Background

Silver Tower: Frankfurt's Enduring Skyscraper

An iconic Frankfurt skyscraper, the Silver Tower reflects the city's modern architecture and financial prowess, offering a glimpse into its dynamic history and skyline.

4.5

The Silver Tower, a landmark in Frankfurt's financial district, stands as a testament to the city's modern architectural achievements. Once Germany's tallest building until 1991, its distinctive silver aluminum and glass facade and rounded edges set it apart from the surrounding skyline. Built between 1975 and 1978, the tower has housed major financial institutions and now serves as a key office location for Deutsche Bahn. While not generally open to the public, its presence enriches the cityscape and offers a glimpse into Frankfurt's economic history. The surrounding Jürgen-Ponto-Platz provides a space to appreciate its unique design and capture memorable photographs, especially during sunset. Its location near the central station makes it easily accessible and a convenient starting point for exploring Frankfurt's other attractions.

A brief summary to Silver Tower

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting to photograph the tower's reflective facade.
  • Take a walk around Jürgen-Ponto-Platz to appreciate the tower's architecture from different angles.
  • Explore the surrounding Bahnhofsviertel district for a diverse range of dining and shopping experiences.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Silver Tower is easily accessible via Frankfurt's efficient public transportation system. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), exit the station and walk east along Kaiserstraße for approximately 450 meters. Turn left onto Weserstraße, and the Silver Tower will be directly ahead. This walk takes about 7-10 minutes. Alternatively, take underground lines U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, or U8 to Willy-Brandt-Platz. From there, walk towards Gallusanlage, turn right onto Gallusanlage, then left onto Neckarstraße. The Silver Tower will be on your right, about a 5-minute walk. A single ride on the U-Bahn costs approximately €2.60.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Frankfurt. A taxi ride from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to the Silver Tower typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt may offer similar pricing, but it's advisable to check their apps for current rates and availability.

  • Walking

    From Willy-Brandt-Platz, walk about 150 meters towards Gallusanlage and turn right onto Gallusanlage. After about 150 meters, turn left onto Neckarstraße and walk past the DB building at Gallusanlage 8. The Silver Tower is 100 meters further along on the right. From Taunusanlage S-Bahn station, leave the station via the exit to Taunusanlage 1-11. Walk along Taunusanlage and turn right onto Taunusstraße after 350 meters or onto Neckarstraße after 400 meters. Continue 100 meters to reach the Silver Tower.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate towards Frankfurt's city center and follow signs for Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). The Silver Tower is located near Jürgen-Ponto-Platz. Note that the building does not have its own parking facilities. The nearest public car park is located at Willy-Brandt-Platz. Parking fees at nearby garages typically range from €2 to €4 per hour, with daily maximums around €20 to €30. Street parking may be available, but it can be limited and subject to time restrictions.

Unlock the Best of Silver Tower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Silver Tower

The Silver Tower, or Silberturm in German, is a prominent skyscraper located in Frankfurt's bustling Bahnhofsviertel district. Completed in 1978, it held the title of Germany's tallest building until 1991, and remains an iconic feature of the city's skyline. Originally constructed as the headquarters for Dresdner Bank, it is now primarily occupied by Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company. Designed by ABB Architekten, the Silver Tower is notable for its futurist architectural style. Its facade is clad in silver aluminum panels and glass, giving it a distinctive sheen that reflects the surrounding cityscape. The tower's rounded corners, a unique feature among Frankfurt's skyscrapers, contribute to its sleek and modern appearance. The building comprises 32 floors above ground and two below, reaching a height of 166.3 meters (546 feet). The plaza on which the Silver Tower stands is named Jürgen-Ponto-Platz, in honor of Jürgen Ponto, the former CEO of Dresdner Bank who was tragically murdered in 1977. This location serves as a poignant reminder of a significant event in German history and adds a layer of historical context to the site. Inside, the Silver Tower was designed with open-plan office spaces, reflecting the modern work environments of its time. The technical infrastructure, including electrical wiring and air conditioning systems, was cleverly integrated into the building's design, with electrical facilities running beneath the floors and air conditioning installed above suspended ceilings. This innovative approach allowed for higher ceilings and more flexible office layouts. Until 1994, the 31st floor housed a water reservoir that also served as a swimming pool for employees. This unusual amenity was later converted into a large conference room. The 32nd floor experienced a fire in 1998, which caused some damage. The building has since undergone renovations to modernize its facilities and improve its energy efficiency. The Silver Tower's location in the Bahnhofsviertel places it within easy reach of Frankfurt's main transportation hub, the Hauptbahnhof (central station). This makes it highly accessible to visitors arriving by train or other forms of public transport. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of commercial and residential buildings, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. While the Silver Tower is primarily an office building and not generally open to the public, its architectural significance and historical context make it a worthwhile landmark to view from the outside. Its presence contributes to Frankfurt's reputation as a modern and dynamic city with a rich history. For architecture enthusiasts, the Silver Tower offers a glimpse into the design trends of the late 20th century. Its sleek lines, rounded corners, and reflective facade are characteristic of the futurist style that was popular during that era. The building's innovative integration of technical systems also showcases the engineering ingenuity of its time. Visitors can appreciate the Silver Tower's design by taking a stroll around Jürgen-Ponto-Platz and observing the building from different angles. The tower's silver facade is particularly striking during sunset, when it reflects the warm light of the setting sun. The Silver Tower has also appeared in popular culture, serving as a filming location for the 1984 German movie "Down" (Abwärts). This adds another layer of interest for film buffs and those interested in the cultural history of Frankfurt. In recent years, the Silver Tower has undergone changes in ownership and tenancy. After Dresdner Bank was acquired by Commerzbank in 2009, the building was sold to an investor community. Since 2012, Deutsche Bahn has been the primary tenant, using the tower as a key office location. The Silver Tower stands as a symbol of Frankfurt's economic power and architectural innovation. Its enduring presence on the city's skyline serves as a reminder of Frankfurt's past and present as a major European financial center. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a traveler passing through, the Silver Tower is a landmark worth admiring and reflecting upon. While visiting the Silver Tower, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding Bahnhofsviertel district. This vibrant neighborhood offers a diverse range of experiences, from traditional German restaurants to international cuisine, as well as a variety of shops and cultural attractions. The nearby Kaiserstrasse is a bustling street lined with shops and cafes, while the Weserstrasse offers a more alternative and multicultural atmosphere. Consider visiting the nearby Städel Museum, one of Germany's leading art museums, or taking a stroll along the Main River, which offers scenic views of the city's skyline. The Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic city center, is also within easy reach and offers a glimpse into the city's rich past. The Silver Tower is more than just a building; it's a symbol of Frankfurt's identity and a testament to its enduring spirit of innovation and progress. Its presence on the city's skyline serves as a reminder of Frankfurt's past, present, and future as a major European hub.

Popular Experiences near Silver Tower

Popular Hotels near Silver Tower

Select Currency