Hohenlinden: Battle History and Forest Landscape

Hohenlinden combines the memory of a precisely dated battle with surroundings shaped by forests. Local landmarks include a historic church, the “Maria im Felde” chapel, and routes for cycling and hiking. When planning a stay, you can focus on the events of 1800, sacred architecture, or the landscape. Destinations in the town differ from attractions in the surrounding area: the museum is accessible only by appointment made by phone, while some routes pass through Hohenlinden and others around the town.

The Battle of Hohenlinden at the Museum

The Battle of Hohenlinden took place in Hohenlinden on December 3, 1800. General Moreau commanded the French forces; the allied Bavarian and Austrian troops were under the command of Archduke John. The “Battle of Hohenlinden” museum is dedicated to this event. It is located in the basement of Hohenlinden Primary School and is divided into two rooms.

The museum’s 7,500 toy soldiers, dressed in period uniforms and equipped with period equipment and weapons, depict the armies’ positions in the early afternoon of December 3, 1800. Other exhibits include contemporary books, engravings, rifles, sabers, helmets, bullets, and horseshoes. An outstanding loan item is the votive tablet commemorating farmer Stephan Rumpfinger’s engagement to the Holy Mary. The museum thus presents the battle both through a depiction of troop positions and through a range of historical objects.

Visitors can also learn about the Treaties of Lunéville, select topics using a multimedia system, and follow the battle as a strategy game. This complements the display of the toy soldiers with different ways of engaging with the event. Visits are possible only by appointment made by phone with the museum director. Be sure to arrange an appointment in advance.

Churches, Architecture, and Chapel

The Old Church of the Visitation of Mary in Hohenlinden is an outstanding building of Ebersberg Monastery. Its wall piers support a Gothic net vault; two keystones are carved with the Visitation of Mary and the Massacre of the Innocents. These two depictions offer a specific insight into the church’s imagery. The tower of St. Joseph’s Church is also a landmark in the landscape: it is 70 meters tall overall and can be seen from every point on the Hohenlinden gravel plain as a pointed spire.

The “Maria im Felde” chapel lies between Hohenlinden and Preisendorf, near the district boundary and within Hohenlinden’s municipal area. It was consecrated on June 16, 2002. Together with the Old Church and the tower of St. Joseph’s Church, it illustrates how different church buildings form part of the local landscape—from a building connected with Ebersberg Monastery to a chapel with a precisely dated consecration.

Forest Landscape and Excursions

The municipal area is almost completely surrounded by four forests: Ebersberger Forst, Großhaager Forst, Mittbacher Au, and Lindacher Wald. The forest belt is open only to the northeast.

Nearby, in Ebersberger Forst, you’ll find Hohenlinder Sauschütt. There are three wildlife viewing enclosures with red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar; the animals can often be seen at close range in their natural habitat. A 3.2-kilometer accessible forest nature trail also forms a circular route close to Sauschütt. About two hours are suggested for exploring it. The viewing enclosures and nature trail offer two different ways to experience the area: wildlife watching and an informative walk through the forest.

Compare Cycling and Hiking Routes

Various cycling and hiking routes pass through Hohenlinden and its surroundings. One specific longer option is the “Battle of Hohenlinden” cycling tour: it runs clockwise to 17 destinations around Hohenlinden, described as the battle’s main sites. The circular route is approximately 52 kilometers long; benches are available at the destinations and along the way. Check the current route and available rest stops locally when planning your specific trip.

By comparison, the forest nature trail’s circular route near Sauschütt is considerably shorter at 3.2 kilometers; about two hours are suggested for exploring it. The cycling tour connects numerous destinations associated with the battle, while the nature trail is an accessible circular route through the nearby forest. If you’re planning your time in Hohenlinden, these details can help you choose between a longer cycling tour and a shorter walk.

Discover more destinations: Grafing bei München, Pliening, Zorneding, Anzing, Vaterstetten, Baiern, Oberpframmern, Kirchseeon.

For the main travel overview: Ebersberg.