Weingarten combines High Baroque church art with a history of water engineering that has developed over centuries. The basilica and the monastery complex represent different chapters in the town’s history; museums and changing exhibitions add to its cultural appeal. Along the Stiller Bach, canals, ponds and walking trails offer a different focus. The town also has a dining scene that ranges from traditional Swabian to internationally experimental cuisine. This lets you plan your trip around the themes that interest you most.
Basilica and Monastery History
The basilica is one of the most significant High Baroque church buildings on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. Highlights for visitors include the Holy Blood relic and the Gabler organ. The monastery complex on Martinsberg was founded by the Welfs in the 11th century and settled by Benedictine monks from Bavaria. Its late Gothic cloister dates from 1515 to 1605. It is open to visitors during concerts and exhibitions; check the current programme before your visit. When planning, keep in mind both the history of the complex and this specific condition for access.
Museums and Contemporary Art
Four museums offer insights into the history of the town and the monastery. The Municipal Gallery presents contemporary art in changing exhibitions. Together, these attractions offer a range of cultural perspectives, from local and monastic history to contemporary art. If you plan to visit a particular museum or exhibition, check the latest visitor information and programme in advance, as both can change.
Stiller Bach and Walking Trails
Created by monks between the 11th and 17th centuries, the Stiller Bach canal system comprises more than ten canals and 20 ponds. Nine of the ponds are still dammed. These figures illustrate that this is not a single structure, but a system that developed over a long period. The Water Engineering History Trail along the Stiller Bach is marked with signposts and information boards and is accessible to everyone. As the trail infrastructure is subject to local maintenance, check conditions on site before setting out.
For a walk, you can compare two routes of different lengths. The three-kilometre Kreuzbergweiher circular trail from the town centre is considered an easy walk. The six-kilometre Nessenreben route runs from the barbecue area or Weingarten outdoor pool along the Stiller Bach to the Rösslerweiher. It is therefore the longer of the two options described. Carp and pike are still farmed at the Rösslerweiher—an indication of the pond’s current use in addition to its role as a destination on the route.
The Stadtgarten also combines a walk with local history: it was laid out in 1875 as a public park for festivals and processions. Works by Rudolf Wachter, Robert Schad and Max Ackermann can be seen there; public art installations may change.
Guided Tours and Regional Cuisine
Guided tours take in the Baroque monastery walls, narrow lanes and the Stiller Bach. Check dates and formats in advance. Another option is the LAUSCHTOUR, a GPS-guided app experience through Weingarten. Before your trip, check whether the app and its content will be available during your visit.
The culinary selection also goes beyond a single style: Weingarten’s restaurants serve everything from traditional Swabian to internationally experimental cuisine. Seasonal produce from the region is used. This gives you another way to shape your stay around your interests, alongside church art, monastic history and walks by the water.
Discover more destinations: Stetten Am Kalten Markt, Ammerbuch, Gomaringen, Nehren, Rottenburg Am Neckar, Starzach, Kusterdingen, Hirrlingen
See the main travel overview: TĂĽbingen.
