Eiserner Steg: cross the river and look back
Visitor information checked: 27 September 2026. Walking across the footbridge is free; check local notices if there are works or events.
After the cobbled square of Römerberg, head down towards the Main. The Eiserner Steg is a pleasant change of scene: steel overhead, the river underneath, and Frankfurt unfolding in both directions. You can come for the view even if you do not have anywhere particular to go on the other side.
What you see from the bridge
On the bridge, look along the river and back towards the skyline. Across the water is Sachsenhausen, where the riverside forms part of the Museumsufer. Depending on where you stop, you may see boats on the Main, church towers, trees and modern buildings in the same glance. Our photos show how different the bridge looks from the bank, from close under its steel structure and from the walkway above. Official Frankfurt tourism guide
You will also notice love locks attached to parts of the railing. In our photo they frame the river. Take a look, then keep moving so other people can pass. At the bridge entrance, we spotted the Eiserner Steg name and historical water-level markers on the wall; our close-up photo shows that small detail.
A bridge with a story
Frankfurt citizens had the pedestrian bridge built in 1868–69 to link the old town with Sachsenhausen. It was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt afterwards. The bridge you cross today has also been renovated since. The city’s heritage record explains the original construction, while the tourism office describes the later rebuilding and its views.
Make it part of an easy walk
From Römerberg, follow the streets towards the river and the bridge’s old-town entrance at Mainkai. Cross at your own pace, then turn around on the Sachsenhausen bank: our cover photo was taken from that side, with the bridge leading back towards the city centre. If you still have energy, continue along the riverside or choose a museum; if not, cross back and have a break. Our first-day walking guide fits this into a flexible afternoon.
If you want to get onto the water
Near the bridge on the Sachsenhausen side, we spotted Aqua Fun renting small electric boats. You steer the boat yourself and see the skyline from the river, a different outing from taking a scheduled sightseeing cruise. Our photos show the rental sign and boats moored with Eiserner Steg behind them; we did not take a boat out that day.
According to Aqua Fun’s Frankfurt rental page, its boats carry up to six people and can be driven without a boat licence. The operator lists €45 for 30 minutes or €85 for an hour as of our check on 27 September 2026. The driver must be at least 18 and have a valid Personalausweis; if you only have a passport, ask the operator whether it is accepted. Alcohol or drugs are not allowed. Rentals depend on good weather, so check the current hours, conditions and prices before making plans.
Or take a break by the river
If you would rather stay on land, there is also a place to sit right on the water near the bridge. We photographed the floating Bootshaus Frau Rauscher auf dem Main on the Sachsenhausen bank: one view from above shows its riverside setting, while the other looks across its open-air tables towards the skyline. It is a lovely way to slow down after the walk, whether you stop for a drink or a meal. Check its current opening hours and whether a table is available before making it a firm part of your plans.
The bridge crossing itself is free; renting an electric boat or visiting a museum costs extra. Frankfurt’s tourism office notes that lifts have been installed for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but check their current operation if step-free access is essential for your visit. Bridge visitor information
Our suggestion: Don’t rush straight over. Look out from the middle, cross to Sachsenhausen, then turn back to see the bridge from the riverbank. It is a simple way to experience the old town and the river together.