A Look into the History Books: From Gutenberg to the Global Stage

The history of the Frankfurt Book Fair is closely linked to the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in nearby Mainz in the 15th century. Frankfurt quickly developed into a centre of the book trade.

• The Origins: The tradition of book markets in Frankfurt began as early as the 15th century, shortly after Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention.

• The Decline: Frankfurt temporarily lost significance in the 18th century as Leipzig rose to become the centre of the German book trade.

• The Rebirth: After the Second World War, in 1949, the Book Fair experienced its rebirth in Frankfurt's Paulskirche. At that time, 205 German exhibitors gathered.

• Internationalization and Growth: In the following decades, the FBM rapidly developed into the leading international trade fair. Since 1988, it has reflected international exchange through the annually changing Guest of Honour concept, which gives a country the opportunity to present its literature and culture particularly intensively.

• Modern Developments: The Fair opened up to electronic media in the 1990s and today plays a central role in discussions about digitalization, literacy promotion, and the future of publishing. The prestigious German Book Prize for the best German-language novel has also been awarded at the Fair since 2005.

• Current Dimensions: Today, thousands of exhibitors (recently over 4,300) and hundreds of thousands of visitors (recently around 230,000) gather at the Frankfurt Exhibition Grounds to experience this global literature festival. The Fair serves as an important platform for democratic discourse and cultural exchange.

Your Comfortable Arrival with BLISSAIR

As air travel experts, we know: a stress-free arrival is the key to a successful trade fair stay. Frankfurt am Main is excellently accessible thanks to its central location and excellent infrastructure.

Airports of Arrival (Anflughäfen)

The most important airport for your journey to the Frankfurt Book Fair is Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA).

1. Frankfurt am Main (FRA) – The Gateway to the World

• Location: FRA Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe, located about 12 kilometres southwest of Frankfurt city centre and approx. 15–20 minutes from the Exhibition Grounds.

• BLISSAIR Tip: Check our direct flight offers to make your arrival as quick and comfortable as possible.

• Onward Travel to the Fair:

  • S-Bahn (Suburban Train): The S-Bahn trains of the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) offer a fast connection. From the Regionalbahnhof (Regional Train Station, Terminal 1), take lines S8 or S9 to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). From there, it is only a few stops to the "Frankfurt (Main) Messe" stop (S3, S4, S5, S6) or the "Festhalle/Messe" subway station (U4).

  • Taxi/Shuttle: A taxi ride to the Fair (City Entrance, Portalhaus, or Galleria) takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. During large trade fairs, there are often special shuttle buses connecting the bus station at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the Exhibition Grounds (travel time approx. 15 minutes).

  • Premium Service: Take advantage of the "Gate to Messe" premium service for a smooth and direct transfer from the gate to the Exhibition Grounds.

2. Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) – The Alternative (Requires longer onward journey)

• Location: This airport is significantly further away (approx. 120 km) in the Hunsrück region and is mainly served by low-cost carriers.

• Onward Travel: Travel usually involves a bus shuttle to Frankfurt Central Station or a rental car.

Accommodation Recommendations: Your Retreat from the Fair's Hustle and Bustle

After a long day of readings, negotiations, and cultural impressions, you need a place of rest and relaxation. We have compiled a selection of first-class hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Exhibition Grounds that are ideal for trade fair visitors.

Hotels in Direct Proximity to the Fair (Up to approx. 1 km)

These hotels offer the unbeatable advantage of short distances, often within walking distance.

1. Maritim Hotel Frankfurt:

   • Location: Directly at the Fair, with direct access. Ideal for those who value short distances.

   • Highlights: 2 restaurants, 1 café, swimming pool, and sauna.

2. Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City:

   • Location: In the Europaviertel (European Quarter), just a few hundred metres from the Fair.

   • Highlights: Modern amenities, known for its hospitality.

3. Frankfurt Marriott Hotel:

   • Location: Just a stone's throw from the Fair.

   • Highlights: Luxurious stay, stunning skyline views (depending on room category).

4. LyvInn Hotel Frankfurt Messe / Bristol Hotel Frankfurt:

   • Location: Very close to the Fair (0.5 km and 0.9 km respectively), good value-for-money options.

Hotels with Excellent Transport Links to the Fair

These alternatives are located in the city centre or near the airport and are excellently connected to public transport.

• Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center / Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport / MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt Main / Airport:

  • Location: Directly at the airport (FRA), ideal for early morning flights or very late arrivals/departures.

  • Highlights: Direct connection to the long-distance and regional train stations, fast S-Bahn connection to the Fair.

