Monheim combines a distinctive townscape with several chapters of its history: half-timbered houses on the market square, a medieval town gate, monastery remains and church buildings. Different routes and tours reveal the town’s history in their own ways; hiking information rounds out the options for your stay.
Half-Timbered Houses, Town Gate and Monastery History
The Moserhäuser on the market square are residential and commercial buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Their half-timbered façades were built in the Franconian style and, together with the gates and towers of the town wall, define Monheim’s townscape. The houses adjoin the Oberes Tor, also called the Donauwörther Tor. Built around 1350, it is considered a landmark of Monheim, along with the Moserhäuser. The Moserhäuser take their name from the widow Moser, who ran a grocery store there.
The history of the monastery and churches also goes back a long way: the former Benedictine convent was founded around 870, and a first small church was built next to it. Today, only the western wing of the monastery cloister remains. The present church building of St. Walburga dates from around 1500 and incorporates the base of the former tower. Its architecture shows late Gothic features, while the interior is Baroque. St. Walburga’s Chapel contains a late Gothic net rib vault dating from the 16th century.
The upper floor of the listed town hall features coloured stucco ceilings by the Wessobrunn School: in the large council chamber, the small meeting room and the wedding room. Their motifs are drawn from the Old Testament. The ceilings can be viewed during office hours; check the current office hours before your visit. The present-day St. Peter’s Chapel was rebuilt in 1666/67 as a simple, rectangular building. Visits are possible by appointment.
Another chapter in the town’s history concerns the regional court: in 1523, Count Palatine Ottheinrich of Palatinate-Neuburg moved it from Graisbach to Monheim with imperial approval.
Discover the Town’s History in Different Ways
The “Bayerisch-Schwaben-Lauschtour” smartphone app lets you discover Monheim’s history at your own pace with an audio guide. The audio tour is 1.2 kilometres long and leads to various places of historical interest in Monheim. Check the app’s current availability in advance. The Letter Trail features information boards with interesting facts about the town’s history. The Stadthupferl Tour, in turn, explores Monheim as one of the small towns of Bavarian Swabia, with digital content, stories and various stops.
Each offers a different approach: the audio guide is at the heart of the audio tour, the Letter Trail focuses on information displayed on the boards, and the Stadthupferl Tour combines digital content and stops. Monheim is also the starting point of the final stage of the Pilgrims’ Way. It leads through Altmühltal Nature Park to monasteries, churches and places of worship.
Hiking Information and Practical Planning
The Monheimer Alb hiking guide describes all the routes and is available free of charge from the Tourist Information Office in Monheim. Check local availability. The Tourist Information Office also offers tourist brochures, information about places of interest and event listings. Cycling, hiking and leisure maps are available for Monheimer Alb, Ferienland DONAURIES, Geopark Ries and AltmĂĽhltal Nature Park.
The indoor swimming pool is another possible place to visit: it underwent major renovation and expansion in 2017 and is offered as JURABAD Monheim, with step-free access. It was expected to reopen at the end of October 2026; check its current operating status before visiting. Visitors can be assisted when entering the 25-metre sports pool, using a special pool lift and support from the pool staff.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Monheim, you can plan around your own interests: the townscape and architectural history, different ways of exploring the town, or additional hiking trails each offer a different focus. Specific conditions apply to some places to visit, such as visits to St. Peter’s Chapel by appointment and viewing the town hall ceilings during office hours. This lets you choose the themes for your stay and plan your visits accordingly.
Discover More Destinations
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To the main travel overview: Donau-Ries.
