The street has many historic half-timbered houses and is the centre of the city's red light district[1] and has a number of "windows".

[3] Prostitution in the Bruchstraße dates back to the Middle Ages,[1] and is possibly the oldest red-light district in Germany.

[3] At the beginning of the 15th century, there were 5 brothels in Echternstraße, including one called the "Rote Kloster" (Red Monastery).

[1] In 2013, there were proposals to open up the gated street and add restaurants and bars as part of the regeneration of the Friedrich Wilhelm district.

[6] This was opposed to by the police, spokesman Wolfgang Klages saying the current arrangement "is actually the ideal situation to keep a close eye on it."