Griesingen combines a clear connection to cycling with striking evidence of its history. The Danube Cycle Path passes directly by the village and is also part of the EuroVelo EV 6 route. There are also traces of early settlements and works of art in the Catholic parish church of St. Leodegar. These different facets of the village offer several points to consider when choosing your destination.
Griesingen on the Danube Cycle Path
The Danube Cycle Path passes directly by Griesingen and is part of the EuroVelo EV 6 route. This makes the cycle path a prominent point of reference for a stay that includes cycling. It complements the village’s historical themes rather than replacing them: you can explore Griesingen both for its location on the cycle path and for its own history.
From the Late Bronze Age to Roman Times
Among the early settlement traces in Griesingen is a Celtic burial site dating from the Late Bronze Age, between 1300 and 800 BC. Another trace is a Roman villa with a swimming pool dating from around AD 100. These two examples come from markedly different periods. Griesingen’s history thus extends from the Late Bronze Age into Roman times.
The villa with its swimming pool is an unusual detail in this early history of the village. Together with the burial site, it illustrates the variety of the surviving traces: a Late Bronze Age burial site on the one hand, and a Roman villa on the other. Both are part of Griesingen’s history, representing different periods and forms of human activity.
Art in St. Leodegar
The Catholic parish church of St. Leodegar also offers a glimpse of different forms of religious art. The church houses a Late Gothic “Throne of Mercy” and a Late Gothic “Lamentation group.” The southern wall of the nave also features a depiction of St. Wendelin, patron saint of farmers; the image is dated to around 1697. The Late Gothic works and the later depiction of Wendelin create distinct artistic accents within the same church.
The works described make the church a subject in its own right alongside the early settlement traces and the cycle path. Those interested in history can find both evidence from distant eras and religious art from a later period in Griesingen.
Landscape and Regional Setting
Griesingen is part of the “Danube between Munderkingen and Ulm and Northern Iller” Special Area of Conservation (SAC), site number 7625-311. Its inclusion in this protected area adds a landscape connection to the historical and cultural themes. It is a distinct aspect of the village’s profile, whether you are mainly interested in cycling, archaeology, or the art in St. Leodegar.
The Alb-Donau district also offers its own cultural and landscape themes. Near Schelklingen lies Hohle Fels, a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the discovery site of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Vulture Bone Flute.” Both finds are around 42,500 years old. The Stone Age village of Ehrenstein in Blaustein is a Neolithic settlement in the Blau Valley and part of the transnational serial UNESCO World Heritage property “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.”
Other cultural sites in the Alb-Donau district include Blaubeuren Abbey and the former Premonstratensian abbey of Obermarchtal. Blaubeuren Abbey was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1085; its present form is shaped mainly by Gothic buildings dating from 1466 to 1510. Obermarchtal stands directly above the Danube and acquired its present form between 1686 and 1795.
The Alb-Donau district also offers a range of activities. The 20 “Ice Age Trails” circular routes are 6 to 14 km long and are suitable for day hikes. Family-friendly “Ice Age Tracks” range from 1 to 6 km; the Way of Reflection is intended for multi-day tours. Themed cycling options include the 75 km “Ice Age Valleys” route, the 115 km “Berg Bier Tour,” and the 186 km “Albtäler” cycle route, which has a four-star rating. These regional offerings complement Griesingen’s local features and provide additional themes for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Nellingen, Dietenheim, Amstetten, Laichingen, Asselfingen, Langenau, Ă–pfingen, Staig
Go to the main travel overview: Alb-Donau district.
