Gestratz: Church, Local Heritage Museum and Trails

Gestratz combines local history with hiking trails, viewpoints and seasonal opportunities for outdoor activities. St. Gallus Parish Church, the local heritage museum in an old smithy, and the water features in the village square each have their own character. When planning your trip, you can decide whether cultural history, hiking or a winter outing should take centre stage.

Church and local history

The Gestratz parish was founded in the 8th century by St. Gallen Abbey. St. Gallus Parish Church was built much later, between 1435 and 1437, and was a pilgrimage church until the Thirty Years’ War. Gothic frescoes adorn the choir walls. The founding of the parish, the construction of the church and its former significance as a place of pilgrimage are distinct milestones in local history. Together, they provide a historical and cultural context for the church building.

Crafts and living history

The Gestratz local heritage museum is housed in a 250-year-old smithy that has been converted into a living history venue. The ground floor contains a working smithy and an exhibition space for changing uses. Craftsmanship and the space’s changing uses are thus brought together. At the annual local heritage museum festival in September, craftspeople demonstrate almost-forgotten traditional crafts there. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the specific event dates.

The Malleichen bathhouse is also one of the attractions in the area around Gestratz. Its history goes back more than 400 years; sulphur baths were given there in zinc tubs until 1933. The bathhouse in Gestratz also has an outdoor bowling alley. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether the alley is currently available for use.

Hiking trails, viewpoints and water

Gestratz has a total of 40 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. The Gestratz district of Schweineburg is accessible via the hiking trail network on Route 1. The Schweineburg–Gestratz circular trail starts and finishes at the Argenhalle in Gestratz, follows paved paths and is well suited to pushchairs. From the trail’s viewpoint, you can see across the hills of the Westallgäu and the Alpine ranges. From Schweineburg, high above Gestratz, the view stretches across the Oberallgäu and the Austrian and Swiss mountains all the way to Lake Constance.

In the village square, the Gestratz water features bring together an easily accessible village stream, an artificial stream and a village fountain. The water features invite visitors to play and relax. Gestratz lies between gentle hills, the Upper Argen and the Kaplaneibach stream. Travel plans can therefore include both paths through the surrounding area and a central spot in the village where water and relaxation come together.

Cross-country ski trails and cycling routes

In winter, Gestratz has a total of eight kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. The trail from Schweineburg leads towards the Waldbad in Isny and connects to the Maierhöfen–Isny trail network. As the trails are seasonal, check the current conditions before planning an outing.

Cycling routes in Gestratz follow roads that are partly steep, with uphill and downhill sections. Cycling offers variety, but it is also very strenuous. Take this exertion into account if cycling is to be an important part of your trip. Hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and cycling routes offer different ways to explore the area; the steep roads are one specific factor to consider when planning.

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