Monastery history, cycling routes, and water engineering give Ochsenhausen a variety of focal points for a stay. The monastery museum brings the history of the former Benedictine imperial abbey to life; other highlights include the Baroque St. George’s complex, signposted trails, and the historic water supply along the Krummbach. The annual St. George’s Ride and the seasonal bathing area at Ziegelweiher pond add their own dates to the calendar.
Monastery History in the Museum and Architecture
The Ochsenhausen Monastery Museum brings the long history of the former Benedictine imperial abbey to life. The well-preserved St. George’s Monastery is one of Upper Swabia’s largest Baroque complexes. In the monastery, the library hall is on the upper floor of the north wing, above the chapter house and the armarium. It has two levels and a gallery running around it. The monastery museum also houses a Gothic tower monstrance made of solid silver from the 15th century; it is considered one of the finest pieces of its time in southern Germany. Check the latest visitor information before your museum visit.
An Annual Event: The St. George’s Ride
The St. George’s Ride is a Baroque equestrian procession established in 1718 and revived in Ochsenhausen in 1977. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in May. With around 600 riders, it is one of Upper Swabia’s largest field processions. If the ride is important to your travel plans, check the date for the year in question.
Compare Cycling and Walking Routes
There are two different cycling routes to consider: the Oberschwaben-Allgäu cycle route leads directly to Ochsenhausen, while the Öchsle cycle route follows the railway line of the “Öchsle” and is signposted in Ochsenhausen. When choosing, you can weigh up whether a direct route to Ochsenhausen or one following the railway line better suits your plans. For walking, the “Historic Circuit” and the “Water Trail” are signposted as two circular routes. The Four Streams Walk lets you explore the monastery’s water supply along the Krummbach.
Krummbach and Bathing Area
The Krummbach, a historic water-engineering feature, was once the monks’ breviary path and was originally created to supply the monastery with water. There is also a water playground for children along the Krummbach Trail. Ziegelweiher is a bathing area on the edge of Fürstenwald forest. Public access is seasonal; check current local notices before swimming. The two water destinations offer different experiences: monastery history and water supply are at the heart of the Krummbach, while Ziegelweiher is for swimming.
Cultural Attractions in the Biberach Destination Area
In the wider Biberach destination area, the Oberschwäbisches Museumsdorf Kürnbach open-air museum presents six centuries of history. More than 30 historic buildings offer a glimpse into everyday life in times gone by. Steinhausen Pilgrimage Church also broadens the perspective on Baroque architecture: Dominikus Zimmermann and his brother Johann Baptist Zimmermann built it between 1728 and 1731.
Discover more destinations: Bad Buchau, Dettingen an der Iller, Eberhardzell, Hochdorf, Erolzheim, Kirchdorf an der Iller, Ummendorf, Biberach an der RiĂź.
Go to the wider travel overview: Biberach.
