An Excursion to Frankfurt-Höchst

Half-timbered architecture, sand dunes and finest porcelain

Frankfurt/Main, 01^st April 2015 (tcf): Located in the western part of the metropolis of Frankfurt, the city district of Höchst has over the years managed to retain its own character and charm. Idyllically set along the banks of the majestic River Main, Höchst is a popular day-trip destination for locals and visitors alike. The town exudes a typical old-world atmosphere, with winding laneways, ancient buildings, beautiful half-timbered architecture and numerous historical sightseeing attractions making for a most interesting visit. Known for both its beauty and its history, Höchst became a member of the official German Timberframe Road in 2013.

The scenic old town of Frankfurt’s oldest city district was fortunate to survive the air raids of World War Two without too much damage. Unlike many other parts of Frankfurt, it is still home to a number of historic buildings placed under monument protection in 1972. The Carolingian St Justin’s Church, over 1,200 years old, is not only the most historically significant structure in Höchst, it is also one of Frankfurt’s most important cultural monuments. During the annually held Höchst Summer Organ Festival (26^th April to 06^th September 2015), St Justin’s Church is transformed into a spectacular concert venue attracting thousands of fans of organ music.

The picturesque castle square (“Schlossplatz”) is the centrepiece of Höchst’s old town. Here, cosy pubs featuring views of the old toll tower invite visitors for a brief respite. J.W. Goethe, Germany’s most celebrated author and poet, used to regularly visit two of these historical taverns, “Der Karpfen” and “Zum Bären”. So fond was he of these establishments that he even mentioned them in his famous work, “Poetry and Truth”. During the warmer months of the year, the “Schlossplatz” offers plenty of outdoor seating for al-fresco wining and dining. During winter, the square plays host to the city’s time-honoured Christmas market.

When it comes to the town’s many sightseeing attractions, the New and Old Castle of Höchst stand out as particularly eye-catching. The former residence of the archbishops of Mainz was constructed in several phases between the 13^th and 16^th century. At the end of the Second World War, the New Castle became the home of the American forces radio station, AFN. Around the castle, some 400 metres of the former city walls remain standing along the River Main, along with the old riverside gate. They represent the last remains of the former city walls.

In the eastern part of the old town, one finds the magnificent Bolongaro Palace, a breathtakingly beautiful baroque-styled structure featuring a romantic terraced garden. Various sculptures and a Neptune fountain lend further splendour to this unique location, which also offers visitors impressive views of the confluence of the Nidda and Main rivers. During the summer, this imposing setting becomes the scene of open-air theatre performances, such as those presented during the “Baroque on the Main Festival” (22^nd July to 30^th August 2015).

Höchst is also well known for its porcelain, at one time referred to as “white gold”. Founded in 1746, the Höchst Porcelain Manufactory is Germany’s second-oldest porcelain production site, and one that continues to hand-manufacture top-quality porcelain to this day. Visitors of the manufactory have the unique opportunity of witnessing the production process first hand, from the mixing of the porcelain paste to the hand-painting of the finished models. Original Höchst porcelain is of course also on sale at the manufactory shop. Some 1,800 classic pieces of porcelain and faiences from the Höchst Porcelain Manufactory are on display at the porcelain museum frankfurt, which has its home at Kronberger Haus. These magnificent porcelain articles represent various artistic epochs ranging from the rococo to the classicistic era. Items on show include porcelain figurines and tableware featuring various landscape, flower and bird motifs. A further porcelain museum is located in the historical museum frankfurt.

Those interested in a leisurely stroll through unique natural surrounds are urged to pay a visit to “Schwanheim Dune Nature Reserve”, home to one of only a handful of inland dunes in all of Europe. Here, nature rules supreme, the reserve being the home of a number of rare birds and plants. A small ferry named “Walter Kolb” sails between Höchst and Schwanheim several times a day.

Another attraction among Höchst’s many natural environs is the Main embankment.  This recreational area with its countless blossoming trees is a popular favourite amongst walkers and bikers. Cycling enthusiasts are sure to find the 10-km cycling path around Höchst’s industrial park to their liking. This loop features many scenic impressions of the industrial park as well as beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape. Along the path, cyclists will find information boards shedding light on local industry, nature and culture.

Further information:
The PRIMUS LINE, which departs from its “home port” alongside the Eiserne Steg footbridge in central Frankfurt, offers regular one-hour cruises to Höchst and back between May and October. Those who want to get there on a faster route may instead take advantage of the city’s public transport system. Höchst’s official tourist information office, “Tabak & Presse Krämer”, is the ideal information point for tourists visiting western Frankfurt. Here, visitors from near and far may obtain tips and detailed information on Höchst’s many sightseeing attractions. City maps as well as typical Höchst and Frankfurt souvenirs are also on sale. The location also serves as the starting point for a two-hour guided city walk, aptly named “Frankfurt Höchst”, which is on offer on weekends from April to November.