Private Frankfurt Jewish Tour – A Journey Through Time

Join us on this private Frankfurt Jewish tour as we trace the fascinating and complex history of Frankfurt’s Jewish community through the centuries. When did Jews first settle in Frankfurt, and what drew them to this Free Imperial City? Where was the first Jewish quarter and what did its settlers do?

Old Jewish Quarter

We’ll begin the private Frankfurt Jewish tour in the city’s old Jewish quarter, where the remains of medieval Jewish homes offer a rare glimpse into daily life during the Middle Ages and early modern period. Discover the origins of the Rothschild dynasty—when did they begin building their financial empire, and what is the story behind their family name? Learn how the Christians and Jews  co-existed in Frankfurt and conducted business. What are the connections between the iconic Frankfurt cathedral and the city’s Jewish heritage?

Why did Jewish houses bear names like Golden Swan, Silver Star, or Red Deer? And what connections exist between these house names and the symbols found on Jewish tombstones? We’ll find that out on a visit to the medieval Jewish cemetery, that lasted through WW2.

Early Modern Period and Pre-War

From the medieval ghetto, we’ll journey through the Financial District and Westend, exploring the golden age of Frankfurt’s Jewish community. In the university district, we will confront a darker chapter—the Nazi era—where a once-thriving community, both Orthodox and liberal, was decimated during the Holocaust. A visit to the Holocaust memorial provides a space for remembrance and reflection.

Post-War Period

The private Frankfurt Jewish tour concludes with a look at post-war revival: we’ll visit the Westend Synagogue, the only pre-war synagogue to survive WWII, and discuss how the Jewish community slowly rebuilt itself in the decades that followed. Modern day Frankfurt has two fascinating Jewish museums. During this tour, we’ll visit one of them, which uncovers enchanting medieval history of the Frankfurt Jews.

What makes our Jewish tours special:

• We bring Jewish heritage to life through the stories of real people. Both Jewish and non-Jewish, famous and not known—connected to the places and events they shaped
• We trace the migration routes of Ashkenazi Jews, building meaningful connections between destinations and communities
• We place Jewish history within the broader historical context, uncovering shared influences in food, culture, and lifestyle between Jewish and Christian communities