"Worms: Nibelung and the Nazis" Top 5 Page for this destination Worms by antistar

Worms Travel Guide: 95 reviews and 266 photos

Worms is the home of the Nibelung, the German mythological stories that were appropriated by the Nazis because of the values they saw them contain, such as an "absolute fidelity to the superiors". Worms is therefore unfairly tainted by the Nazi association, and attracts a few unwelcome ideological tourists every year. I'd forgotten about this link until I got off at Worms station, entered the shop, and found myself queuing behind a man and his son, both dressed in the black bomber jacket and blue jeans uniform of the neo-nazis, and sporting skinheads. They smiled and were polite, and could possibly have not been neo-Nazis at all, but the image made me feel uncomfortable about the city. The fact that while wandering around nearby Oppenheim an hour earlier I'd seen a shop dummy in someone's conservatory holding out its hand in a Nazi salute under the German national flag just made me even more uneasy.

Jewish Quarter, Worms

As I said, it's unfair to press the Nazi connection, and I should stress that after spending nearly a year in the country this was the first encounter with anyone or anything related to this discredited regime. Worms also has an abundance of history outside of the Nibelung, which in itself is fascinating for its own reasons. The city of Worms has a Roman heritage, it was a medieval economic powerhouse, and in 1521 the Diet of Worms (the old Imperial Parliament) famously declared Luther an outlaw. Worms was also once known as Little Jerusalem, for its large and thriving Jewish population, and the community has long since left the city, the town pays its respects with the well preserved Jewish Quarter.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lots of history and sights in a small area.
Cons:Little bit scruffy, and a few unwelcome guests.

Last visit to Worms: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Jan 23, 2012
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Reviews (16)

Iron Birds Favorites (1)

All around the city I found these wonderful iron bird sculptures. They were dotted around at various sights in the city,... more travel advice

Little Jerusalem Things to Do (14)

Worms once had a thriving and ancient Jewish community, dating back as far as the last millenia, and numbering as many... more travel advice

Rotes Haus Things to Do (14)

The Rotes Haus was built in 1624 and is the last remaining Renaissance town house in Worms. It's difficult to miss and... more travel advice

St Paulus Things to Do (14)

The Domincan order established a monastery at the site of St Paulus church in 1226, but due to the secularisation of the... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Train

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Comments (9)

Confucius Jun 16, 2007 at 8:28 PM Report Abuse

The iron bird sculptures you encountered in this city feed on a Diet of Worms. After eating the local parliament, they then proceed to Rathaus and prey on neo-nazi field mice. Thanks for your comments on Ely's bottles; the ones with marbles inside.
dakto67 Mar 28, 2007 at 3:09 PM Report Abuse

Great picture of Judengasse. I use to live at 65 Judengasse when I was station in Worms 1/39 inf Hq from 1965 to 1967. Worms is a great place and hope to visit there one day. Turner
wroclawiak Oct 22, 2006 at 10:21 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting Worms page. Thanks for the info. I am going to visit Worms and Mainz soon.
George_Arba Sep 18, 2006 at 1:51 AM Report Abuse

Great page! Worms has many things to offer to someone who likes historical buildings. The Dom of Worms is magnificent! I know it is one of the famous cathedrals in Germany and I hope I’ll visit it in one of the next days.
pepples46 Dec 3, 2005 at 11:26 AM Report Abuse

I'm realy exausted with all those churches, wall's and what have you, though masterly written and photographed..some food would go well with it, I am hungry ^..^
Mariajoy Dec 3, 2005 at 10:59 AM Report Abuse

Hi Tim, interesting page... but no restaurant tips.... just a Diet of Worms then?? ;-)
jadedmuse Nov 6, 2005 at 4:54 PM Report Abuse

Peculaiarity, those iron birds. I suppose if they're looking for eats, they're in the right place? OK yes, I had to stop by to see what kind of a place is called "Worms". I enjoyed your writing style, esp. intro page and homepage too.
wcph Sep 1, 2005 at 8:02 PM Report Abuse

Very nice page, haven't been to Worms but won't miss it next time!
bugulma Apr 11, 2005 at 3:21 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic architecture style of the town!! TorTurm is fascinating building!!