Xanten Siegfried Spectacle
Medieval festival around Ascension Day along the historic town walls, held since 2003 in honour of the legendary hero Siegfried. It features knightly tournaments, dragon shows, live music and a large medieval market.
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Xanten
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ℹ️Practical info — Xanten
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Archaeological Park (APX) early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat during summer.
- Rent a bicycle; the Lower Rhine landscape around Xanten is flat and highly bike-friendly.
- Look for the Römermuseum, which is built over the original Roman bath foundations inside the APX.
- Parking is usually convenient at the APX lots, but they fill up fast on weekends.
🍽 Food
🍽
Niederrheinische Kaffeetafel
Traditional feast with coffee, bread, cold cuts, and cake. Find it in cafes around the market square.
🍽
Panhas
Traditional Westphalian meat dish. Try it at traditional German restaurants near the Xanten Cathedral.
🍽
Roman-style breads
Baked according to historical recipes. Available at the bakery inside the Archaeological Park.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Xanten Market Square
Great for local produce and regional delicacies on market days.
🛍
Roman Replicas
Souvenir shops near the APX offer interesting replicas of Roman artifacts and local crafts.
🧘
Xantener Südsee
A beautiful lake area well-suited for a quiet stroll or relaxing by the water.
🧘
Kriemhildmühle
The area around this still-functioning windmill features peaceful views of the old town walls.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Xanten, located on the Lower Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a city of immense historical and archaeological significance. It stands on the remains of the Roman city 'Colonia Ulpia Traiana', which was one of the most important administrative centers in Roman Germany. The Xanten Archaeological Park (APX) allows visitors to explore reconstructed Roman architecture, including a grand amphitheater and a harbor temple. In the Middle Ages, the city flourished around the Collegiate Church of St. Victor, a Gothic masterpiece often referred to as 'Xanten Cathedral'. Mythologically, Xanten is renowned as the birthplace of Siegfried, the legendary dragon-slayer from the Nibelungenlied epic. Beyond its ancient and medieval treasures, the city has developed into a major leisure destination, featuring the 'Xanten Sea', a complex of lakes offering sailing, diving, and hiking. Its status as the only German city starting with the letter 'X' adds to its unique identity as cultural landmark.
- Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Top sights: LVR Archaeological Park Xanten · Xanten Cathedral · Kleve Gate
- Nearby: Wesel (11 km)
- Population: ~21.776
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 62 | 58 | 42 | 61 | 64 | 76 | 80 | 57 | 64 | 72 | 79 |
Geography
Facts
- Roman foundation: approx. 100 AD
- Cathedral construction: 1263-1544
- Archaeological Park: approx. 73 hectares
- City rights since: 1228
- Nibelungen Museum: in the Middle Gate
- Lakes: Xantener North and South Seas
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Xanten (17)
Kriemhild Mill📍 landmark
A historic windmill located on the town walls that still operates today as a bakery selling fresh bread.
🌐 kriemhild-muehle.de🕒 Mo 14:00-18:30; Tu-Sa 08:30-18:30
Frequently asked questions
What is the highlight of the Xanten Archaeological Park?
The Roman Museum and reconstructed buildings like the amphitheater and the harbor temple are the main attractions.
Is St. Viktor's Cathedral in Xanten worth seeing?
Absolutely, it is considered the most significant cathedral between Cologne and the North Sea, impressing with its Gothic architecture.
Can you go swimming in Xanten?
Yes, the Xanten Leisure Center (FZX) gives beach baths and water sports facilities at the Xantener Südsee.
What is Xanten's connection to the Siegfried legend?
Xanten is the birthplace of the hero Siegfried from the Nibelungenlied; there is an interesting Siegfried Museum there.
How much time should I plan for the Archaeological Park?
Plan at least 3-4 hours to visit the extensive grounds and the museum at a relaxed pace.
Xanten: where is it located?
Xanten is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Xanten: what is there to see?
Highlights include LVR Archaeological Park Xanten, Xanten Cathedral, Kleve Gate.
Xanten: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Xanten: why is it worth visiting?
Xanten, located on the Lower Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a city of immense historical and archaeological significance.
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