• The Westin Grand Frankfurt / Lindner Hotel Frankfurt Main Plaza:

  • Location: In the city centre, near the Main River and Old Town.

  • Highlights: Perfect base for evening activities and sightseeing.

Culinary Discoveries: Delights After the Book Rush

Frankfurt is known for its diversity – and this also applies to gastronomy. From traditional apple wine cuisine to upscale international Michelin-starred cuisine, there is something for every taste.

Traditional Frankfurt Cuisine (Frankfurter Küche)

A visit to Frankfurt is not complete without sampling local specialties in one of the quaint apple wine taverns (Apfelweinlokale).

• Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal (Alt-Sachsenhausen):

  • Frankfurt Specialties: Here you will find a legendary selection of apple wine (Apfelwein or "Ebbelwoi"), Grüne Soße (Green Sauce), Handkäs mit Musik (cheese with onions), and Frankfurter Schnitzel. A must for traditional cuisine.

• Apfelwein Solzer (Bornheim):

  • Atmosphere: A real Frankfurt original with rustic charm and homemade apple wine.

• Depot 1899 (Sachsenhausen):

  • Concept: Regional and international dishes in the special ambience of a historic tram depot. Popular with trade fair exhibitors for post-Fair celebrations.

Upscale Cuisine and Fine Dining (Near the Fair & City Centre)

For business dinners or a special evening away from the Fair's hustle and bustle.

• Stanley Diamond (Europaviertel/Near the Fair):

  • Cuisine: Upscale home-style cooking in a modern setting.

• Eliá (City Centre):

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean retreat that reinterprets Greek classics, with an excellent wine selection.

• Villa Merton (Westend):

  • Cuisine: Michelin-starred chef André Großfeld stylishly combines classic and modern on the plate.

International Classics (Near the Fair)

• La Scuderia (Westend):

  • Cuisine: An Italian institution that also offers gluten-free pasta and pizza dishes (from the wood oven).

• Druckwasserwerk Restaurant (Europaviertel):

  • Cuisine: German culinary art in a former engine hall – traditional and creative.

Beyond the Booth: Your Sightseeing Destinations in Frankfurt

Frankfurt offers a fascinating mix of historic Old Town, modern architecture, and vibrant culture. Use the time before or after the Fair for these highlights (Ausflugsziele):

Cultural and Historical Highlights

1. The Römerberg and the Old Town:

   • Must-See: The Römer, the historic city hall, and the central square, surrounded by beautifully reconstructed half-timbered houses (like the Salzhaus). Here you experience traditional Frankfurt.

   • Nearby: The Alte Nikolaikirche (Old St. Nicholas Church) and the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice).

2. Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church):

   • Significance: The symbol of democracy and freedom, the site of Germany's first freely elected National Assembly in 1848.

3. Frankfurter Dom (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus):

   • History: Once the coronation church of the Holy Roman Emperors. Climb the tower for a fantastic view over the city.

4. Goethe-Haus (Goethe House):

   • Literary History: The birthplace of Germany's most famous poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A must for every Book Fair visitor.

Modern Skyline and Relaxation

1. Main Tower:

   • View: Experience Germany's largest skyline from above. The visitor platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view – especially at sunset.

2. Museumsufer (Museum Embankment):

   • Culture: One of Europe's densest museum landscapes along the banks of the Main River. Here you will find the Städel Museum (masterpieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, etc.), the Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum), and many other institutions.

3. Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge):

   • Atmosphere: The famous pedestrian bridge over the Main, adorned with countless love locks. Ideal for a stroll with a view of the skyline.

4. Palmengarten (Palm Garden):

   • Relaxation: Germany's largest palm garden offers a tropical break from the city and fair bustle.

Shopping and Lifestyle

• The Zeil: One of Germany's most popular and highest-turnover shopping streets.

• Kleinmarkthalle (Small Market Hall): A market hall full of regional delicacies, specialties, and international treats – perfect for an authentic lunch break.

Your Partner for the Perfect Book Fair Journey

The Frankfurt Book Fair is an unforgettable event that requires planning and organization. With BLISSAIR, you benefit from our expertise in the business and cultural travel sector. We not only organize your flights but also offer comprehensive travel packages tailored to the needs of trade fair visitors – including hotel bookings near the Fair and valuable tips for your stay.

Book your flight to the Frankfurt Book Fair in good time and experience the Main metropolis at its most exciting: the global epicentre of literature.

We wish you an inspiring and successful time at the Frankfurt Book Fair!