, 12 to Willy-Brandt-Platz
BRIDGE ILLUMINATION
Main River Bank
The banks of the River Main are always an inviting place
for a stroll, for jogging or relaxation, but in the evening
hours they develop a particular charm. In the fading
light of the sun, the illumination of the bridges and the
promenade turn the embankment into a magical place.
Together with the illuminated skyscrapers, the various
colors along the river are truly a feast for the eyes.
GROSSES STADTGELÄUTE
(GRAND SOUNDING OF THE CITY’S BELLS)
City
The old town features many churches and steeples. Four
unique voice. On these very special occasions, the bells
Michael Quast
of the ten participating join to form a harmonious chime
Actor, cabaret
that is heard all over the city. Dates: Saturday preceding
artist, and
the first Sunday of Advent, 16:30–17:00 hrs.; Christmas
producer
Eve, 17:00–17:30 hrs.; Holy Saturday, 16:30–17:00 hrs.;
Saturday before Pentecost, 16:30–17:00 hrs.
“The beauty of Frankfurt
is that it is actually a walkable little town. In the downtown area,
between the Museum Riverbank and
the City Library, between the Zoo and the Senckenberg
Museum, you can actually do everything you have to do
on foot. Unfortunately, it never works, because there are
so many interesting distractions along the way.”
Photos: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Karola Neder), Corbis, Ute Schendel
times a year, the church bells chime in to give the city a
Ë good to know
33X SELECT
CONTACTS
Fire emergency
Frankfurt/Main Fire
Department, phone: 112
Paramedics
Frankfurt/Main Fire
Dept. dispatch center,
phone: 112
Police emergency
Frankfurt/Main Police
Headquarters, phone: 110
Emergency fax number
for the hearing or
speech impaired
fax: 110, 112, or 7553333
Association of Single
Mothers and Fathers
Adalbertstraße 15–17
60486 Frankfurt
phone: 97981884
www.vamvbundesverband.de
Association of
Binational Families
and Couples
Ludolfusstraße 2–4
60487 Frankfurt
phone: 71375618
www.verbandbinationaler.de
Babysitter and Daycare
Agency
Zeil 29–31
60313 Frankfurt
phone: 559405
www.btv-frankfurt.de
Bulky Waste Hotline
FES Waste Counseling
FES Service Center
Zeil 94a
60311 Frankfurt
phone: 01803 3722550
www.fes-frankfurt.de
Call a Bike
phone: 0700 05225522
Consumer Association
of Hesse
Große Friedberger Straße
13–17
60313 Frankfurt
service hotline:
01805 972010
www.verbraucher.de
Crisis Counseling
Hotline for Children
and Adolescents
phone: 0800 1110333
www.kjt-frankfurt.de
Crisis Hotline
Lutheran:
phone: 0800 1110111
Roman Catholic:
phone: 0800 1110222
Dental Emergency
Service
Frankfurt University
Hospital
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60596 Frankfurt
phone: 6301-6713
(Admission Patient Files)
phone: 6301-5877
(Emergency Service)
Mon–Fri 17:00–23.30 hrs.
Sat+Sun and public
holidays 08:00–23:30 hrs.
After 23:30 hrs., please
call the Emergency Service
of Dentists Participating in
Health-Insurance Plans in
Hesse at 6607271
Drug Abuse Emergency
Service
Elbestraße 38
60329 Frankfurt
phone: 2426440
www.drogenberatung-jj.de
Emergency Medical
Service (EMS) –
Outpatient Clinic
Health Center
Galluswarte
Mainzer Landstraße 265
60326 Frankfurt
phone: 19292
Emergency Mothers’
Service
Family and Senior
Citizens’ Aid
Sophienstraße 28
60487 Frankfurt
phone: 776611
www.notmuetterdienst.org
Frankfurt Tenants’
Association
Zeil 43
60313 Frankfurt
phone: 280050
www.frankfurtermieterverein.de
Frankfurt Ticket
Order hotline: 1340400
www.frankfurt-ticket.de
Gas, water, power
emergency
Mainova AG
phone: 21388110
www.mainova.de
German Weather
Service
Frankfurter Str. 135
63067 Offenbach
phone: 8062-0
weather service hotline:
01805 9139913
43
Getting there: by regional
train (S-Bahn): S1, 8, 9
station Ledermuseum
by streetcar: line 15, 16
to Offenbach city limits
(„Stadtgrenze”)
by bus: line 103 to
Deutscher Wetterdienst
www.dwd.de
Girls’ Hangout
FeM e.V.
Eschersheimer Landstraße
534
60433 Frankfurt
phone: 53055119
www.fem-ffm.de
Independent Patient
Information
Rohrbachstraße 29
60389 Frankfurt
phone: 94548964
Legal Information
Frankfurt Bar Association
phone: 17009846
www.rechtsanwalts
kammer-ffm.de
Frankfurt Lawyers’ Society
phone: 282669
www.frankfurteranwaltsverein.de
Medical Emergency
Ward
Frankfurt University
Hospital
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60596 Frankfurt
phone: 6301-7410
Getting there: by streetcar: line 12, 15, 19, 21 to
Universitätsklinikum
Pediatric Emergency
Service
Frankfurt-Höchst
Municipal Hospital
Gotenstraße 6–8
65929 Frankfurt
phone: 3106-3322
Getting there: by regional
train (S-Bahn): line S1, 2
to Höchst railroad station
by bus: line 50, 59, 253,
804 to Kliniken Höchst.
Pediatric Emergency
Service
Frankfurt University
Hospital
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60596 Frankfurt
Bldg. 32, entrance C
phone: 6301-7170
Getting there: by streetcar: line 12, 15, 19, 21 to
Universitätsklinikum
Prevention Council
– Violence-See-Help
Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 45
60313 Frankfurt
phone: 212-31476
www.gewalt-sehen-helfen.de
River Cruises
Primus Line
Mainkai 36
60311 Frankfurt
phone: 1338370
www.primus-linie.de
Security Hotline
Public Affairs Office
Task Force
phone: 212-44044
Self-Help Contact
Frankfurt
Jahnstraße 49
60318 Frankfurt
phone: 559444
www.selbsthilfe-frankfurt.net
Social-Pedagogical
Family Aid –
Caritas Association
Rüsterstraße 5
60325 Frankfurt
phone: 97206044
www.caritas-frankfurt.de
Teachers’ Cooperative
– Education and
Communication
Kasseler Straße 1a
60486 Frankfurt
phone: 9706360
www.lehrerkooperative.de
White Ring – Aid
Organization for
Crime Victims and
Their Families
Großer Hirschgraben 15
60311 Frankfurt
phone: 252500
emergency hotline for
victims: 01803 343434
www.weisser-ring.de
Women’s Emergency
Call Frankfurt
Kasseler Straße 1a
60486 Frankfurt
phone: 709494
www.frauennotruffrankfurt.de