Echoes of the past whisper from the alte Sendestation Heiligenstock. Right here stand the remnants of a powerful voice once heard across the land.
The alte Sendestation Heiligenstock a significant piece of Frankfurt’s broadcasting history operated from 1926. It served as a vital hub for the Hessischer Rundfunk and its predecessors. The station initially boasted a modest 1.5 kW power output. This was a significant upgrade from the previous 0.25 kW transmitter.
Initially using frequencies between 700 and 770 kHz the station later moved to 1157 kHz in 1932. This was part of a frequency exchange with Leipzig. Its power increased dramatically reaching 17 kW then later 25 kW in the 1930s. A 107-meter-tall wooden tower served as its initial antenna. This tower stood until 1934 when it was replaced due to decay. A temporary antenna between two 35-meter masts took over during construction. This temporary structure surprisingly survived the war. It remained in use until a new 122.5-meter mast was built in 1947.
Tragically the station was destroyed in March 1945 on the orders of the Nazis. This was a preemptive measure just before the approaching US Army. Despite this setback temporary service resumed in April 1945 using a 1 kW American transmitter. By November 1945 a 20 kW mobile German transmitter took over. Full transmission resumed in August 1947 with a powerful 100 kW railway transmitter. This was a unique piece of technology for its time.
The station’s broadcasting continued but faced challenges. In 1949 the Hessischer Rundfunk lost its 1195 kHz frequency to the Voice of America. A shift to 1438 kHz proved insufficient to adequately cover the Hessen region. The situation worsened when Frankfurt lost its own frequency entirely due to the Copenhagen Wave Plan. The alte Sendestation Heiligenstock ultimately ended its days in 1967. The new Weiskirchen transmitter replaced it. Today only foundations and ruins remain a testament to a bygone era of radio broadcasting. Even these are used for a different purpose: the Hessischer Rundfunk uses some of the buildings as guest accommodations. The rest has become part of Frankfurt’s green belt. These are now lovely meadows and orchards. Explore these ruins. Let the ghosts of radio waves resonate through your own exploration of the alte Sendestation Heiligenstock.