Frankfurt: Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman

Discover Frankfurt’s dark past with this theatrical, spooky tour led by a robed hangman. An entertaining, unique walk through history—perfect for thrill-seekers.

If you’re looking for something a little different during your trip to Frankfurt, this “Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman” might catch your eye. It’s not your typical city walk—this experience combines elements of horror, humor, and history, all wrapped up in a theatrical presentation. Guided by actors dressed as medieval executioners, you’ll explore the city’s grim past in a way that’s immersive and entertaining.

What we really love about this tour is its unique storytelling style—it’s theatrical, engaging, and loaded with dark humor. Plus, the way it brings history to life with professional actors makes it more than just a sightseeing walk; it feels like stepping into a theatrical show set in the middle ages. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s quite dark and theatrical, so it might not be the best fit if you dislike spooky or gruesome themes.

This type of experience suits those who enjoy mystery, history, or a bit of theatrical flair—it’s especially fun if you’re in the mood for something lively and a little spooky. If you’re traveling with older teens or adults who appreciate a theatrical twist on history, this tour could be a real highlight.

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Frankfurt: Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman



4.2

(339 reviews)

“Great acting performance Interesting story set in Frankfurt.”

— GetYourGuide traveler, May 24, 2025

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Frankfurt: Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman - Key Points

  • Themed theatrical experience blending history with satire and spooky storytelling.
  • Professional actors bring Frankfurt’s gruesome past to life.
  • Accessible and wheelchair-friendly for most travelers.
  • The tour’s price is quite reasonable at just $16 per person.
  • Duration is 75 minutes, making it a manageable yet immersive experience.
  • Designed mainly for adults and older teens; not recommended for children under 12.

If you’re someone who loves stories that mix history with a splash of theatrics, this tour is likely to keep you hooked. It’s a 75-minute walk through some of Frankfurt’s most historic and, frankly, grisly sites, all narrated by a guide dressed as a hangman. Think of it as a theatrical show with a walking component—an engaging way to learn about the city’s darker past while being entertained.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at Domplatz, right in front of the main entrance of the cathedral. This spot is historically significant, as it’s where German kings and emperors were once elected and crowned. Standing here, you might find yourself imagining medieval coronations while the guide—dressed as a menacing hangman—sets the tone for the evening. The guide’s costume, including a red robe and executioner’s mask, immediately signals that this isn’t your average city walk.

From there, the group moves towards the bank of the Main River, where, in the past, many culprits—mostly women—were drowned. This part of Frankfurt’s history is both chilling and fascinating, and the guide narrates with a theatrical flair that keeps you engaged. The storytelling here is quite vivid; you really get a sense of the brutal justice of the medieval ages.

The final stop is the Römer, Frankfurt’s famous town hall, which has its own dark stories. Historically, it was a site of many medieval death penalties and torture chambers. Standing here, you get a tangible sense of how justice was served in the past—a stark contrast to today’s legal systems.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $16 per person is quite reasonable considering the theatrical nature of the experience. The tour includes a live guide, who is both knowledgeable and entertaining, ensuring you’re kept engaged throughout. However, it’s worth noting that hotel pickup, drop-off, food, and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

The Atmosphere and Acting

One of the most praised aspects of this tour, based on reviews, is the acting quality. The professional actors truly bring the story to life, and some guests found the guide’s voice and performance particularly compelling. As one reviewer put it, “Almost fell in love with him—his voice is a dream.” This theatrical element elevates the experience, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a performance.

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Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible but not recommended for those with limited mobility unless you have some assistance. It’s a walking tour with a duration of 75 minutes, so it’s good to be comfortable on your feet. Also, it’s only conducted in German, so language could be a consideration if you don’t speak the language, but the visual storytelling and engaging acting can often transcend language barriers.

What’s the Overall Vibe?

You’ll love the way the tour balances dark humor with educational storytelling. It’s not overly scary but has enough spooky elements to keep the adrenaline going. It’s quite theatrical, so if you enjoy shows or immersive experiences, you’ll find this tour a delightful twist on typical sightseeing.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Reviews have been quite positive, with an overall rating of 4.2/5 from 339 travelers. Many praise the performance quality and find the stories fascinating. One review even calls out the “fantastic Henker,” praising the guide’s voice and performance. While some mention that the experience is quite theatrical and dark, overall it’s appreciated for its originality and entertainment value.

Downsides

The main downside is that it’s not suitable for children under 12 and might be too intense or gruesome for very sensitive travelers. Plus, since it’s a German-language tour, non-German speakers may miss some details unless they understand the language or are comfortable with theatrical storytelling that transcends language barriers.

If you’re a history buff who enjoys theatrical storytelling and a touch of spookiness, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for adults and older teens who won’t mind the darker themes. It’s perfect if you’re seeking an entertaining alternative to traditional city tours—something that combines history, humor, and a bit of thrill in a manageable 75-minute package.

However, if you prefer more traditional, less theatrical sightseeing or are traveling with young children, you might want to consider other options. It’s also not the best choice if you’re limited in mobility or don’t speak German, though the visual storytelling might still make it accessible.

This Frankfurt Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman offers a compelling way to explore the city’s past through a theatrical lens. While it’s not a typical sightseeing tour, its blend of history, satire, and spooky storytelling makes it memorable. The cost, at just $16, offers good value considering the quality of acting and storytelling involved.

It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy immersive experiences, dark humor, and a bit of theatrical flair. The reviews highlight the talented guides and engaging stories, making it clear that this is more than just a walk—it’s an entertaining performance rooted in history.

If you’re after a fun, slightly eerie way to get to know Frankfurt’s medieval past—without it feeling too heavy—this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a distinctive experience that delivers a lively, entertaining perspective on a city known for its modernity but with a dark, intriguing past.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to the dark themes and theatrical depictions of gruesome history.

Does the tour run in English?
The tour is conducted in German, but the engaging acting and visual storytelling might still keep non-German speakers interested. Check if there are other language options if needed.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a manageable length for most travelers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s still a walking tour, so some mobility considerations apply.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the tour guide and the theatrical experience. Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for your trip planning.

Would I enjoy this tour if I like traditional sightseeing?
It’s more theatrical and themed than typical sightseeing walks, so if you enjoy immersive storytelling and dark humor, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you prefer straightforward history tours, it might be less your style.

All in all, if you’re craving something different and don’t mind a spooky, theatrical vibe, this tour is worth considering. It’s a lively, engaging way to see a side of Frankfurt rarely explored in standard guides.

You can check availability for your dates here: