Frankfurt: Walking Tour – discover the city with VR glasses

Introduction: A Fresh Take on Exploring Frankfurt

Our review of the Frankfurt VR walking tour offers a look into how this innovative experience merges technology with sightseeing. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the concept of walking through the city while wearing VR glasses that show historical scenes is intriguing.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see Frankfurt’s evolution, enjoy guided storytelling, and experience a flexible mix of virtual and real-world exploration. However, some travelers have noted that the VR quality can be hit or miss, which might impact the immersion.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, tech enthusiasts, or anyone keen on seeing Frankfurt from a different perspective. If you’re open to a short but immersive journey through both time and space, this could be a memorable addition to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Innovative concept combining VR technology with guided walking tours
• Highlights Frankfurt’s historical sites like Paulskirche and Römerberg with virtual scenes
• Accessible for diverse travelers, including wheelchair users
• Duration of 45 minutes makes it a quick but engaging experience
• VR quality concerns noted by some reviewers, so expect variable visuals
• Perfect for those interested in history, technology, and city sightseeing

What Is the Frankfurt VR Walking Tour?

This experience offers a blend of virtual reality and guided walking through central Frankfurt, with a focus on the city’s history and modern-day sights. Using mobile VR goggles, you’ll get to see scenes from Frankfurt’s past, like the 1848 National Assembly or Gründerzeit architecture, directly contrasted with the current city landscape.

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a guide leading you through designated stops, adding context and interesting stories along the way. The VR component adds an extra layer of engagement, making history feel more tangible and visual.

While the experience is designed to be shared with a live guide, the virtual scenes provide a sense of stepping back in time. The approach is designed for flexibility—you’re walking, viewing, and listening in an easy-to-follow format.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: TimeRide

The tour begins at TimeRide Frankfurt, your meeting point, where you’ll receive your mobile VR goggles and meet your guide. This initial stage sets the tone for the experience, as you’ll learn how to use the technology and get a brief overview of what’s ahead.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 1: TimeRide Exhibition

While the tour doesn’t include entry into the TimeRide exhibition Frankfurt 1891, the location serves as a convenient starting hub. It’s where you’ll be equipped with your VR gear and briefed by your guide, who will be German-speaking but attentive to your experience.

Stop 2: TimeRide & Virtual Scenes

The first virtual scene takes you back to Frankfurt’s historical moments. Think of it like a mini time machine—you’re virtually transported to significant events, such as the rebirth of the city during the Gründerzeit, contrasting sharply with today’s skyline. The guide, whose name isn’t specified but is known for being friendly and attentive, provides insights during this phase.

Reviewers appreciated the storytelling aspect, mentioning a “very nice tour guide” who kept the group’s interest alive. The combination of guided commentary and VR visuals makes history more alive than just reading a plaque.

Stop 3: Paulsplatz & Paulskirche

Next, the tour leads you to Paulsplatz and the St. Paul’s Church, where virtual reconstructions depict the scene of the 1848 National Assembly. Here, visitors can experience excerpts from the emotional debates as if they were present, thanks to virtual scenes that recreate the heated discussions.

One reviewer remarked that the virtual scenes allow you to “experience the first hours of the assembly” as if you were part of history. The visualizations aim to personalize the political significance of Frankfurt as the cradle of German democracy.

Stop 4: Römerberg & Cityscape

From Paulskirche, the tour continues to Römerberg, a famous square in Frankfurt. Here, you see a virtual view of the city during the 19th-century Gründerzeit period, offering a striking comparison with today’s modern skyline. This moment allows participants to appreciate how much the city has transformed architecturally and culturally.

The virtual scenes are designed to highlight the growth and development of Frankfurt, adding depth to your sightseeing.

Stop 5: Fall of the Berlin Wall & German History

The journey culminates with scenes depicting the fall of the Berlin Wall, emphasizing Frankfurt’s role in German reunification. Visitors are shown how democracy triumphed in Germany, with the history rooted in the events of 1848.

One reviewer pointed out how “the tour not only covers Frankfurt’s city history but also provides a snapshot of German history”—a practical perspective for those interested in broader contexts.

Final Stop: Return to TimeRide

After this virtual and physical tour, you return to TimeRide, wrapping up a compact yet comprehensive journey through time. The entire experience aims to balance visual storytelling, guided insights, and city exploration.

Practical Details & Considerations

Duration and Pacing

The 45-minute length makes this a quick but engaging activity perfect for those with limited time or wanting an overview of Frankfurt’s history. It can be combined easily with other sightseeing plans.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and reviewers like one who said, “even in a wheelchair, it was no problem”, found it accommodating. The mobile VR goggles and guided walking route are designed to be inclusive, but it’s good to confirm specifics if accessibility is a priority.

Cost & Value

While the price isn’t explicitly mentioned, considering it includes a VR headset, a live guide, and a guided walk, it offers a unique value. You get both the virtual reconstructions and the authentic city sights, which makes it more than just a standard walking tour.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that entry to the TimeRide exhibition Frankfurt 1891 isn’t part of this tour, so if you’re interested in that exhibit, you’ll need a separate ticket. This tour is focused on the virtual city walk and the historical scenes presented during the walk.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews mention VR quality issues, which can affect immersion. For instance, one reviewer lamented that the VR quality was very bad, especially during the scenes. Technology is always evolving, and future updates could improve visuals, but travelers should go in with realistic expectations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for tech-savvy travelers, history enthusiasts, or those interested in innovative ways of exploring cities. If you enjoy guided storytelling combined with interactive visuals, you’ll find this engaging.

It’s also suitable for families or groups seeking a short, educational outing, especially since it’s wheelchair accessible and lasts less than an hour. However, those expecting flawless VR visuals might want to temper expectations.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth it?

The Frankfurt VR walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, with the extra dimension of virtual reality making history feel more immediate. You’ll love the way it connects city sights with their historical stories, providing context that enriches your understanding.

While the VR quality might not always meet the highest standards, the guidance and unique visual approach bring a fresh perspective to sightseeing. It’s a creative way to combine technology with culture—a must-try for anyone curious about Frankfurt and German history.

This tour shines brightest for those seeking a compact, innovative, and educational experience. It’s particularly well-suited for tech enthusiasts, history lovers, or visitors with limited time who want to see both the old and new sides of Frankfurt in one go.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years, likely due to the VR experience and walking component. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

Can I do the tour if I use a wheelchair?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and reviewers noted it was manageable even for those in a wheelchair.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The live guide speaks German, so it’s best for German-speaking travelers. The virtual scenes are visual, but explanations will be in German.

How long does the VR experience last?
The entire tour lasts about 45 minutes, which includes walking, sightseeing, and VR viewing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to reserve your spot beforehand, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I expect from the VR visuals?
While most reviews praise the concept, some mention that the VR quality can be disappointing, especially during scenes. Future upgrades might improve this, but prepare for some variability.

You can check availability for your dates here: