Half-timbered houses with colorful façades, medieval gates, winding lanes and fountains define the historic old town of Wangen im Allgäu. The squares invite you to linger, and you can discover the town as you stroll between them. For help planning your trip, there are also museums with a variety of themes, a weekly market and offerings centered on regional cuisine.

The old town and its town gates, each with its own history

The Frauentor, also known as the Ravensburger Tor, was first mentioned in a document in 1472. It took on its present form in 1608, and has borne the imprint of the Renaissance ever since. The St. Martin’s Gate was first mentioned as early as 1347 and is now also called the Lindauer Tor. Like the Frauentor, it took on its present form in 1608, but partly retains its original Gothic character. The two gates thus share the date of their present form, while differing in their first recorded mentions and architectural features.

The historic old town offers more than its two town gates: winding lanes, colorful façades, inviting squares and numerous fountains are also among its defining features. If you enjoy exploring a place on foot, you can stroll and linger among the lanes and squares here.

Museums spanning town and country life

Wangen’s museum landscape comprises six museums. It ranges from the town museum in the Eselmühle to the walkable defensive walkway on the old town wall, as well as the Powder Tower and the medieval bathhouse. A single admission ticket covers them all. The museum offering thus brings together exhibition venues and a walkable section of the old town wall.

The Eselmühle, or town mill, dates from the 16th century. Milling ceased there in 1937; since 1978, the town of Wangen has displayed treasures from its past in the mill. Another historic detail can be found in the Rochus Chapel in the Alter Gottesacker town park: built in 1592/93, it has a slightly barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling with 66 painted panels dating from 1598.

In Wangen’s district of Leupolz, the Museum of Rural Cultural Heritage is housed in a village barn. Spanning four floors and 1,000 square meters, it offers insights into rural life in the past. Exhibits include tools and keepsakes from crafts and household life, as well as a schoolroom. Groups must register in advance.

Weekly market and regional cuisine

Every Wednesday morning, more than 70 stalls fill the streets and squares of the old town. The selection includes fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish, meat, cheese and spices, along with other goods from the Allgäu, Lake Constance and Upper Swabia. The market brings a wide range of products to the historic setting of the old town.

The Cheese Dairy Museum shows how dairy farming has shaped the region. The Culinary Experience Tour also combines regional themes with a visit to the old town: it pairs regional and seasonal cuisine with a guided tour through the historic setting. Both available options include a three-course meal. Dates and booking conditions may vary, so check them before making plans.

Guided visits and routes around Wangen

The guided tour of the town leads through colorful lanes and small gardens, past figure fountains, historic buildings and town gates. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the town’s culture, traditions and daily life. Tour dates may change, so it is advisable to check in advance.

In the observation tower on the state garden show grounds, 113 steps lead to a platform with views of the mountains of the Allgäu, Vorarlberg and Switzerland. The steps were sponsored by the citizens of Wangen. If you enjoy getting around on foot as well as exploring the old town and its culture, you’ll find a well-marked and signposted hiking trail network around Wangen.

Wangen is also on the Allgäu Cheese Route. Its signposted culinary and tourist attractions can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot. The town thus offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay, from historic discoveries in the old town to regional themes and routes in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Bad Wurzach, Bad Waldsee, Eichstegen, Wolpertswende, Wilhelmsdorf, Fronreute, Schlier, Horgenzell

Return to the main travel overview: Ravensburg.