8 facts you probably didn’t know about Frankfurt
Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital and home to one of the largest airports in Europe. It might not be the first city you think of for a visit because it is mainly known as a business city. But it’s definitely worth of visiting, Frankfurt is a city in which there is a lot to explore and discover. Get to know the city and find out which are the most interesting fun facts about Frankfurt!
#1 Frankfurt means ford of the Franks
Frankfurt was given the name by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, who ruled over parts of modern France and Germany in the Middle Ages. After winning a battle against the Saxons, he decided to commemorate his victory and named the place as the ‘Ford of the Franks’ or Frankfurt.
#2 It is the home of the Frankfurter (Hot Dog)
Interestingly, ’Hot Dogs’ are also known as ‘Frankfurters’ and the dish derives its name from the city itself. Frankfurter Würstchen were supposedly distributed to people during special events like imperial coronations.
#3 Goethe was born and raised in Frankfurt
Ever heard of Goethe Institute for German or language classes? Goethe was a prolific writer and statesman in Germany and lived with his family in Frankfurt too. You can visit the Goethe Haus whenever you are in the city and dive into history while walking through the house and reading about him.
#4 14 out of the 15 tallest skyscrapers in Germany stand in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the fifth largest city of Germany and is also known as ‘Mainhattan’ , since it is located along the river Maine and has some striking skyscrapers. For a good view over the city, you can go up to the 55th floor of the MAIN Tower, which is the ‘Frankfurt’s highest vantage point.’ The tallest one is the Commerzbank tower whit its 260 meters.
#5 Home of Johannes Gutenberg
Frankfurt was home to the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg. You can spot a memorial dedicated to him and the early funders of the printing press in the city centre on the Rossmarkt square.
#6 Impressive Central Station
Because of the Frankfurt’s location in the middle of Germany and usage as a transport hub for long and short distance travelling, Deutsche Bahn refers to the Frankfurt Central Station as the most important station in Germany. If you ever find yourself at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Railway station), check out of the building from the front and look closely at the main entrance. You will notice the statue of Atlas carrying the Earth on his shoulders!
#7 The Grimm brothers are from the city near Frankfurt
For fairy tale lovers, there is a very special journey into childhood. The Grimm brothers, who compiled fairy tales such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White and Rose Red, Sleeping Beauty and many others, lived in Hanau, barely 25 kilometers away from Frankfurt. Later, they moved to the city of Marburg, a good 100 kilometers away, to study.
#8 Frankfurt Airport is huge
At some point, you might have had a flight connection via Frankfurt Airport, Europe’s fourth-biggest airport (and Germany’s biggest). It spreads over 2000 hectares of land, has a baggage system equivalent to the length of one and a half marathons, annually receives more than 60 million passengers, handles over 460,000 flights and transports more than 2 million tonnes of cargo.
Fun Facts Frankfurt: FAQs
What is Frankfurt's significance in Germany's economy?
Frankfurt is Germany's financial hub, home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest trading centers.
What are some architectural landmarks in Frankfurt?
Frankfurt offers a blend of historic and modern architecture. The city skyline, featuring high-rises like Commerzbank Tower, is iconic. Other landmarks include the Romer, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and the Old Opera House.
What is the "Apfelwein" tradition in Frankfurt?
Apfelwein, or apple wine, is a popular traditional beverage in Frankfurt. Several taverns in the city serve Apfelwein and often it's enjoyed with traditional Frankfurt dishes.
Can you tell me about Frankfurt's book fair?
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest trade fair for books. It's a significant event for publishers and authors, attracting thousands of exhibitors from around the world annually.
What's the significance of the Städel Museum in Frankfurt?
The Städel Museum is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious museums. It houses a vast collection of works spanning seven centuries of European art.
Is Frankfurt a multicultural city?
Yes, Frankfurt is a multicultural city. It's one of the most diverse cities in Germany, with residents from over 180 countries.
What's special about Frankfurt's Green Sauce?
Frankfurt's Green Sauce is a traditional dish made from seven herbs, sour cream, and yogurt. It's typically served with boiled potatoes and eggs, and is especially popular in the spring and summer months.
What role does Frankfurt play in Germany's transport network?
Frankfurt is a central transport hub in Germany. Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest in the world, and Frankfurt's central train station is a major national and international railway hub.
Can you tell me about the Palmengarten in Frankfurt?
The Palmengarten is a beautiful botanical garden in Frankfurt, featuring a wide variety of plants from around the world. Its greenhouses allow visitors to experience different climatic regions.
Are there any famous personalities associated with Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is the birthplace of several well-known personalities, including writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, philosopher Theodor W. Adorno, and banker Mayer Amschel Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild banking dynasty.
Looking for a family hotel in Frankfurt? Our hotel is located near city center directly on the Frankfurt airport which gives our guests access to the entire city with ease via excellent public transport connections. Families, no matter whether large or small will find everything they need for a holiday at our hotels: guest kitchen, washing machine and dryer plus flexible family room at affordable price.
