Goethe House: A Literary Pilgrimage
Explore the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Frankfurt, a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century house offering a glimpse into the life of Germany's greatest writer and his family.
Step back in time at the Goethe House, the birthplace and childhood home of Germany's most celebrated writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Located in the heart of Frankfurt, this meticulously reconstructed 18th-century house offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the Goethe family and the world that shaped the young poet. Explore the rooms where Goethe penned his early masterpieces, admire the period furnishings, and discover the art collection that inspired him. The Goethe House provides a unique opportunity to connect with German literary history and experience the atmosphere in which one of the world's greatest writers developed his genius. Wander through the kitchen, family rooms, and Goethe's writing chamber, each filled with artifacts and stories that bring the past to life. Don't miss the adjacent Goethe Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of paintings and documents from the era, further enriching your understanding of Goethe's world.
A brief summary to Goethe House
- Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, Frankfurt, Innenstadt I, 60311, DE
- +4969138800
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the larger weekend crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the house and museum.
- Take advantage of the free audio guide, available in multiple languages, to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Deutsches Romantik-Museum to explore the broader context of German Romanticism.
- Check the museum's website for special exhibitions and events that may coincide with your visit.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both the Goethe House and the Goethe Museum.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Goethe House is easily accessible via Frankfurt's efficient public transport system. From Hauptbahnhof (Frankfurt Central Station), take any S-Bahn (S1-S6, S8, S9) to Hauptwache station. Alternatively, take U-Bahn lines U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, or U8 to Hauptwache. From Hauptwache, it's a short 5-minute walk south along Großer Hirschgraben to the Goethe House. Tram lines 11, 12, and 14 also stop at Karmeliterkloster, which is a 4-minute walk to the location. A single ride within Frankfurt costs approximately €2.80.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Frankfurt. A taxi ride from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to the Goethe House will typically cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt may offer slightly lower fares. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
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Walking
If you are already in Frankfurt's city center, walking to the Goethe House is a pleasant option. From the Römerberg (Frankfurt's central square), head north towards the Dom (Frankfurt Cathedral), then continue west along Braubachstraße. Turn left onto Großer Hirschgraben, and you'll find the Goethe House on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers views of Frankfurt's historic architecture.
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Driving
Driving to the Goethe House is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging and expensive. Several parking garages are located within a short walking distance, including Parkhaus Hauptwache (Kornmarkt 10), Parkhaus am Goetheplatz (Goetheplatz 2A), and Parkhaus am Kaiserplatz (Bethmannstraße 50-54). Expect to pay around €3-€5 per hour for parking. Consider using a parking app like Mobypark to find and reserve parking in advance.
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