Speyer is one of the oldest cities in Germany and has a tumultuous history that dates back to Roman times. But that's not all: here you can discover World Heritage sites, hearty Palatinate specialties, and a charming old town with winding streets. So whether you are a history buff, looking for culinary delights, or simply want to stroll along the banks of the Rhine – Speyer has more to offer than one might initially think.

• A Journey Through History – From Roman ruins to the impressive Imperial Cathedral
• Cultural Highlights – Museums, theaters, and historical buildings to explore
• Idyllic Rhine River Walks – Perfect for unwinding and enjoying
• Hearty Palatinate Cuisine – Hearty specialties and excellent wines from the region
• Vibrant Events and Festivals – From the Pretzel Festival to the Imperial Cathedral Open-Air

• Population: approximately 50,000
• Area: 42.58 km²
• Foundation: Known as "Noviomagus" since Roman times
• Landmark: The Imperial Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Highest Point: 124 meters above sea level
• River Location: Directly on the Upper Rhine
• Famous Historical Events: Diets of the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages
• City Status: One of the oldest cities in Germany
• Important Museums: Historical Museum of the Palatinate, Technik Museum Speyer
• Known For: Brezel Festival – the largest folk festival in the region
• Partner Cities: Chartres (France), Kursk (Russia), Spalding (UK) and others
• Economic Focus: Tourism, mechanical engineering, logistics
• Dialect: Palatinate dialect ("Schbira" for Speyer)
• Notable Personalities: Albrecht Dürer visited the city in 1520

5 Curious Facts About Speyer

1. The Imperial Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church building in the world: The Speyer Cathedral is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the largest preserved structure of the Romanesque period. Even in the Middle Ages, it was a demonstration of power by the emperors.

2. Speyer was a pioneer in democracy: In 1529, "Protestantism" was born here: The Diet of Speyer led to the protest of Protestant princes against the Catholic Empire – hence the name "Protestants."

3. The Jewish Courtyard is one of the oldest Jewish sites in Europe: With the Mikveh (a ritual bath) and the medieval synagogue, the Jewish Courtyard is one of the most significant Jewish cultural sites in Germany.

4. Speyer has its own pretzel tradition: The city annually celebrates the "Brezelfest," the largest folk festival in the region, where the Speyer pretzel takes center stage. It is larger and thicker than conventional pretzels.

5. Here you can find the only submarine in Rhineland-Palatinate: The Technik Museum Speyer houses an authentic submarine of the Federal Navy – an unusual sight in the Palatinate!

Even in Roman times, Speyer was known as "Noviomagus." Its location on the Rhine made it an important military and trading post. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city remained significant, especially for Christianity.

Speyer in the Middle Ages – Imperial City and Center of the Empire

In the Middle Ages, Speyer reached its peak. Emperor Conrad II commissioned the construction of the powerful Imperial Cathedral, which served as a burial place for German kings and emperors. Numerous Imperial Diets were held in the city, including the famous Protestation Diet in 1529.

The Modern Era – Wars, Reconstruction, and Industrialization

During the War of the Palatine Succession, Speyer was almost completely destroyed. It was not until the 19th century that reconstruction began, and with industrialization, the city gained new economic importance. Today, Speyer skillfully combines tradition and modernity.

Speyer is a relatively small city, but it is divided into different districts with their own identities:

Speyer is located in the south of Rhineland-Palatinate, right on the Upper Rhine. The city is surrounded by significant cities such as Mannheim (25 km), Heidelberg (35 km), and Karlsruhe (50 km). The border to Baden-Württemberg is just a few kilometers away.

Climate Zone and Weather

Speyer belongs to the temperate climate zone with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperatures range from 2°C in January to 25°C in July. The region is one of the warmest areas in Germany.

In Speyer, there are numerous buildings and sights that reflect the history of the city and are known beyond its borders. You should definitely check out these five landmarks when visiting:

• Kaiserdom Speyer – The UNESCO World Heritage Site and landmark of the city
• Altpörtel – The tallest preserved city tower in Speyer from the Middle Ages
• Judenhof with Mikveh – One of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe
• Technik Museum Speyer – With airplanes, vintage cars, and a submarine
• Historisches Museum der Pfalz – Large permanent exhibitions on history and culture

The Kaiserdom – A Monument of Global Importance

The Speyer Cathedral was built starting in 1025 by Emperor Conrad II and was for a long time the largest church in the West. It served as a burial site for German kings and emperors and impresses with its Romanesque architecture. Particularly worth seeing are the crypt and the imperial halls.

The Altpörtel – The Last Preserved City Gate

The Altpörtel, standing at 55 meters high, is one of the tallest city gates in Germany. It dates back to the 13th century and was once part of the medieval city fortifications. From the top, you have a great view over the old town.

Technik Museum Speyer – A Paradise for Technology Fans

Here, you can find airplanes, space shuttles, and even a walk-in submarine. Particularly impressive is the Antonov An-22, the largest propeller-driven aircraft in the world.

