Hochspeyer's history is closely related to the Cistercian Abbey of Otterberg, to which the Münchhof belonged since 1195.

After World War II Palatinate (and with it Hochspeyer) was incorporated in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Trade, minor industry and farming shape the small local economy in Hochspeyer.

Tourism is about to develop since the Palatinate forest has become part of the biosphere reserve Pfälzer Wald-Vosges du Nord in 1998 and projects like the Mountainbikepark Pfälzerwald, a route network for mountainbiking, have been initiated.

Climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round.