Frankfurt: House Running in Sachsenhausen

If you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary during your time in Frankfurt, the House Running in Sachsenhausen promises a unique blend of adventure, city views, and a hefty dose of adrenaline. This activity involves descending 100 meters down the side of the Leonardo Royal Hotel on your stomach, giving you a thrill that’s both exhilarating and surprisingly safe. It’s not your typical sightseeing tour, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.

What we really love about this experience is how accessible it is for thrill lovers who want to get a view of Frankfurt from a completely different angle — quite literally. The combination of a spectacular cityscape view and the adrenaline rush of tiptoeing on the edge of a building makes it a memorable addition to any Frankfurt itinerary. On the flip side, it’s a physically demanding activity, and not suitable for everyone — particularly those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or anyone over 110 kg.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving a unique, adrenaline-filled experience and who are comfortable with heights. If you’re someone who enjoys daring adventures and doesn’t mind signing a parental consent form if under 18, then this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique city views of Frankfurt from the rooftop of the Leonardo Royal Hotel.
• Face-first descent of 100 meters, offering a truly adrenaline-pumping experience.
• Safe and secure with specially designed equipment and safety measures.
• Limited group size for a more personalized, reassuring experience.
• Suitable for thrill-seekers aged 16 and up, with certain health restrictions.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An Unconventional Way to See Frankfurt

Frankfurt is often celebrated for its modern skyline, historic buildings, and vibrant Sachsenhausen district. But what if you could see all that from a totally different vantage point? That’s exactly what house running offers. Imagine standing on the roof of a high-rise, gazing out over the city’s rooftops, and then, instead of traditional abseiling or rappelling, you tip over the edge face first and slide down the building’s facade. That’s the core of this experience.

The activity lasts about an hour, starting at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, which is conveniently located in Sachsenhausen, a lively neighborhood filled with pubs and historic charm. Once you arrive, you’ll register at the main counter, gear up, and take the lift to the rooftop. The view from the top is stunning — the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River, and the bustling streets below all create a perfect backdrop for this daring feat.

The atmosphere on the roof is energetic, with music pumping and the promise of an unforgettable experience. As you prepare to tip over the edge, you’ll be reassured by the safety harness and specially constructed hold designed explicitly for this activity. The real thrill begins as you push off, feeling the wind rush past as you descend face first along the building’s wall.

The Experience in Detail

Arrival and Preparation

When you arrive at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Sachsenhausen, the process is straightforward. You check in, receive your gear, and get a quick safety briefing. The guides, who speak both English and German, are friendly and reassuring, making sure you’re comfortable before heading to the roof.

The Climb to the Top

The elevator ride to the roof takes just a few moments, but it’s enough to build anticipation. From the rooftop, you’ll get a panoramic view of Frankfurt, which is especially striking at sunset or during the golden hour. The music playing adds to the high-energy vibe, and it’s clear that safety is a priority, especially since you’re secured by a specially designed hold for the descent.

Going Over the Edge

Once you’re ready, you’ll stand at the edge, take a deep breath, and then tip over the side, face first. This is where the real rush begins. Watching the ground come closer as you slide down the building’s facade is a surreal experience — part thrill, part awe. Many reviewers comment on how safe they felt, thanks to the professional equipment and the clear instructions from the staff.

Abseiling Down

After the initial free fall, you’ll continue your descent, abseiling down the building’s side. The entire process is carefully monitored, and you’re attached to safety structures designed just for this purpose. Participants have expressed how “the staff were very friendly & informative, as well as reassuring,” which helps calm nerves.

Returning to Ground

The activity concludes back at the base of the building. You’ll likely be buzzing from the adrenaline, with plenty of opportunities for photos before you leave. The entire experience, from check-in to completion, lasts approximately one hour, fitting easily into a busy sightseeing day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $125 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the uniqueness of the experience. Unlike traditional city tours or museum visits, house running provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush combined with stunning city views. The safety measures, professional staff, and small group size (limited to just one participant per booking) ensure you’re well taken care of.

Many reviewers say it’s worth every penny. Josh, one of the recent reviewers, called it an “incredible experience” and highlighted how reassuring and friendly the staff was. Since the activity is suitable for those 16 and over, it opens the door for older teens looking for an extraordinary adventure.

Practical Details & Considerations

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothes — you might get a little windblown or sweaty.
• Closed-toe shoes — essential for safety and comfort.

What’s Not Allowed

• Alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited, which is good for safety reasons.

Weather Conditions

• The tour takes place rain or shine. If weather conditions become unsafe (e.g., thunderstorms or strong wind), the activity may be canceled, and the provider will contact you on the day.

Restrictions

• Not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.
• Participants over 110 kg (243 lbs) are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Those with certain health conditions or height/weight restrictions should consider these before booking.

Booking Flexibility

• You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.
• Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authentic Reviewer Insights

An actual review states, “Very good, but the event itself was good,” reflecting a straightforward but positive experience. Another user called it “an incredible experience” and appreciated how friendly and reassuring the staff was, making the potentially nerve-wracking activity more approachable.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Try It?

This house running activity is perfect for adventure lovers, especially those who want a thrill that comes with a view. It’s a fantastic way to get your adrenaline fix in an urban setting while enjoying some of Frankfurt’s best sights from above. It’s also a safe activity with professional staff, making it accessible for first-timers seeking a bold experience.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If heights aren’t your thing, or if you’re pregnant, or have mobility or weight concerns, this might not be suitable. But for those prepared for a quick, exhilarating descent and seeking a story to tell for years, this is a standout choice.

FAQs

Is the activity suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old, so it’s mainly for teenagers and adults.

How long does the activity last?
The whole experience takes about one hour, including check-in, gear-up, and the descent itself.

Is there a guide or instructor?
While the activity is self-guided in the sense that you perform the descent, staff members speak both English and German, and safety instructions are provided.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes are required for safety and comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities are conducted rain or shine, but cancellations due to severe weather like thunderstorms or high winds are possible, with contact from the local provider.

Is this activity safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. You’re secured with specially constructed equipment, and staff are trained to reassure and support you throughout.

Can I take photos or videos?
While not explicitly mentioned, many reviewers have captured the experience – check with staff beforehand to confirm.

What’s the best time of day to do it?
Most reviews suggest the activity provides great views during sunset or daylight, but check availability for your preferred time slot.

Overall, Frankfurt’s House Running offers a bold, memorable way to see the city’s skyline and push your boundaries. It’s a worthwhile adventure for those craving something more than the usual sightseeing, provided you meet the safety requirements and are ready for a face-first descent that you’ll never forget.