The summer palace of the Prince-Electors of the Palatinate conceals one of Europe's most theatrical Baroque-to-Romantic garden landscapes — a UNESCO-nominated masterpiece of manicured parterres, whimsical follies, a fake Roman ruin, and a Moorish mosque. Just 15 km from Speyer.
What to expect
A 20-minute drive or taxi ride from Speyer brings you to the palace forecourt and its sweeping parterre gardens. Wander the circular garden laid out by Nicolas de Pigage, discover the bathhouse, the Temple of Apollo, and the extraordinary Mosque folly — built purely for decorative effect in 1779 — surrounded by still pools and topiary. The palace apartments are open for guided tours (German/English audio guides available) and reveal the rococo interiors of Electoral court life.
Good to know
Schloss Schwetzingen is open daily from 09:00; the gardens close at dusk. Taxi from Speyer dock takes approximately 20 minutes each way (EUR 25–30). The site is largely flat and easily walkable. Allow 2–3 hours to do it justice. Combine with Heidelberg for a full luxury day out, or enjoy it as a gentle half-day stand-alone.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Speyer — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.