Discover Kipfenberg
Accommodation in Kipfenberg
Kipfenberg is shaped by two themes closely connected to the town: Roman frontier history and distinctive hill ranges. When planning your trip, it’s worth first considering whether you’d like to spend more time at the museum and exploring historical traces, or at viewpoints, on hikes and along cycling routes. There is also a Shrovetide custom, recurring events and an outdoor swimming pool—various aspects that shape a stay in Kipfenberg.
Roman History and the Limes
The Roman and Bavarian Museum is housed in the former stables of Kipfenberg Castle. The castle itself is privately owned and cannot be visited. The former outer bailey houses the museum and the Limes information point. The museum’s archaeological section explains the construction and decline of the Limes, now a World Heritage Site, life as a soldier in the former province of Raetia, and the rise of the Bavarians from the ruins of the Migration Period.
The exhibits also include the warrior from Kemathen, described as the “First true Bavarian.” A faithful reconstruction of his burial site complements finds that offer insight into the history of the 5th century. The Roman frontier and early Bavarian history are thus both explored at the same museum.
The reconstructed wooden Limes watchtower offers a glimpse of an earlier form of the Roman frontier. The tower stands directly beside the foundations of a stone watchtower. From the observation platform, you can see the bend in the Limes, the foundations and a small reconstructed section of palisade fence. The remains of the Limes in Kipfenberg are accessible via marked hiking trails, including the Limes Trail.
Michelsberg, Brandplatz and Waggerlloch
South of Kipfenberg, Michelsberg rises as a steep rock massif about 120 metres high. The remains of several fortifications and a small church are part of its landscape; the hill is also one of the town’s most important viewpoints. The marked eastern ascent leads from the car park in the Birktal to the summit in about 25 minutes. Alternatively, hiking trail no. 2, the Butterfly Trail, leads uphill.
East of Kipfenberg, Brandplatz lies on a high plateau of dolomite rock. From there, the panorama extends across the Birktal and its juniper bushes at the foot of Michelsberg. The site lies halfway along the Kressensteig, hiking trail no. 3, and is about a 15-minute walk from the Roman and Bavarian Museum. This makes it possible to combine a museum visit with a viewpoint without confusing the two locations.
At Michelsberg, the small, accessible Waggerlloch cave can also be reached via a turnoff on the Schlossersteig. Excavations from 1967 to 1971 uncovered pottery fragments and metal objects from the Early Bronze Age, Urnfield period, Hallstatt period and Celtic period. There was also evidence of occasional use as a medieval refuge. The finds come from the excavations; they document traces of use and settlement from different periods, widely separated in time.
Hiking Trails and Cycling Routes
Several walking routes and starting points are listed for the Limes watchtower: you can reach it via the Limes Trail or the Limes circular trail from the car park at the outdoor pool or at the school in about 30 minutes. From the hiking car park at the edge of Kipfenberg, the AltmĂĽhltal Panorama Trail leads there in about 15 minutes. These walking times apply to different starting points, so be sure to choose the right starting point when planning. The first section of the Limes circular trail between Kipfenberg and Hirnstetten runs largely along the former Roman northern frontier.
The AltmĂĽhltal Panorama Trail offers a different landscape as well: the section between Kipfenberg and Kinding first follows shady forest paths up to Kohlplatte, a hill between the Anlauter and AltmĂĽhltal valleys. The route then descends steeply along the edge of the forest to Kinding. Kipfenberg is a stop for cyclists on the AltmĂĽhltal Cycle Route. The Limes Cycle Route, in turn, offers a more challenging ride across the Jura heights; the countryside around Kipfenberg can also be explored by bicycle.
Shrovetide Custom, Architectural History and Events
The Fasenickl is a Shrovetide character from the Kipfenberg, Kinding and Enkering area. The customs include elaborate costumes, “Schnalzen” and “Faseln,” as well as handing out pretzels and Guatln. The cultural association “Die Fasenickl” preserves historical costumes, makes them accessible to the public and presents the Fasenickllaufen custom outside the Shrovetide season as well. The “Fasenickl” Shrovetide Museum is located in Kipfenberg’s Torwärterhaus, whose oldest building fabric dates back to the Middle Ages.
The parish church of the Assumption of Mary is another local cultural site; it features a Pietà dating from around 1400. The Limes Festival commemorates Kipfenberg’s Roman past and its medieval castle lords. Other annual events on the historic market square include the Easter market with the presentation of the Easter fountain, historical performances at the Limes Festival and the two-day Christmas market. Check the event dates for your chosen travel period.
“Am Limes” Outdoor Swimming Pool
The heated “Am Limes” outdoor swimming pool has a large swimming pool with a diving tower and a separate children’s pool. If you’re planning a day of swimming, check the current opening hours in advance, as seasonal operating hours may change.
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