Vierkirchen: Nature Swimming Lake, Way of St. James and Leonhardi Ride

Vierkirchen can be explored through three very different themes: its nature swimming lake, the Way of St. James in the Dachau region and the Leonhardi Ride tradition in Pasenbach. This gives visitors points of interest related to swimming and nature, pilgrimage routes and regional cultural history. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the differences: for the nature swimming lake, check seasonal opening and access; on the trails, check the latest route information; and for the exhibition depot, arrange your visit in advance.

Vierkirchen Nature Swimming Lake

The Vierkirchen Nature Swimming Lake was created in 2003 and 2004 on the site of the former sewage treatment plant. Visitors can swim in its soft, clear water and enjoy the local natural surroundings. Water conditions are monitored continuously, while opening times may vary by season. The nature swimming lake is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. This access restriction should be taken into account when planning a visit: check the latest access information before you go. The lake is therefore especially appealing to travelers who want to combine swimming with enjoying the local natural surroundings.

Ways of St. James in the Dachau Region

A route running through Ingolstadt, Pfaffenhofen, Scheyern, Jetzendorf, Vierkirchen and Mariabrunn to Dachau better connects the “Regensburg Way of St. James” and the “Munich Way of St. James.” The Way of St. James in the Dachau region is marked throughout with the “yellow scallop shell,” the route’s standardized symbol used across Europe. The route and its markings serve different planning needs: the route lists the towns along the way, while the scallop shell marks the trail. Check current route conditions and signs before setting out.

Leonhardi Ride and Exhibition Depot in Pasenbach

The Leonhardi Ride in Pasenbach is a distinctive cultural highlight. It has been held annually in late October since 1994, with themed floats. The exhibition depot in the Pasenbach Association and Cultural Hall displays the floats from the ride and several objects related to the veneration of Saint Leonhard. The event and the exhibition are not the same: the ride takes place every year in late October, while visits to the exhibition depot can be arranged by phone with the town hall.

More Things to Discover in the Wider Dachau Destination

The wider Dachau destination offers other distinct attractions. The Karlsfelder See recreation area lies right beside the built-up area of northern Karlsfeld, covers 58.2 hectares and is located in the Dachau district. It is used year-round for walking, jogging, cycling and recreation. By contrast, the seasonal opening of the Vierkirchen Nature Swimming Lake should be taken into account. The approximately 2.5-kilometer-long “Lebensader Maisach” trail runs alongside the Maisach River and is accessible to people with disabilities from Bergkirchen or Günding.

The destination also has a diverse cultural offering: the Romanesque basilica on Petersberg near Erdweg was built in 1104 and has been preserved to this day. The Petersberg sculpture trail is 200 meters long, runs through Petersberg Forest and features a total of ten works of art at eight stations. In the town of Dachau, the historic old town is protected as an ensemble and invites visitors to stroll and linger. Dachau Palace was once a popular summer residence of the Wittelsbach family. The climb is rewarded with views across the Munich Gravel Plain, the state capital Munich and all the way to the Alps.

Discover more destinations: Haimhausen, Odelzhausen, Petershausen, Hebertshausen, Altomünster, Schwabhausen, Karlsfeld, Röhrmoos

Back to the wider travel overview: Dachau.