Discover Leipheim: city history, moorland and Danube trails

Leipheim offers a range of options for a stay: historical sites and culture on the one hand, and nature and cycling routes in Leipheim Moor and along the Danube on the other. Local activities range from museum visits and a guided city tour to circular routes of varying lengths.

City history and milling technology

The local history and Peasants’ War Museum Blaue Ente explores Leipheim’s history in the old building; the German Peasants’ War is the focus of the museum barn. The museum also includes the “Milling Technology” exhibition building. There, visitors can explore milling technology inside the building and through display panels. The different parts of the complex give the museum visit its own historical and technical themes.

A guided city tour starts in the castle courtyard and leads through the complex of the castle, museum and tithe barn. The tour then follows the city wall through the upper town. The Jakob-Wehe Gate is also set into the wall, a passage west of the Old Spittel. Jakob Wehe was Leipheim’s first Protestant pastor and one of the leaders of the Leipheim band during the Peasants’ War of 1525.

City wall and tithe barn

A barrier-free panoramic walkway runs along Leipheim’s city wall from the Jakob-Wehe Gate to Schießgraben-Straße, offering a pleasant place for a stroll. Check local conditions before your visit in case physical accessibility has changed.

The tithe barn at the end of Leipheim’s castle courtyard has had a varied history of use: the town bought it in 1815. From 1865 to 1970, it served as a municipal depot and as a garage for the Leipheim Volunteer Fire Brigade’s vehicles and equipment. It was saved from demolition in 1983; extensive renovation followed from 1993. After several years of elaborate restoration, it opened in 2002 as a venue for art and cultural exchange, creativity and inspiration. As an event venue, it offers a varied programme, including classical music, jazz, world music and contemporary music, as well as folk, blues, theatre, cabaret and children’s culture. Today, in addition to a restaurant, the tithe barn houses a community hall and the city council chamber. Check current visitor options before your visit.

Leipheim Moor and trails

Leipheim Moor is a fen that has been protected as a nature reserve since 1993. Despite extensive damage, it offers an appealing, varied landscape and suitable habitat for numerous rare animals and plants. Those who want to explore the landscape on foot will find marked turnoffs from the Donaumoos Circular Trail to the “Rural History and Nutrition” and “Experience Nature” nature trails. The long and short loops are 3 to 10 kilometres long.

Cycling routes also vary in scale. Leipheim is a stop on the 604-kilometre Danube Cycle Path through Germany. The route is optimally signposted and can also be ridden in sections. Of the Donau-Alb Circular Route’s total 43 kilometres, about 10 kilometres lie within Leipheim’s municipal area. These details describe different planning options: the loops in the moor are 3 to 10 kilometres long, while the Donau-Alb Circular Route as a whole is a longer route.

The Swabian Potato Tour starts in Leipheim and leads through Bavarian Swabia, sometimes directly to historical sites, through forests and to other attractions. You can ride it independently or, if you wish, join a guided tour organised by the potato innkeepers. You can join at other stages, leave the route partway through or ride in the opposite direction. The stages are suitable for children and families; the routes are mostly paved, but also include some gentle climbs and field paths. This makes it possible to choose a suitable route without confusing the local circular paths with the longer route.

Cultural event in July

The historic Leipheim Children’s Festival traditionally takes place on the second weekend in July. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the exact dates for the relevant year.

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