Hohenpeißenberg: Pilgrimage, Trails and Nature

Hohenpeißenberg lies at the foot of the 988 m-high Hohen Peißenberg. The mountain is home to the meteorological observatory, which has kept continuous weather records since 1781. The landscape, weather observation and pilgrimage each shape a different side of a stay here. The routes also deserve a closer look for their different purposes: some pass through the village, a multi-day pilgrimage hiking trail starts on the mountain, and others explore topics such as mining or moorland.

Trails, Moorland and Winter

The König Ludwig Hiking and Cycling Trail passes through Hohenpeißenberg, as does the Way of St. James. The multi-day Heilige Landschaft Pfaffenwinkel pilgrimage hiking trail starts on the Hohen Peißenberg. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish how the routes relate to the village: two pass through it, while the pilgrimage hiking trail starts on the mountain.

The Stollenweg is an educational trail about mining, geology and the landscape, with 15 information boards. It leads from Peißenberg to Hohenpeißenberg and former coal-mining tunnels in use from 1837 to 1971. The 6 km Schwarzlaichmoor themed trail takes a different focus: it leads through the adjacent moorland, with information boards, and starts at the Hetten inn.

The Filzloipe cross-country ski trail in Hohenpeißenberg is about 7 km long and is groomed for skating and classic cross-country skiing. It runs along the edge of the Schwarzlaichmoor nature reserve. As trail grooming can vary, check current conditions before setting out to ski. At about 7 km, the trail is slightly longer than the 6 km Schwarzlaichmoor themed trail; one is for winter cross-country skiing, while the other explores the moorland with information boards.

Bathing Lake and Leisure

The bathing lake has sunbathing lawns, a kiosk, a beach volleyball court, play equipment, benches and a natural pond. This single destination brings together quiet areas to relax, opportunities for activity and a natural body of water.

Pilgrimage and Art

The historic pilgrimage ensemble on the Hohen Peißenberg comprises the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary, the Chapel of Grace and the canons’ house. The pilgrimage church preserves a pulpit dating from 1619 and carved gallery-front panels; the carving is considered a rarity of Bavarian church art. The Chapel of Grace of Our Lady contains a late Gothic miraculous image and Rococo furnishings with gilded decoration. The carved statue of the Virgin Mary came from a castle chapel in Schongau.

Weilheim-Schongau in the regional context

The wider travel destination of Weilheim-Schongau is in the Pfaffenwinkel travel region. The Wieskirche near Steingaden has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983; Dominikus Zimmermann built it between 1745 and 1754. The church also welcomes visitors for services, summer concerts and quiet contemplation; concert dates may vary. Three bodies of water define the landscape of the wider Weilheim-Schongau destination: the Lech marks the district’s western boundary, the Ammer flows through its central area, and the Loisach runs along its eastern border.

Discover more destinations: Peiting, Polling, Steingaden, Schongau, Wessobrunn, Bernbeuren, Weilheim in Upper Bavaria, Oberhausen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Weilheim-Schongau.