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Historic neighborhood · Frankfurt, Hesse
Sachsenhausen
Neighborhood on the south bank of the Main, known for its Apfelwein taverns, Frankfurt's cider, served in gray and blue ceramic jugs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen is on the south bank of the Main, opposite the old town, and has been part of Frankfurt since the Middle Ages. The northern part of the neighborhood, near the river, contains late-19th-century buildings, the Museumsufer museums and the Schweizer Straße, a street of shops and restaurants.
The neighborhood is home to Apfelwein, called Ebbelwoi in the local dialect: a dry, tart cider with an alcohol strength similar to beer, served in the Bembel, the ceramic jug, and drunk from the Gerippte, the diamond-patterned glass. Traditional taverns have long communal tables where it's common to sit next to strangers.
Typical dishes to accompany it are Grüne Soße, a cold seven-herb sauce served with potatoes and egg; Handkäs mit Musik, a cured cheese with onion and vinegar; and smoked pork ribs (Rippchen) with sauerkraut.
Alt-Sachsenhausen, the maze of lanes around the Kleine Rittergasse, is the oldest and busiest part at night. The most traditional taverns are scattered across the neighborhood, on Schweizer Straße and nearby streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One evening to dine in a tavern; 1 to 2 hours to walk around the neighborhood during the day.
Best time
At night, when taverns fill up, especially Thursday to Saturday. In summer the inner courtyards are open. Some taverns close one day a week: check in advance.
How to get there
From the Römerberg, cross the Eiserner Steg and walk about 10 minutes. Stations Schweizer Platz and Südbahnhof (U1 to U3, U8; Südbahnhof also served by S-Bahn).
Tip
Order Apfelwein on its own or the Sauergespritzter, mixed with sparkling water. If the jug is large, it can be shared at the table. In traditional taverns it's common to sit with strangers at the same long table.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sachsenhausen
What is Apfelwein?
It's Frankfurt's typical cider, made from tart apples, dry and lightly carbonated. It's served in the Bembel, a ceramic jug, and drunk from the Gerippte glass.
What to eat in an apple-wine tavern?
Grüne Soße, a seven-herb sauce with potato and egg, Handkäs mit Musik, cheese with onion and vinegar, and smoked cutlets with sauerkraut.
What's the busiest part of the neighborhood?
Alt-Sachsenhausen, around Kleine Rittergasse, fills up at night. The most traditional taverns are spread along the streets near Schweizer Straße.