Rainau combines its Roman past with a route that spans several districts: the Upper German-Raetian Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, runs for around six kilometres through the municipal area in Buch, Schwabsberg and Dalkingen. Alongside this route are individual structures and traces on site. In Dalkingen, the Limestor stands on the Limes route between the Rhine and the Danube.
The Limes and Roman heritage
The Limestor near Dalkingen is the only gate complex built of stone along the Upper German-Raetian Limes to date that has been verified through structural remains. A glass cube measuring 23 metres wide and 16 metres high permanently protects the original Roman structure. The gate’s special significance and the protection of its preserved fabric give the Limes theme in Rainau a tangible architectural focus.
Sections of the Limes and significant individual monuments are preserved in a particularly high concentration in Limes Park Rainau. You can climb a reconstructed watchtower; from there, the view stretches across the Ostalb. The park also has a Roman-themed water playground for children. Guided tours with certified Limes Cicerones are offered at historic sites. If you plan to join a tour, it is best to check the dates in advance.
More Roman traces can be found right on the shore of Bucher Reservoir: the remains of the walls of the Roman bathhouse and civilian settlement are open to visitors there. Different kinds of heritage can thus be found side by side in the municipality—from the gate complex in Dalkingen and preserved sections in Limes Park to the remains on the lakeshore.
Trails between the Limes and Bucher Reservoir
A circular hiking trail around six kilometres long in Rainau introduces visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Limes and the town’s Roman past. Information panels explain the stops along the route. At Bucher Reservoir, the roughly 1.2-kilometre adventure trail adds to the options: it offers experiences involving movement, sound and acoustics, and is also suitable for wheelchair users. The longer circuit connects the Limes with local history, while the shorter adventure trail by the lake focuses on movement and sound experiences.
You can also observe nature at Bucher Reservoir: a dedicated viewing platform is located on the dam of the forebay. The bird species found here are presented in words and pictures. If you plan to stop here, check the local access conditions in advance.
Church history in Schwabsberg
The church in Schwabsberg, dedicated to Saint Martin, complements the Roman heritage with local history from later centuries. It was mentioned as a chapel in 1387 and elevated to a parish in 1749. The present building dates from 1733 and includes, among other features, Late Gothic sculptures of Saint Nicholas and Saint Sebastian. These dates mark different milestones: the first mention, its elevation to a parish, and the present church building.
At Bucher Reservoir
The bathing area at Bucher Reservoir includes a 150-metre-long pebble beach. The beach, archaeological remains on the shore and the adventure trail each offer a different focus at the same body of water: swimming, Roman history and movement are separate options. Check the current conditions before visiting the bathing area. This makes it easy to choose a stay in Rainau that suits your interests in the Limes and the lake.
Discover more destinations: AbtsgmĂĽnd, Tannhausen, Waldstetten, Durlangen, Lorch, Westhausen, Adelmannsfelden, Schechingen
Return to the regional travel overview: Ostalbkreis.
