Schwendi combines a long history of churches and art with a specific tour: St. Anna Chapel dates back to around 1120, and the Schwendi Chapel Trail, Route No. 2, is 12.1 kilometers long. This brings together a cultural and historical focal point and a moderate hiking route that is also suitable for cycling, offering options for different travel plans. The main town of Schwendi is centrally located in the Rot Valley.
Churches and Art History
St. Anna Chapel is considered Schwendi’s oldest architectural and artistic monument. It was built around 1120 as the Church of “Our Lady” and served as a parish church until 1561. Its winged altarpiece from the Zeitblom school was donated in 1484. The altar adds a later artistic highlight to a much older chapel.
St. Stephen’s Church offers a different architectural highlight: Marquard von Schwendi had the parish church built in 1561 on the ruins of Schwendi Castle, which was destroyed in the Peasants’ War. The church’s Late Gothic Pietà is dated to around 1490 and comes from the Berg Chapel. The year 1561 links the two histories: it marks the end of St. Anna’s role as a parish church and the construction of St. Stephen’s.
A church guide covering St. Anna and St. Stephen’s is available in the chapel for a donation. Check on site whether it is available if you would like to learn more about the history of both buildings.
The Chapel Trail and Getting There
The Schwendi Chapel Trail, Route No. 2, is designated as a moderate hiking route and is 12.1 kilometers long. The starting point is at the central parking lot opposite the town hall, right by St. Anna Chapel. The route is also suitable for cycling; the distance is the same planning consideration whether you choose to walk or cycle.
The starting point is right next to the central bus stop. RAB bus route 240 serves Schwendi. Check current bus services before traveling if you plan to take the bus. Trail conditions can also change, so it is a good idea to check the latest conditions before setting out.
In the Wider Biberach Destination
In the wider Biberach destination, the Upper Swabian Museum Village of KĂĽrnbach tells the story of six centuries. More than 30 historic buildings offer insights into everyday life in times gone by. The Museum of the History of Christians and Jews in Laupheim explores three centuries of shared life between Christian and Jewish residents.
In Steinhausen, the pilgrimage church was built from 1728 to 1731 by Dominikus Zimmermann and his brother Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Steinhausen is on the Way of St. James, which runs from Nuremberg via Nördlingen, Ulm and Biberach, continuing to Bad Waldsee, Weingarten, Einsiedeln and Le Puy, and on to Santiago in Spain. At Schussenried Monastery, the magnificent library hall in the Baroque convent building is among the most beautiful library halls in southern Germany.
The wider Upper Swabia-Allgäu region also offers premium hiking trails, swimming lakes and nature trails. Check specific routes and services before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rot an der Rot, Moosburg, Altheim, Biberach an der RiĂź, Kanzach, Eberhardzell, Warthausen, Bad Schussenried
Back to the main travel overview: Biberach.
