Holzheim is a good choice for travelers who want to combine a specific landscape view with local history. St. Sebastian’s Chapel on the hill and St. Martin’s Parish Church offer different perspectives: the chapel looks out over the Danube Valley, while the church brings its architectural history and former ecclesiastical significance to the fore.

St. Sebastian’s Chapel and views of the Danube Valley

St. Sebastian’s Chapel stands on a hill above Holzheim, offering beautiful views of the Danube Valley. The chapel thus adds a landscape dimension to the town’s historical themes. This gives you a clear distinction to consider when planning your trip: the chapel offers views of the landscape, while St. Martin’s is associated with historic architectural features and events. If both landscape and local history matter to you, Holzheim offers a specific point of interest for each.

Architectural history and the former parish

Two dates relating to St. Martin’s Parish Church are important, and they refer to different things. The base of the tower dates from the 12th century; the church was expanded in 1759. The earlier date refers specifically to the base of the tower, not to the entire church. Together, these details point to a building history that includes a medieval structure and a later expansion. This distinction is useful if you want to understand the church’s history without conflating the two dates as a single construction date.

Holzheim was also the seat of a very old parish. Until 1862, it included Eppisburg, Heudorf, part of Weisingen, and the Demharthöfe farmsteads. The qualification regarding Weisingen is important: only part of the village is mentioned, not all of Weisingen. The end date of 1862 gives this ecclesiastical connection a specific timeframe. Holzheim’s history can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: through individual dates relating to St. Martin’s architecture and through the former importance of the parish seat.

In the wider destination of Dillingen an der Donau

For more hiking and landscape experiences, the wider destination of Dillingen an der Donau offers its own regional setting. The DonAUwald hiking trail runs for just under 60 kilometers through the Danube floodplain forests; 40 kilometers of it are in the district of Dillingen. The trail is Bavarian Swabia’s first premium hiking trail. All five classic stages can be conveniently reached by train, making travel climate-neutral. Train connections are a practical consideration when planning your stages; check the current connections for your chosen stage before you travel.

Another highlight is the Donautal-Radelspaß cycling event. It takes place every two years on a weekend in September, with the central event held in the district of Dillingen. Three signposted routes, closed to cars, offer culinary and cultural experiences. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the exact date before making arrangements.

The landscape of the district of Dillingen also has a regional context: gravel extraction along the Danube over many years has created a landscape of water and lakes. The Seven Chapels add an architectural dimension. They are intended to serve as landmarks and architectural features in the landscape, while continuing the tradition of chapel building in a contemporary style. The wider destination therefore offers a range of experiences: hiking, a recurring cycling event, a landscape shaped by gravel extraction, and chapels with contemporary designs.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Glött, Buttenwiesen, Finningen, Dillingen an der Donau, Höchstädt, Lauingen, Bachhagel, Bissingen.

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