The Eiserner Steg is a green steel footbridge that has become one of Frankfurt’s iconic landmarks. It was opened in 1869 to alleviate the heavy traffic on the only bridge between the north and south parts of town. Cross the Eiserner Steg to experience a piece of Frankfurt’s history firsthand, or simply take photos of the river with the old bridge as the focal point.
This steel footbridge spans 560 feet (170 meters) over the Main River between Frankfurt’s Old Town on the north bank and Sachsenhausen on the south bank. As you stroll over the bridge, enjoy the beautiful views of the skyline to the north and the Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment, to the south.
Look for the phrase in Greek at the top of the bridge. It comes from Homer’s Odyssey and is translated as: “While sailing over the wine-dark sea to men of strange speech.”
The Eiserner Steg was originally funded and built entirely through private initiative and donations. Around the middle of the 19th century, the people of Frankfurt repeatedly complained to the government about the traffic on the one bridge over the Main River. The government continually refused to add a bridge for budgetary reasons, so the people paid for it themselves.
During the last days of World War II, German soldiers dynamited the Eiserner Steg to prevent Allied troops from entering Frankfurt from the south. The bridge was rebuilt in 1946. Now, 10,000 people cross it daily.
Use the Eiserner Steg as an extremely convenient route for visiting the city’s best destinations. On either side you can explore many of Frankfurt’s exquisite old buildings and interesting museums without having to walk very far.
There is no fee to cross the Eiserner Steg. The bridge has stairs on either side, but is also wheelchair-accessible via special elevators. Arrive at the main Old Town U-Bahn or tram stop to access the bridge from the north. Parking is available for a fee in one of several nearby parking garages.
