Cut-off meander of the Nidda near Nied © Eckhard Krumpholz

The international waterway of the Main, the Nidda and a number of streams, lakes and ponds feature prominently in Frankfurt’s image and in that of its districts. Countless animals and plants live beside and in the water. The less polluted the water is and the more diverse the substrate, bank structure and surrounding area are, the greater the number of different species will be that move into these habitats. They will also become more attractive as places where city dwellers can spend their leisure time.

Rechneigrabenweiher, inner city © Eckhard Krumpholz

There are more than 40 rivers, streams and cut-off meanders in the city area. Added together, they would be more than 160 km long. The longest river is the Main with nearly 27 km in the city area. The next longest is the Nidda with around 19 km. An area of just under 50 hectares in the city area is covered by 50 lakes and ponds.

Brochures

Rivers, streams and ponds in Frankfurt

  • Brochure Stadtgewässer: Seen, Teiche, ­Tümpel entdecken
  • Brochure Stadtgewässer: Flüsse, Bäche, Altarme entdecken

Where are the nicest stream-side walks? Where can you get down to the lake with a wheelchair? Where does my favourite stream start and what interesting things can I find out about it? How were the ponds in Frankfurt’s parks created?
The city of Frankfurt am Main has put together facts and information on Frankfurt’s rivers, lakes and ponds in two extensive, well-illustrated booklets:

Stadtgewässer: Seen, Teiche, ­Tümpel entdecken

Stadtgewässer: Flüsse, Bäche, Altarme entdecken

The booklets can be ordered free of charge from the Environment ­Department. The contents are also available on the internet. 

www.frankfurt.de