Discover Zeiskam: History and Vegetable Growing

The earliest written record of Zeiskam dates back to 774, when the place was mentioned under the name Zezzinchheim in the Speyergau. Further historical landmarks span the Middle Ages through to the construction of the church in the 18th century. These are complemented by the town’s agricultural character, festive traditions and seasonal rail-bike rides. This lets you tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.

Local history and architecture

The Catholic Church of St. Bartholomew was built in 1755–1756, initially as a simultaneous church for both denominations. An inscription above St. Bartholomew’s records that Catholics and Protestants built the church together. The construction period and inscription go hand in hand: they tell of both the church’s original use and its joint construction.

Another historical trace leads to the Haimbach Commandery. In the 11th century, the site may have been a monastic farm or a Benedictine monastery; in 1185, it passed to the Order of St. John. The reconstructed Gothic arch recalls a meeting between Johann and Elisabeth in 1310, before their wedding in Speyer. The arch and landscaped grounds are freely accessible. Check local conditions before your visit.

The historic beer cellar at the northern exit of the village also has a specific date: it dates from 1842. Together with the church’s history and the memory of the commandery, this date shows that the town’s history can be explored across several centuries. The date alone, however, does not indicate whether visits are possible.

Vegetable growing and village traditions

Vegetable growing and seed trading have been central to Zeiskam’s agricultural identity for centuries. Schick’es Lädel offers a glimpse into this focus: it sells salads and vegetable mixes grown in-house, as well as homemade delicatessen salads, dressings and barbecue products. The selection may vary by season. If you are interested in regional produce, the variety of products listed offers a tangible connection to vegetable growing.

The Zeiskam Kirwe is also rooted in local culture. It takes place every year, when an onion queen and an onion princess are elected to represent the village at official events. The Zwewwlfest features a horse-shaped figure covered in onions, the Onion Stallion. The festivals have different focuses: the Kirwe centers on the election of the representatives, while the Zwewwlfest features the striking onion figure. Dates and programs may change, so check the details for your planned visit.

Seasonal activities and regional destinations

Seasonal rail-bike rides operate on the former railway line between Landau and Lingenfeld at Zeiskam’s northern edge. If this ride fits your plans, check the operating period and availability before you travel. This way, you can account for the seasonal operating conditions when planning.

The wider Germersheim destination offers other historical and scenic highlights. The Queich Mills Circular Hiking Trail around Bellheim connects four of the six remaining mills and brings the old milling craft to life. Germersheim Fortress is considered the largest Bavarian fortress outside Bavaria; significant surviving structures surround the entire town center. These examples complement Zeiskam’s local history with distinct destinations in the Germersheim region.

There are also different options for cycling and hiking tours in the area. The 44.4-kilometer Bienwald-Rheinauen Tour runs through the Bienwald and the Rhine floodplains near Hagenbach and Neuburg am Rhein, close to the French border. A shorter loop is the four-kilometer Stork Hiking Trail in Winden, with 15 information panels about white storks, history, flora and fauna. From February to August, you can observe storks in their nests, foraging for food and in flight; sightings are not guaranteed. Comparing the distances can help you choose between a longer bike tour and a shorter themed walk.

Discover more destinations: Neupotz, Freisbach, Neuburg Am Rhein, Vollmersweiler, Kandel, Jockgrim, Germersheim, Schwegenheim.

Go to the wider travel overview: Germersheim.