In the Middle Ages the old Lahn bridge was an important trading connection between the cities of Cologne and Frankfurt. It replaced the old wooden bridge upriver and the building was started in 1315. At that time there were two bridge towers there for the protection of the town, the southern one of which, however, was pulled down in 1818.

The old Lahn bridge was part of the “Hohe Straße” (High Street), that connected Frankfurt and Cologne. At that time the trading roads were placed in a way so you could avoid impassable valleys and villages. About every 30 kilometres the travellers and traders passed resting places which developed into towns. The noble owners of the rights of conduct took care of the protection of the traders for appropriate payment.