Kirchheim am Ries – between views over the Ries and monastic history

Kirchheim am Ries lies on the western edge of the Ries, at the foot of the 600-meter-high Blasienberg. The municipality combines its natural surroundings with a rich monastic history: the former Cistercian convent of the Assumption of Mary is a site of cultural and historical significance. Trails on the Blasienberg and through orchards, as well as views across the Ries, offer a different focus. When planning a trip, visitors can choose between experiences centered on the landscape and those focused on culture.

Monastic history and architecture

Count Ludwig III of Oettingen founded Kirchheim’s convent for women in 1267. The monastery church is early Gothic and was completed around 1300. The Baroque high altar, dating from 1756, depicts the Assumption of Mary. An archway from 1724, adorned with statues of saints, marks the entrance to the monastery precinct. St. Martin’s Chapel in Unterkirchheim also has a distinctive feature: its altar is made from an upside-down Roman sacrificial stone discovered during renovation work. These architectural and artistic features reveal the medieval and Baroque layers of the monastery’s history.

Hiking trails with different focuses

The Blasienberg adventure trail is about 4.5 kilometers long. Ten QR-code audio stations cover wildlife, plants, and geology. The trail includes views across the Ries and a viewing point with a swing. As installations may change, it is a good idea to check for current information before your visit.

The five-kilometer Streuobstpfad mit Riesblick (orchard trail with views over the Ries) begins at the Eulenstein hiking car park and passes orchards and a protected forest on the Ohrenberg. From there, you can look out over the flat landscape of the Ries. Information panels explain the orchard habitat; QR codes help identify the tree species.

At 7.3 kilometers, the “between forest & water” sensory trail is longer than the other two routes. It begins at the Cistercian convent and partly follows the Ries Panorama Trail. This is distinct from the Ries Panorama Trail itself: the 128-kilometer route circles the Nördlinger Ries crater in seven day-long stages. Check the latest trail information before planning a longer hike. The route lengths provide an initial basis for comparison when planning, while keeping in mind that each trail has a different focus.

Geology and views

The bilingual Geopark Ries information point at Riesblick, beside the Blasienberg, offers views of the Ries Basin and Kirchheim; it also features a geological map. Geopark Ries information panels about the formation and surroundings of the Ries are accessible around the clock. Tables and benches provide a place to take a break.

Getting here by public transport

Kirchheim am Ries is connected to public transport via Bopfingen railway station. Regular bus services run to the municipality and its districts. As services and timetables may change, it is best to check your connection before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Waldstetten, Rainau, Lorch, Abtsgmünd, Mutlangen, Adelmannsfelden, Waldhausen, Hüttlingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Ostalbkreis.