Weiden

Weiden in der Oberpfalz, commonly called Weiden, is a town in the Free State of Bavaria, Germany. It lies in the Upper Palatinate region on the Naab River, about 40 kilometers northeast of Regensburg. With a population of around 40,000, it serves as an important regional center for commerce, administration, and culture.

The settlement has medieval origins and grew through trade, crafts, and religious institutions centered on its churches and market. Over the centuries it developed as an urban center in the Naab valley and acquired town rights in the early modern period, contributing to regional governance and economy. The town has faced the typical demographic and economic changes of the region, including industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries and integration into modern Bavaria.

Weiden's geography combines riverine landscapes with hilly surroundings characteristic of the Upper Palatinate. The municipality sits within a network of roads and rail lines, with Weiden railway station serving as a regional transport hub on routes linking Nuremberg and Regensburg, and connections to nearby towns. Local infrastructure includes schools, healthcare facilities, and public services, while the economy comprises manufacturing, engineering, electronics, and service industries, supplemented by retail and tourism in the historic city center.

Cultural life centers on its historic market square, churches, museums, and festivals that reflect Bavarian traditions and regional identity. The town also serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside and the Bavarian Forest region.