Höchst Old Town Frankfurt: Timber-Framing, Castle & Justinus Church

Most visitors know only Frankfurt’s city centre — yet in the west of the city lies a real jewel: the Höchst old town. Unlike the war-destroyed centre, Alt-Höchst survived largely unscathed and today shows Frankfurt’s largest closed timber-framed ensemble. Narrow lanes, a castle on the Main and the city’s oldest church make a trip here a little journey through time. Let me show you what awaits in Höchst and how to plan your visit.

Frankfurt’s largest timber-framed ensemble

The Höchst old town covers around 7.5 hectares and is Frankfurt’s largest contiguous timber-framed quarter. Because Höchst was spared the bombing in the Second World War, the old town is completely preserved: unchanged timber-framed houses, winding lanes and plenty of cosiness shape the scene. Most of the houses stand on a medieval street plan and largely date from after the great town fire of 1586.

As you stroll through the lanes, you immediately feel the contrast with the modern banking city: here the clocks tick more slowly, and the historic charm is genuine, not reconstructed.

The Justinus Church: Frankfurt’s oldest building

A special highlight is the Justinus Church, the oldest surviving building in all of Frankfurt. The Carolingian basilica was built around 830 and consecrated around 850; its high-Gothic choir dates from the 15th century. The three-aisled church is not only an important architectural monument but also an atmospheric venue for classical concerts. A look inside the venerable interior is well worthwhile.

Höchst Castle

Right on the bank of the Main rises the striking Höchst Castle, once the residence of the archbishops of Mainz. It was built in several phases between the 13th and 16th centuries and is a real eye-catcher. Today the castle houses exhibitions, among them on the history of the place, the famous Höchst Porcelain Manufactory and the area’s industrial history. The castle square by the water is also a lovely place to linger.

More sights in Höchst

Höchst has even more to offer:

• The customs tower (Zollturm): a Gothic tower recalling Höchst’s importance as a customs and trading place.
• The Bolongaro Palace: a magnificent Baroque palace built by a wealthy merchant family.
• The Höchst Porcelain Manufactory: one of Germany’s oldest porcelain manufactories, with a tradition reaching back to the 18th century.
• The riverbank: lovely views of the river and a nice spot for a walk.

Getting there

Höchst lies in the west of Frankfurt and is comfortably reached by S-Bahn: from the main station, several S-Bahn lines bring you to Frankfurt-Höchst station in around 15 minutes. From there it’s only a few minutes’ walk into the old town. Arriving by car is also possible, but the train is more relaxed. A trip to Höchst combines well with a half or full day.

Practical tips for your visit

• Arrive by S-Bahn: fast, cheap and with no search for parking.
• Take time for the lanes: the appeal lies in wandering — let yourself drift and discover the details of the timber-framed houses.
• Visit the Justinus Church: check the opening hours or concert dates in advance.
• Linger by the Main: the castle square and the riverbank invite a break.
• Combine with a market visit: Höchst regularly holds markets and festivals — it’s worth a look at the events calendar.
• Enjoy the calm: Höchst is less crowded than the city centre — ideal for a relaxed day off the tourist trail.

Is the trip worth it?

Absolutely. The Höchst old town is an insider tip that surprisingly many Frankfurt visitors overlook. Precisely because it was spared in the war, it feels authentic and organically grown — a genuine historic quarter rather than a reconstruction. With the city’s oldest church, a castle on the Main and one of Germany’s loveliest timber-framed ensembles, Höchst offers far more than you’d expect from a Frankfurt district.

My advice: take the S-Bahn, plan a relaxed half day and combine the wander through the lanes with a visit to the Justinus Church and a break on the riverbank. That way you discover a completely different, surprisingly historic side of Frankfurt.