This Rhine riverside city houses a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral and significant Jewish history. Local breweries craft traditional German beers in this historic Rhineland town.
Worms sits along the Rhine River in southwestern Germany, where Roman ruins, medieval towers, and an 11th-century Jewish cemetery tell stories of its past. Walk through the Romanesque Cathedral of St Peter, explore the ancient Jewish quarter, follow the tale of the Nibelungen in two medieval towers, or sip Liebfraumilch wine at a riverside restaurant while watching boats pass by.
Getting to Worms
Trains run directly to Worms Hauptbahnhof from Frankfurt (1 hour), Mainz (30 minutes), and Mannheim (20 minutes). By car, take the B47 from either the A61 or A67 highways. Frankfurt International Airport lies 60km away, while Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is 100km from the city.
Exploring the Cathedral
The Cathedral of St Peter stands as one of Germany's most important Romanesque churches. Built between 1130 and 1181, its four towers and twin domes rise above the city center. Walk through the high-vaulted nave to see medieval sculptures and the ornate baroque altar created by Johann Balthasar Neumann in the 18th century.
Jewish Quarter
The "Holy Sand" cemetery dates back to 1058, making it Europe's oldest surviving Jewish burial ground. Visit the reconstructed synagogue complex, including the 12th-century Rashi House and a medieval ritual bath (mikveh). These locations, together with Jewish monuments in Speyer and Mainz, form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Local Food and Wine
Try the Liebfraumilch wine, produced in the vineyards surrounding the Liebfrauenkirche. Hagenbräu brewery restaurant serves traditional German dishes alongside Rhine views. During summer, relax at Strandbar 443 beach bar with a plate of Flammkuchen (thin-crust pizza) and watch boats sail by.
Museums and Culture
Step into two medieval towers at the Nibelungen Museum to hear the famous epic through audio installations. The City Museum in Andreasstift chronicles 5,000 years of local history, with a collection of Roman glass. See the Luther Monument, where bronze statues of Martin Luther and other Reformation figures stand in a castle-like arrangement, making it the largest Reformation memorial worldwide.
Where to Stay
Sleep at the Nibelungen Youth Hostel in the city center (beds from €25). The Parkhotel Prinz Carl occupies a historic building near the cathedral, with rooms from €80. Find smaller hotels and guesthouses throughout the old town, most within walking distance of main attractions.
