Exploring Sachsenhausen: Your First Visit to Frankfurt’s Apple-Wine Heart

By Dirk Ebener

Source: Dirk Ebener

• Sachsenhausen offers a blend of local charm and cultural richness, with cobblestone streets, historic apple-wine taverns, and the renowned Museumsufer along the River Main, making it an ideal introduction to Frankfurt's authentic spirit.

• Traditional Hessian cuisine and apple wine culture define the culinary experience, with must-try dishes like Grüne Soße, Handkäs mit Musik, and Frankfurter Rippchen, best enjoyed in cozy Apfelweinwirtschaften like Atschel and Lorsbacher Thal.

• From riverside walks and museum visits to vibrant nightlife and historic towers, Sachsenhausen provides an accessible and immersive travel experience—perfect for first-time visitors seeking a mix of comfort, heritage, and flavor.

  
  

First Encounter with Sachsenhausen

Several years ago, a group of six German Fußball fans, decided to travel to Frankfurt to visit a soccer game in three cities throughout Germany. We booked our airline tickets and traveled over to Frankfurt, where we started our trip. 

It was a foggy morning when we first crossed the Eiserner Steg, the old iron bridge that hums with footsteps over the Main River, leading into Sachsenhausen. The crisp air smelled of roasted chestnuts and the distant sweetness of apple wine lingering from the night before. We had read about Sachsenhausen in countless travel articles, but nothing prepared us for the charm hidden within its narrow cobblestone streets. The soft clatter of bicycles and the hum of the trams reminded us that Frankfurt was already alive, yet Sachsenhausen felt like a village within a city.

Our first stop was a small café on Schweizer Straße, where the locals sipped their morning coffee while exchanging quiet nods. The pace here was slower, intentional, giving you space to notice the colorful shutters on half-timbered houses and the occasional splash of street art on old brick walls. As we walked further into the district, the scent of freshly baked Brötchen and the tang of fermenting cider from the Apfelweinwirtschaften drew us in. It was here that we tasted our first glass of tart Ebbelwoi (or Äppler), served in the traditional ribbed glass, and paired it with a plate of Handkäs mit Musik, which is both tangy and comforting at the same time.

Source: Dirk Ebener

At every corner, we discovered stories: the laughter of friends gathered in small courtyards, musicians strumming quietly near the riverbanks, and the hidden doorways leading to cozy taverns where wood paneling and vintage photos spoke of decades past. One evening, we found ourselves at Lorsbacher Thal, a local apple-wine tavern, sharing a table with strangers who quickly became friends over plates of Grüne Soße and Schnitzel. We clinked glasses as the soft glow of lanterns reflected off the Bembel, the traditional stoneware jug for apple wine, each sip a celebration of the region’s simplicity and pride.

The Museumsufer, on the edge of Sachsenhausen, became our afternoon hangout, where we wandered from the Städel Museum to the German Film Museum, pausing to watch the river barges move slowly under the bridges. The sky seemed to open up over the Main, casting soft golden light over the skyline, reminding me why people call Frankfurt “Mainhattan,” yet here, it was more village than metropolis. Evenings often ended with a walk through Old Sachsenhausen, where laughter spilled from taverns, live music played in tucked-away bars, and the scent of grilled sausages followed me through the lanes.

We were surprised by how accessible everything was—by tram, on foot, or by bike, each route led to another discovery. One afternoon, we decided to climb the Goethe Tower, the city’s wooden giant, for sweeping views of the skyline, forests, and river bends that have shaped Frankfurt’s identity. At the Kleinmarkthalle in the city center, we picked up local cheese, fresh bread, and spices, feeling like locals as we balanced a small paper bag of treats for a riverside picnic. It was in Sachsenhausen that we learned how a city could feel both grand and intimate, offering the energy of an international hub while preserving the rhythms of local life.

The experience taught all of us to slow down, to listen to the stories in the clinking glasses, the baker’s early morning greetings, and the laughter in the apple-wine courtyards.

Sachsenhausen was not just a place to visit but a place to feel, to taste, and to embrace. The soft glow of sunrise over the river and the hum of life through its streets made each day feel like an unfolding promise. 

If you ever find yourself in Frankfurt, let Sachsenhausen welcome you the way it did me—with warmth, authenticity, and a glass of tart apple wine in hand.

Source: iStockphotos/We-Ge

Why Visit Sachsenhausen?

Sachsenhausen, located on the south bank of the Main River, is one of Frankfurt’s oldest districts, known for its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and historic apple-wine taverns. Divided into Nord and Süd, the district offers a welcoming blend of local culture, food traditions, and museum culture, making it the perfect introduction to Frankfurt’s heart.

