Staustufe Höchst, Barrage in Höchst district, Frankfurt, Germany
Staustufe Höchst is a barrage complex on the Main River with a chamber lock, needle weir, and timber float channel spanning across the waterway. The structure regulated water depth through multiple components to ensure boats could navigate the river passage safely.
The structure was built between 1883 and 1886 and operated until 1932, when the Griesheim dam upstream took over its functions. It was central to river navigation along the Main for decades before being replaced.
The former lock keeper's house on the Schwanheim bank tells the story of workers who once managed river traffic here. It reminds visitors of how important this place was for moving goods through Frankfurt.
The barrage sits along the Main River and can be viewed from the walking paths along the riverbank. Visit during daylight hours to see the different components and the riverside landscape clearly.
The complex processed up to 1,800 timber rafts yearly through its dedicated float channel in the early 20th century. This shows how central timber transport on the Main was to the region's economy at that time.
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