Breitenthal combines a lake in the Günz Valley with an early Neoclassical parish church and religious sites in Oberried. Oberrieder Weiher is near the Günz River by the district of Oberried; the Church of the Holy Cross stands in Breitenthal. If you include the wider Günzburg destination in your plans, you’ll also find hiking routes, water sports, pilgrimage sites and museums there.
Ponds and architectural history in Breitenthal
Oberrieder Weiher is a focal point for nature: this 40-hectare, groundwater-fed lake lies in the Günz Valley near the Günz River by the district of Oberried. Its size and location give the surrounding landscape a clear point of reference. If you want to factor bodies of water and scenery into your choice of stay, this is a specific place to start.
The Church of the Holy Cross in Breitenthal is an early Neoclassical hall church. It was built in 1785/1786 to plans by Joseph Dossenberger the Younger. In Oberried, St. Francis Chapel adds another perspective on religious buildings: it was built in 1769 and restored several times over the years. The chapel predates the church building.
Another religious site is the Lourdes Grotto on the northeastern edge of the village. It was built in 1954 and is still visited by people who pray there and by walkers. The parish church, chapel and grotto differ in both their architectural forms and their histories and uses.
More experiences in the wider Günzburg destination
In the wider Günzburg destination, Turncable Wakepark in Thannhausen offers wakeboarding and water skiing. Courses are available for beginners and advanced participants, as well as individuals and groups. If you plan to take part, check operating days and the availability of your preferred courses in advance.
Hiking routes vary in their format and length. The DonAuwald Trail is the first premium hiking trail in Bavarian Swabia and runs for around 60 kilometres between Günzburg and Schwenningen. By contrast, the DonauHänge is an 18.5-kilometre circular route between Günzburg and Offingen through hillside woodland. The DonauHänge is specifically designed as a circular route; the DonAuwald Trail runs between the two named towns. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Another cultural option in the wider Günzburg destination is Maria Vesperbild near Ziemetshausen. This pilgrimage site is considered the largest in Bavarian Swabia and attracts 400,000 to 500,000 pilgrims each year to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows. A Way of the Cross leads from the pilgrimage church to the Fatima Grotto in the nearby forest. The grotto was built in 1957 and restored in 2011; it contains more than 1,000 votive plaques bearing words of thanks and accounts of help received from the Mother of God.
Museums also cover a range of subjects. The Bavarian School Museum in Ichenhausen presents the development of the school system over thousands of years. Its historical exhibits include a classroom that once accommodated around 50 children. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Plan your stay around your interests
When looking for hotels in Breitenthal, first decide whether you want your stay to focus mainly on local attractions or whether you’d also like to include destinations in the wider Günzburg area. Options there range from the wake park and hiking trails to pilgrimage sites and museums. For the activities you choose, check current operating and course information for Turncable, as well as trail conditions and museum opening hours.
Discover more destinations: Krumbach, Thannhausen, Ziemetshausen, Burtenbach, Waldstetten, Bibertal, Ursberg, Aletshausen.
See the wider travel overview: Günzburg.