Unlike the modern skyscrapers of Frankfurt’s banking district, Sachsenhausen retains an intimate, village-like feel where life moves at a comfortable pace while remaining close to the city’s major attractions.

Top Things to Do in Sachsenhausen

Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Along the Schaumainkai, you’ll find:

• Städel Museum: Masterpieces from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

• German Film Museum: Exploring film history and screenings.

• Liebieghaus: A sculpture museum in a villa setting.

These museums are walkable and perfect for a day of cultural immersion followed by riverside relaxation.

Source: Dirk Ebener

Old Sachsenhausen and Apple-Wine Taverns

The Alt-Sachsenhausen area (Paradiesgasse and Klappergasse) is a maze of narrow streets lined with apple-wine taverns. Spend an evening hopping from:

• Atschel (for Schnitzel and Apfelwein)

• Zum Gemalten Haus (a historic tavern)

• Lorsbacher Thal (cozy courtyard seating)

Expect lively conversations and traditional Hessian food under timber beams and hanging lanterns.

Eiserner Steg and River Walks

This pedestrian bridge connects the Old Town with Sachsenhausen, providing excellent views of Frankfurt’s skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Kleinmarkthalle Visit

A short walk away in central Frankfurt, Kleinmarkthalle is an indoor market offering fresh bread, cheese, spices, sausages, and wines from local producers. It’s a perfect place to grab picnic supplies for a riverside lunch.

Goethe Tower and City Forest

For a peaceful escape, visit the 43-meter wooden Goethe Tower in the nearby City Forest. The panoramic views over Frankfurt and the Main River are worth the climb.

Source: Dirk Ebener - Handkäs mit Musik: Sour milk cheese marinated with vinegar, oil, and onions.

What to Eat in Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen is the best place in Frankfurt to experience regional Hessian cuisine:

• Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A creamy, herb-based sauce served with boiled eggs and potatoes.

• Handkäs mit Musik: Sour milk cheese marinated with vinegar, oil, and onions.

• Frankfurter Rippchen: Cured pork with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

• Frankfurter Würstchen: Frankfurt’s signature sausages served with bread and mustard.

• Frankfurter Kranz: A buttercream cake layered with jam and covered in caramel brittle.

• Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): The region’s tart, lightly sparkling apple wine, served in ribbed glasses or a shared Bembel.

Dining here isn’t just about the food; it’s about sharing space in rustic taverns where laughter and conversation flow as freely as the apple wine.

Source: Dirk Ebener

Where to Eat

• Atschel: Famous for Grüne Soße, Schnitzel, and Apfelwein.

• Lorsbacher Thal: Historic tavern with traditional apple wine served in Bembels.

• Zum Gemalten Haus: One of Frankfurt’s most iconic apple-wine taverns.

• Fichtekränzi: Beloved for authentic Hessian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

• Kleinmarkthalle: For daytime snacks, sandwiches, and local cheeses.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

For first-time visitors, it’s practical to stay in Sachsenhausen or near the city center for walkability:

Sachsenhausen Stays:

• Hotel Cult Frankfurt City: Modern rooms close to Schweizer Platz and Apfelweinviertel.

• Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza: Riverside views with easy access to the Old Town and Museumsufer.

City Center Options:

• Ruby Louise Hotel: Stylish, budget-friendly with a rooftop terrace.

• Flemings Selection Hotel: Mid-range option with comfortable amenities.

• nhow Frankfurt: Modern design hotel with skyline views.

• Frankfurt Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly and located along the Main River.

Travel Tips

• Best Season: Spring and autumn for mild weather.

• Frankfurt Card: Offers discounts on public transport and admission to museums.

Getting Around: Walk, tram, or rent a bike for easy exploration.

Language: English is widely spoken, but a few German words are appreciated.

Cultural Note: Tipping (5-10%) is customary in restaurants.

Final Thoughts about Sachsenhausen

Visiting Sachsenhausen on your first trip to Frankfurt means immersing yourself in the authentic heartbeat of the city—where you can taste local apple wine, discover traditional taverns, stroll along riverside paths, and enjoy the comforts of a village-like district within a global city.

Let Sachsenhausen’s warm taverns, slow mornings, and the friendly clink of glasses welcome you to Frankfurt, offering you a journey filled with culinary discovery, cultural immersion, and the chance to experience Germany beyond the guidebooks—one glass of Ebbelwoi at a time.

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Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

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