A Photographer’s Guide to Frankfurt: A phototour through Germany’s Skyline City

Frankfurt is a fascinating city where old-world charm meets modern marvels. From its soaring skyscrapers that form Germany’s only true skyline to its quaint, medieval streets, this city offers a wide array of photographic opportunities. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or a seasoned professional with a DSLR, Fototour Frankfurt will challenge your creativity and reward you with stunning shots. This photoguide will walk you through some of the best photography locations in the city, along with tips on how to capture their essence.

1. Römerberg: A Step Back in Time

Frankfurt’s old town, known as the Römerberg, is a picturesque location, perfect for capturing a sense of the city’s history. The square is surrounded by half-timbered houses and the iconic Römer, the medieval building that now houses the city hall.

Photography Tips:

• Timing is everything. Early mornings, especially in the golden hour just after sunrise, offer soft lighting that enhances the warm tones of the timber-framed buildings. The streets are also emptier at this time, giving you the chance to capture wide, uninterrupted shots.
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the square and surrounding architecture.

• Don’t be afraid to shoot upwards, especially toward the tower of the nearby Kaiserdom (St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral), to emphasize the towering spires against the sky.

2. The Eiserner Steg: A Bridge with a View

The Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt’s iconic pedestrian bridge, offers one of the best vantage points in the city. Crossing the Main River, the bridge provides an unobstructed view of both the old town and the modern skyline.

Photography Tips:

• For cityscape photography, this spot is a must. Try visiting at sunset or during the blue hour for dramatic lighting that showcases both the illuminated skyline and the reflective waters of the Main.
• Symmetry shots work well on the bridge. Stand in the center and shoot down the length of the bridge to emphasize its iron structure and vanishing point.
• Use a tripod and long exposure to capture the moving boats on the river or to blur the footsteps of pedestrians crossing the bridge, adding a sense of dynamism to your shot.

3. Frankfurt Skyline: The Modern Giant

Frankfurt’s skyline, affectionately known as “Mainhattan,” is one of the city’s defining features. Whether you’re viewing it from ground level or a high vantage point, the collection of skyscrapers is an impressive sight.

Photography Tips:

• The best spot for skyline photography is along the Main River embankment (Mainufer). Choose a point on the south side of the river to frame the skyline with the river in the foreground. A wide-angle lens can help you capture more of the scene.
• The blue hour (the period just after sunset) is a magical time for skyline shots. The buildings light up, and the sky takes on a deep blue hue, offering contrast against the city lights.

• Consider using a neutral density (ND) filter if you’re shooting during daylight hours. This can help control exposure when shooting directly into the light while also allowing for long exposures that smooth the surface of the river.

4. Palmengarten: A Green Oasis

For nature lovers, the Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s botanical garden, and it provides a beautiful contrast to the urban landscape. Inside, you’ll find exotic plants, greenhouses, and even a pond, all perfect for macro and nature photography.

Photography Tips:

• Inside the greenhouses, use a macro lens to focus on the intricate details of tropical plants, flowers, and water droplets.
• Natural light streams through the greenhouse glass, but be mindful of glare. Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and enhance color saturation.
• In the garden’s open spaces, take advantage of the variety of plant life to play with depth of field. A shallow focus on one plant can create a beautiful blur effect in the background, drawing attention to your subject.

5. The Old Opera House (Alte Oper): Architectural Grandeur

Frankfurt’s Alte Oper is a stunning building, particularly striking after dark when it’s illuminated. The combination of neoclassical architecture and modern lighting makes this one of the most beautiful structures in the city to photograph.

Photography Tips:

• Night photography works best here. Be sure to bring a tripod and set your ISO low to avoid noise. Use a slow shutter speed to capture the lighting on the building as well as any motion in the surrounding areas.
• Experiment with angles and reflections. The fountain in front of the Alte Oper offers a great opportunity to capture the building reflected in the water, especially when the lights are on in the evening.
• The ornate details on the façade beg for close-up shots, so don’t forget to zoom in and capture the intricate stonework.

6. Goethe Tower: A Bird’s Eye View

For panoramic shots of the city, head to the Goethe Tower. Located in the Stadtwald, this wooden observation tower provides a view over the forest with the skyline in the distance.

Photography Tips:

• Bring a telephoto lens if you want to capture the skyline from this vantage point. The tower is a good distance from the city, so a zoom will help you frame the shot.
• For wide panoramic shots, a panoramic mode or stitching software can help you combine multiple images into one.
• This is another location that’s perfect at sunset, as the city skyline and the surrounding greenery are bathed in warm, golden light.

7. The Zeil: Urban Street Photography

The Zeil is Frankfurt’s main shopping street and a hub of activity. From modern architecture to lively street scenes, there’s plenty to capture here.

Photography Tips:

• The glass facade of the MyZeil shopping center is a modern architectural wonder. Shoot upwards from the inside to capture the winding, almost futuristic structure.
• For street photography, focus on the people. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze moments of everyday life on this bustling street.
• Keep an eye out for interesting contrasts between the modern storefronts and the occasional street performer or vendor. These interactions make for great storytelling shots.

8. The Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof): An Urban Classic

Frankfurt’s central station is one of the busiest in Europe, and its architecture combines historical grandeur with the bustle of modern-day travel. The imposing main hall and intricate ironwork are a photographer’s dream.

Photography Tips:

• Symmetry and leading lines are key here. Stand at the end of the main hall and shoot down the length of the station to capture the perspective of the tracks disappearing into the distance.
• Use a high shutter speed to freeze the motion of commuters, or opt for a long exposure to blur the movement of travelers, creating a sense of the station’s constant activity.
• The station is particularly beautiful in the early morning light, when the hall is quieter, and the natural light streams through the large windows.