About this city
Also known as: Pretzel City
Reading is a historic, culturally deep city serving as the county seat of Berks County, beautifully nestled along the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania. Formally established in 1748 by Thomas and Richard Penn, the city blossomed into a major industrial giant during the 19th and 20th centuries as the strategic headquarters of the legendary Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, once one of the largest corporations in the world. Reading is globally recognized for the Reading Pagoda, a bizarre, historic seven-story Japanese-style pagoda anchored dramatically atop Mount Penn since 1908. Today, the city serves as a major manufacturing and commercial hub, balancing its rich locomotive heritage with a vibrant, diverse community and excellent access to regional agricultural valleys.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Drive up Mount Penn to photograph the historic landmark Reading Pagoda, learn about local industrial history at the Reading Public Museum, and hike or bike the extensive trails within the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
