Frankfurt Germany Temple: History, Architecture, and Travel Guide

Where It's Located

The Frankfurt Germany Temple is located at Talstrasse 10 in Friedrichsdorf, a city just north of Frankfurt in the German state of Hesse. The temple sits on a 5.6-acre site on slightly elevated ground and includes patron housing, a temple president's residence, missionary housing, a distribution center, and a stake center. Its beautifully landscaped grounds are open to the public and are known for their colorful gardens and mature trees.

Getting There

The nearest major airport is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of Europe's busiest international airports. Travelers from the United States can fly nonstop to Frankfurt from numerous major cities, including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. From the airport, the temple is approximately a 30-minute drive, and Friedrichsdorf can also be reached by Germany's extensive rail network.

A Bit of History

The Frankfurt Germany Temple was announced by President Spencer W. Kimball on April 1, 1981. It became the fifth temple in Europe and the second temple built in Germany, following the Freiberg Germany Temple. At the time construction began, Frankfurt was located in West Germany, while Freiberg was in East Germany, making the two temples symbols of the Church's presence on both sides of a divided nation prior to German reunification in 1990.

Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on July 1, 1985, with President Gordon B. Hinckley presiding. Construction initially faced significant local opposition, but Church leaders worked closely with city officials to preserve a historic villa on the property, avoid enclosing the grounds with fencing, and provide land for public parking. These efforts helped the project move forward while maintaining a positive relationship with the community.

Following a public open house from July 29 through August 8, 1987, attended by approximately 70,000 visitors, President Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the temple on August 28–30, 1987, making it the 41st operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple closed for a major renovation in 2015 and reopened following another public open house in September 2019. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf rededicated the temple on October 20, 2019.

Design and Architecture

The Frankfurt Germany Temple contains approximately 32,895 square feet of floor space following its expansion. Its exterior is finished with Bethel white granite from Vermont and features a distinctive copper roof. Unlike many temples, it has a single detached spire crowned with an angel Moroni statue, giving it a unique architectural profile. The temple stands approximately 82 feet tall.

Inside, the temple includes four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry. During the 2015–2019 renovation, the baptistry was relocated to a new underground extension, additional facilities were added, and the temple was modernized while preserving its original character.

Final Thoughts

The Frankfurt Germany Temple has played a vital role in serving Latter-day Saints across Central Europe for decades. Its unique history during Germany's division, beautiful detached spire, and carefully landscaped grounds make it one of Europe's most recognizable temples. Whether you're exploring Germany or visiting temples throughout Europe, the Frankfurt Germany Temple stands as an important landmark in the history of the Church.

Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com

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