Frankfurt’s Skyline: A Growing Center of Modern Architecture
Frankfurt, the most populous city in the German state of Hesse, is increasingly recognized for its striking skyline. Situated in the Rhine-Main metropolitan region, home to over 5.9 million people, the city has become a major financial hub and a focal point for modern architecture. As of , Frankfurt boasts 43 completed high-rises exceeding 100 meters (328 feet) in height, with an additional building currently under construction.
The city’s embrace of tall buildings began after extensive bombing during World War II destroyed much of its medieval center. Rather than rebuild in the traditional style, Frankfurt largely adopted modernist architecture during reconstruction. This has resulted in a unique urban landscape, often referred to as “Mainhattan,” a blend of Manhattan and the name of the river Main that flows through the city.
A Concentration of Skyscrapers
Frankfurt is notable as one of the few European cities with a significant concentration of tall buildings in its central area. In fact, the city is home to the majority of Germany’s skyscrapers, including its 15 tallest. The skyline is considered one of the largest in the European Union, and by far the largest in Germany. Nearly 40 buildings within a relatively small area reach heights of over 100 meters, and 19 of the 20 tallest skyscrapers in Germany are located in Frankfurt.
The tallest building in Frankfurt is the Commerzbank Tower, completed in 1997. Standing at 258.7 meters (950 feet) tall, it is the second tallest building in the European Union. The tower serves as the headquarters for Commerzbank and reflects the city’s role as a financial center. However, the tallest free-standing structure in Frankfurt is the Europaturm, a 337.5-meter (1,107-foot) telecommunications tower located north of the main skyline.
Development Clusters and Notable Buildings
The Frankfurt skyline is comprised of several distinct clusters of high-rise buildings. These are primarily located in development areas such as the Financial District, the European District, and City West. Notable buildings include the MesseTurm, reaching 256.5 meters, and Westend 1, at 208 meters. Other significant structures are the MAIN TOWER (200 meters including its mast reaching 240 meters), Tower 185 (200 meters), ONE (190.85 meters), OmniTurm (189.9 meters), Trianon (186 meters), Skytower (EZB) (185 meters), and Grand Tower (179.9 meters).
The city’s skyline continues to evolve, with a skyscraper master plan in place for 2024 outlining future development. The oldest high-rise building in Frankfurt is the DGB House, built in 1931, reaching 31 meters. The oldest tower is the Eschenheim Tower, constructed in 1400, standing at 47 meters.
Viewing the Skyline
Frankfurt offers numerous vantage points for experiencing its skyline. Popular locations include the Eisener Steg bridge, Oosten bar & restaurant, and the Galeria Kaufhof Leonhards Sky Lounge. The Main Tower itself provides a 360-degree view of the city, while Flemings Hotel offers views from its outdoor terrace. Osthafenbrücke also provides a panoramic view, often less crowded than other locations.
The skyline is a landmark in the city, attracting visitors and symbolizing Frankfurt’s modern identity. As of , there are 540 buildings in Frankfurt that are considered tall buildings.
