Apfeltrang can be explored through its architectural history, legends and individual outdoor destinations. When planning your visit, it is useful to consider these highlights separately: St. Michael’s Parish Church brings together architectural and art-historical details; local tales tell of a cow and a goblin; and the hiking trail and sequoia offer a connection with nature. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first decide which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay.
St. Michael’s Parish Church
At its core, St. Michael’s Parish Church has late Gothic fabric. Its tower was built in 1653 and raised in 1745. The furnishings include frescoes by Waldemar Kolmsperger, a late medieval statue of St. Barbara, and a Sorrowful Mother of God from the workshop of Johann Pöllandt. Different art-historical points of reference come together here: the late Gothic foundations, the tower’s construction history and the named works. If you are factoring art and architectural history into your choice of destination, St. Michael’s offers a specific highlight.
Legends and historical traces
A legend from Apfeltrang begins with the death of a farmer: after that, a coal-black cow appeared every evening at a well, drank there for an hour and slowly trotted away. The recurring encounter at the well gives the tale a clear sequence of events. The goblin “Blauhösler” is also said to appear in stories in the area around Apfeltrang. Alongside the more detailed tale of the cow, this offers a second figure from local folklore. Those interested in legends will find two distinct motifs here: a specific tale with a recurring sequence of events, and the name of a goblin.
A well-preserved castle site lies southwest of Apfeltrang. It is associated with the knight Volkmar von Apfeltrang and his brother Marquard; the brothers are believed to have lived in a castle there. The connection to the two brothers is stated cautiously: the castle site is clearly recognizable, while their residence there is considered likely. There is also a wayside cross east of Apfeltrang. The two sites can therefore be distinguished by their locations: the castle site to the southwest, the wayside cross to the east.
Hiking trail and sequoia
The Swabian-Allgäu Hiking Trail leads to the road between Apfeltrang and Wenglingen. The sequoia is in the forest on the way from Apfeltrang towards Irsee; a short detour from the route leads to it. These are two different details to bear in mind when planning: the road between the villages is the reference point for the hiking trail, while the sequoia is reached by a short detour from the route. This can help you decide whether you would like to explore the trail described or the natural attraction and its detour.
In the wider destination of Ruderatshofen
The wider destination of Ruderatshofen also offers attractions of its own. Elbsee is a moor lake surrounded by a protected landscape area. There is a bathing facility at the lake; its operation depends on the season and weather. Elbsee campsite is suitable for caravans, motorhomes and tents, although availability may change. The present-day Church of St. James in Ruderatshofen was probably built in the 15th century; its Romanesque tower has been preserved.
The Legendary Trail starts at the Walburga Chapel and continues to Ruderatshofen and Hiemenhofen. Information boards, texts and life-size legendary figures present legends and tales of the Ostallgäu. As local signage may change, check the route when planning your visit. For the campsite, it is advisable to check availability for your desired dates.
Discover more destinations: Ruderatshofen, Bidingen, Aitrang.
To the overview of the wider destination: Biessenhofen.