The Perfect Route for a Day in Speyer

If you want to explore Speyer in a day, I recommend the following route:

1. Start at the Kaiserdom – Visit the crypt and climb to the observation deck.
2. Next, head to the Judenhof – Immerse yourself in the Jewish history of the city.
3. Stroll through the old town – Small alleys, half-timbered houses, and cafés invite you to linger.
4. Visit the Historisches Museum der Pfalz – If you are interested in history.
5. In the afternoon, visit the Technik Museum – Perfect for technology and car enthusiasts.
6. End the day at the banks of the Rhine – With a glass of Palatinate wine in hand.

📝 Tip: If you have more time, you can take a boat tour on the Rhine or visit the nearby SEA LIFE Speyer.

The Palatinate cuisine is hearty and substantial. In Speyer, you should definitely try the following specialties to be in the conversation:

• Palatine Saumagen – A mixture of potatoes, meat, and spices cooked in a pig's stomach.
• Flammkuchen – Thin dough with crème fraîche, bacon, and onions.
• Lewwerknepp (liver dumplings) – Usually served with sauerkraut and bread.
• Dampfnudeln with vanilla sauce – Sweet yeast dumplings that are particularly popular in the Palatinate.
• Palatine wine – The region is known for its excellent Rieslings.

The most important river for Speyer is the Rhine, which flows directly past the city. In addition to the Rhine, there are several smaller bodies of water and lakes.

Population Statistics

• Population: approx. 50,000
• Average Age: approx. 45 years
• Proportion of Foreign Population: approx. 10%
• Students: approx. 6,000 (University of Public Administration, among others)

Key Industries in Speyer

Speyer has a diverse economy. Here are some of the most important sectors:

• Tourism – Particularly shaped by the Imperial Cathedral and the Technology Museum.
• Mechanical Engineering – Several medium-sized companies are based here.
• Logistics – A significant location for transport and commerce due to its proximity to the Rhine.
• Viticulture – Although Speyer is not directly in a wine-growing region, the wine trade has a long tradition.

Speyer is not only a city with history, but also a lively place full of events, experiences, and opportunities for excursions. In this final part, you will find out about events you should not miss, where to best stay overnight, and what practical information is important for your visit.

What events and activities are there in Speyer?

Throughout the year, exciting festivals and events take place in Speyer. Here are some highlights whose dates you should keep in mind while you are in the city, as you can experience them.

📝 Tip: Especially the Pretzel Festival is a must! It has been taking place for over 100 years and is the largest folk festival in the Palatinate.

Are you wondering what to do in Speyer? Here are some of our best tips for different interests!

Five Attractions in Speyer

1. Kaiserdom – The landmark of Speyer must not be missing from any list. An impressive UNESCO World Heritage site!
2. Technik Museum Speyer – Here you can board a real submarine and admire a space shuttle.
3. Judenhof with Mikveh – One of the oldest Jewish sites in Germany with an exciting history.
4. Rhein shoreline & Binsfeld lakes – Perfect for a break in nature or a boat trip.
5. Historical Museum of the Palatinate – Regular special exhibitions on fascinating topics.

1. Wine tasting in the Palatinate – The area around Speyer is known for its excellent wines. A romantic day trip to a winery is worthwhile.
2. Walk along the Rhine with dinner – Especially beautiful in summer: strolling along the Rhine and then dining in one of the restaurants with a view of the water.
3. Therme & Bath World Sinsheim – Although a bit outside, it’s a tropical wellness oasis with palm trees, saunas, and warm pools.

1. Old Town Stroll & Café Hopping – Speyer has many cozy cafés, ideal for meeting new people or just relaxing.
2. Prezel Festival with friends – Perfect for celebrating joyfully and starting conversations.
3. Climbing Park Speyer – Adrenaline, action, and maybe new acquaintances.

1. Technik Museum Speyer – Here you will find airplanes, vintage cars, and an IMAX cinema – ideal for children.
2. SEA LIFE Speyer – Fascinating underwater world with sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
3. Holiday Park (30 min. away) – Roller coasters and shows for young and old.

1. Hotel Domhof – Right in the old town, just a few steps from the cathedral. Ideal for a historical atmosphere.
2. Hotel Speyer am Technik Museum – Perfect for museum visitors and families, modern rooms.
3. Ibis Styles Speyer – Centrally located and reasonably priced – a good choice for short trips.

Public Transportation

• Buses & Regional Trains: Speyer is well connected to the local transport network, with regular connections to Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Karlsruhe.
• Bicycle Friendliness: The city is small and can be easily explored by bike.
• Parking: There are several parking garages in the old town, for example near the cathedral or Altpörtel.

Weather in Speyer

🗒️ Tip: The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is pleasantly warm and many festivals take place.

How to Get to Speyer

• By Car: Easily accessible via the A61 or B9.
• By Train: There are direct connections from Mannheim, Karlsruhe, and Heidelberg.
• By Plane: The nearest major airport is Frankfurt (about 1 hour away).