You can explore Aschheim through different layers of history: the AschheiMuseum traces the development of settlements in Aschheim and Dornach from the Neolithic period to the present day. Church buildings point to specific historical phases of construction, while the Maypole tradition is a recurring event in community life. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing these enduring cultural themes from seasonal events and customs tied to a particular date.
Museum and archaeological traces
The AschheiMuseum’s exhibition spans the period from the earliest traces of settlement to the present day. Highlights of the collection include finds from Celtic times, including the Athena of Dornach. This brings together a broad overview of the development of the two towns and selected artefacts from a particular period. If you are interested in Aschheim’s history, the museum therefore offers both a sweeping chronological overview and specific examples.
The museum’s digital guide takes you to 27 museum highlights, which you can explore on a guided tour or independently. You can follow a selection of highlights or explore individual stops of your choice. The parish church of St. Peter and Paul adds a local architectural perspective to this look at the past: the oldest traces date back to around 600 AD. The present-day church was built in 1936/37 and incorporated the late Gothic choir of its predecessor. The municipality has also made the foundations or postholes of the earlier churches visible.
Churches in Aschheim and Dornach
St. Peter and Paul represents several historical layers: early traces, remains of predecessor churches and a present-day church building incorporating an older choir. In Dornach, the Catholic Church of St. Margaret marks a different point in time. It was built in the early 16th century in the late Gothic style. Comparing the two churches thus takes you from the far-reaching traces in Aschheim to a late Gothic building in Dornach.
This architectural history can be considered alongside the museum’s collection: the museum focuses on settlement development and finds, while the churches reveal structural changes and preserved features. Those interested in history can explore different kinds of historical evidence without reducing them to the same period.
Traditions and cultural programme
In keeping with Bavarian tradition, a new maypole is erected in Aschheim and Dornach in turn every five years. The event is organised by the volunteer fire brigade and celebrated with a ceremony. The rotation between the two towns is part of this cycle. If you would like to plan your stay around the Maypole Festival, check the specific date in advance: the five-year cycle alone does not provide an event date for your trip.
The municipality’s cultural programme for the 2026/27 season invites visitors on a journey through countries, eras and ways of life, with a focus on music. It offers a distinct, explicitly seasonal perspective on cultural life in Aschheim. When planning, you can distinguish between the collection and churches as enduring cultural themes and the time-limited cultural programme.
Public transport and planning your stay
The municipality’s public transport information lists underground line U2 to Messestadt-West and MVV bus routes 234, 263 and 264. Bus routes and timetables may change, so check the transport operator’s latest information before travelling. This will help you plan your journey by public transport using the current details.
When choosing a hotel in Aschheim, you can start by considering the focus of your trip: would you mainly like to explore the history of settlement and the churches, or is a seasonal cultural event or the Maypole Festival the deciding factor? If you are planning to visit during the cultural programme or the Maypole Festival, you should also check the relevant dates.
Discover more destinations: Brunnthal, Sauerlach, Munich Airport, Munich, Neubiberg, Kirchheim near Munich, Garching near Munich, GrĂĽnwald.
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