Buxheim: Charterhouse, Pond and Walking Trails

Buxheim can be explored for travel planning through two themes: the history of the charterhouse and leisure activities at Buxheim Pond. If you are looking for a hotel in Buxheim, you can choose the focus of your stay based on whether you would rather explore local history or spend time by the water and on walking trails.

The Charterhouse and Buxheim’s History

The area’s history dates back to an Alemannic settlement founded more than 1,000 years ago. Carthusian monks moved into this settlement in 1402 and established what is now Germany’s best-preserved charterhouse complex. In 1548, the charterhouse was placed directly under the protection of the emperor, making it the only charterhouse in the German Empire to enjoy imperial immediacy. The Zimmermann brothers built the parish church of St. Peter and Paul at the same time as they Baroque-style renovated the charterhouse monastery. The Carthusian Trail focuses on Buxheim’s history. In the wider Unterallgäu travel region, the former Imperial Charterhouse in Buxheim is known for its choir stalls.

Buxheim Pond and Leisure Activities

Swimming and walking are among the leisure activities available by the water in the Buxheim Pond recreation area. There is also a campsite and several restaurants by the pond. You can therefore include swimming and waterside walks in your plans, as well as camping or a visit to one of the restaurants. If you plan to visit a restaurant or the campsite, check the latest opening and operating information beforehand; if you plan to swim, conditions on site are relevant.

Forest Discovery Trail and Tours

The Forest Discovery Trail is close to Buxheim Pond and is also a starting point for hikes around the Buxheim forest ponds. In the wider Unterallgäu travel region, the Buxheim Forest Discovery Trail is 2.7 kilometres long, circles Buxheim Pond and is intended to let visitors experience nature with all their senses. Another tour is about eight kilometres long and takes approximately two hours, depending on your pace. It starts on the northeast side of the town hall, very close to the charterhouse, and leads via the Buxheim ponds and the Illerabbruchrunde to the Iller. Steps lead down to the river; the route then follows a straight section of the Iller Cycle Path back to the village. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the latest local information about this tour.

Unterallgäu as a Regional Setting

In the wider Unterallgäu travel region, the Iller to the west and the Wertach to the east form its natural boundaries. Cycle paths and hiking trails throughout the district are uniformly signposted; there are also the Glückswege trails. The A7 and A96 motorways, an extensive road network, train connections and Allgäu Airport in Memmingerberg make Unterallgäu accessible. Beyond Buxheim’s attractions, Unterallgäu offers other cultural destinations: the Baroque basilica in Ottobeuren and Mindelburg Castle in Mindelheim are among its significant architectural monuments. The Fugger Castle in Kirchheim is home to the world-famous Cedar Hall.

Discover more destinations: Bad Grönenbach, Woringen, Mindelheim, Sontheim, Dirlewang, Illerwinkel, Tussenhausen, Winterrieden

Go to the broader travel overview: Unterallgäu.