Main Iron Bridge, Frankfurt — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) is Frankfurt's most iconic pedestrian bridge, connecting the Old Town on the north bank of the Main River to the Sachsenhausen district on the south. The original bridge was built in 1868 through public subscription, a neo-Gothic wrought-iron structure that represented Frankfurt's industrial ambitions. It was replaced in 1911-1912 with a larger steel cantilever bridge, 170 metres long with riveted trusses and two bridge piers. In the final days of World War II, the Wehrmacht blew up the bridge to slow the Allied advance. It was rapidly rebuilt in 1946, becoming one of the first structures restored in a city that had been devastated by bombing. The bridge's quick reconstruction made it a symbol of Frankfurt's resilience and determination to rebuild. The most recent renovation was in 1993. Today, the bridge is a popular spot for walking, photography, and enjoying views of the Frankfurt skyline, which rises dramatically on the north bank. Looking north, you see the cluster of skyscrapers that earn Frankfurt its nickname "Mainhattan." Looking south, you see the leafy Sachsenhausen neighbourhood, known for its apple wine taverns and the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), a string of 13 museums along the river. The bridge is free to cross and accessible at any time. If you're on a Questo quest through Frankfurt, the Eiserner Steg gives you one of the best vantage points in the city, with old and new Frankfurt on display from the middle of the river.