Weilheim-Schongau: Wieskirche, Moor Trails and Industrial History

You can get your bearings in Weilheim-Schongau by following its rivers: the Lech forms the district’s western boundary, the Ammer flows through its central area, and the Loisach runs along its eastern border. Weilheim-Schongau is also part of the Pfaffenwinkel travel region. From religious architecture and industrial history to trails through moorland, you’ll find a range of options for your trip.

Cultural history in special places

The Wieskirche near Steingaden has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Dominikus Zimmermann built it between 1745 and 1754. The church invites visitors to attend services, listen to summer concerts and spend time in quiet reflection. Since concert dates may vary, it’s worth checking the current program before your visit.

In Penzberg, the Mining Museum preserves the memory of the local pitch-coal mining industry, which operated from 1796 to 1966. Multilingual guided tours are available for international visitors, families and school groups. They offer a way to learn about local industrial history on a guided tour.

Rottenbuch’s former abbey church, now the parish church of the Nativity of Mary, is considered the town’s most valuable cultural monument. The parish church’s support association organizes tours and concerts; the program may change. If you’d like to plan your visit around one of these events, check the latest information beforehand. In Schwabsoien, the Blacksmith Museum displays a faithfully reconstructed hammer mill with three heavy tilt hammers. This distinctive technical feature offers another perspective on the region’s industrial history.

Moorland trails and seasonal activities

In Hohenpeißenberg, two activities offer different ways to explore the landscape. The 6-kilometer Schwarzlaichmoor themed trail starts at the Hetten inn and runs through the adjoining moorland, with interpretive panels along the way. The panels give the route a focus, while the trail also takes you through the moorland landscape.

In winter, the approximately 7-kilometer Filzloipe is also groomed there for skating and classic cross-country skiing. Its availability depends on winter conditions. When planning your trip, note the clear difference between the themed trail and the ski trail: one leads through the moorland with interpretive panels, while the other is a seasonal option for two cross-country skiing techniques.

Discover technological history along the way

Near Raisting, the approximately 5-kilometer Earth Satellite Station hiking trail combines a loop route with striking landmarks in satellite technology. It starts at Raisting station, passes through the earth station and by its large satellite dishes, and goes past the Radom industrial monument with its historic Antenna 1. The Raisting Radom is Germany’s first commercially operated satellite ground station. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may vary.

History is also part of Weilheim’s townscape: about a third of the medieval town wall, built between around 1320 and 1360, still remains. Nearby, the Buchheim Museum adds an art-focused stop to your trip. Its Expressionist collection centers on paintings, watercolors, drawings and prints. The museum is north of Bernried in Höhenrieder Park, right on the shore of Lake Starnberg.

Choose the right focus for your stay

Then choose your hotel location based on the places you plan to visit, and check how its exact location fits with your itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bernbeuren, Huglfing, Habach, Rottenbuch, Peißenberg, Wessobrunn, Wielenbach, Hohenpeißenberg, Schongau, Penzberg, Raisting, Weilheim in Oberbayern, Peiting, Steingaden, Seeshaupt, Pähl, Eberfing, Oberhausen, Altenstadt, Polling.

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