Cambodunum Archaeological Park lies on the eastern high bank of the Iller, within the boundaries of the present-day city of Kempten. As the largest Roman park in southern Germany, it showcases the archaeological remains of the former Roman city of Cambodunum. Explore the grounds at your own pace along an interactive circular trail; 15 activity stations offer an immersive history experience. The park thus combines a connection to the city’s Roman history with an opportunity to explore the grounds independently.
Roman heritage and city history
The Kempten Museum at Zumsteinhaus presents more than 2,000 years of Kempten’s city history through multimedia exhibits. A nine-square-metre city model is considered the largest city model in Bavaria created using 3D printing. The museum also offers 580 square metres of accessible exhibition space.
The Erasmus Chapel exhibition space offers multimedia insights into Kempten’s eventful history. The Erasmus Chapel was built in the 13th century as a cemetery chapel with an ossuary. The exhibition space can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Baroque architecture and churches
The Princely Abbey Residence in Kempten was Germany’s first monumental Baroque monastic complex built after the Thirty Years’ War. Its grand rooms include Baroque and Rococo living quarters; the Throne Room is considered a highlight of Bavarian Rococo.
Kempten’s churches also reflect different historical and present-day connections. St. Mang’s Church is Kempten’s oldest church and is now the city’s Evangelical Lutheran parish church. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is considered the first major church to be built in southern Germany after the Thirty Years’ War and is now Kempten’s Catholic parish church.
Burghalde, the Iller and summer theatre
The Allgäu Castle Museum is located on Burghalde in the gatekeeper’s house of the former fortress. A knights’ hall, historical everyday objects, models, drawings and photographs offer insights into the medieval castle world of the Allgäu. Burghalde offers views of Kempten and the Alpine foothills.
The Old Town Park lies right beside the Iller, on the site of the former gasworks near Burghalde. During the summer months, interactive fairy-tale theatre performances featuring different productions each year are staged on Burghalde as part of Märchensommer Allgäu. If you plan to attend a performance, check the event dates before your trip.
Markets, guided tours and routes through Kempten
Kempten’s weekly market takes place twice a week at Hildegardplatz. Around 50 stalls sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish and sausage specialities, homemade pasta and honey. The classic “Experience Kempten” city tour and themed tours are offered on scheduled public dates; groups can book tours for a date of their choice. Check market and tour dates before your trip.
Lauschtour is a free smartphone audio guide with several listening points around Kempten. Visitors can explore the city on guided tours at scheduled public times or with an audio guide featuring multiple stops.
The long-distance Iller and Allgäu cycle routes intersect in Kempten. A ride to Mariaberg, Kempten’s local mountain, can start right at Rathausplatz in the city centre. Pilgrimage routes also pass through or lead to Kempten: the Munich Way of St. James runs directly through the city, and Bachtelweiher is part of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route from Munich to Bregenz.
Discover more destinations: Kempten, Franconian Wine Country, Neustadt A.D.Aisch-Bad Windsheim, Aschaffenburg, Kitzingen, Passau, Erlangen-Höchstadt, Würzburg.
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