Bad Wörishofen is one of Unterallgäu’s Kneipp spa towns, while Ottobeuren is a Kneipp health resort. This connection provides a distinctive introduction to the region; at the same time, nature and forest themes, as well as Baroque buildings, reveal other aspects of the destination. This lets you discover Unterallgäu according to a range of interests, without reducing its diversity to a single focus.
Nature and trails in the district
The Iller forms Unterallgäu’s natural western boundary, and the Wertach its eastern boundary. One nature experience in the district is Benninger Ried: the area is easy to explore on foot and has its own educational trail and an observation platform. Consistent signage throughout the district helps with navigation on cycling and hiking trails. There are also the Glückswege.
The forest adventure trails each offer something different, too. The 3.2-kilometre trail in Bad Grönenbach offers the chance to learn about the forest ecosystem. The Buxheim Forest Adventure Trail runs for 2.7 kilometres around Buxheimer Weiher and aims to let visitors experience nature with all their senses. It is therefore shorter than the trail in Bad Grönenbach and has a different stated focus. In the Bannwald forest in Ottobeuren, eleven stations lead visitors along another forest adventure trail.
Kneipp and architectural heritage
The Kneipp connection brings Bad Wörishofen and Ottobeuren together as places associated with the theme, without conflating their distinct designations: Bad Wörishofen is one of the Kneipp spa towns, while Ottobeuren is a Kneipp health resort. The Sebastian Kneipp Museum explores the life and work of the famous priest. In the monastery’s east wing, it documents these themes with more than 2,000 exhibits.
Among Unterallgäu’s notable architectural landmarks is the Baroque basilica in Ottobeuren. In Kirchheim, Fugger Castle houses the world-famous Cedar Hall. The former imperial charterhouse in Buxheim is known for its choir stalls; Mindelburg Castle in Mindelheim is also among the region’s notable architectural landmarks. These places bring together different cultural themes—from the basilica and castle to the former monastery and fortress.
There are different access times for visiting Mindelburg Castle: the castle courtyard is open year-round, while the castle keep, converted into an observation tower, is open from April to October. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, as seasonal access may change.
Events and getting there
The Culinary Mile takes place in Bad Wörishofen twice a year, in spring and autumn. Freshly prepared dishes are available at numerous food stalls; the selection may vary. If you plan to attend the event, check the dates for your travel period.
Unterallgäu is served by the A7 and A96 motorways. An extensive road network, rail connections and Allgäu Airport in Memmingerberg add to the region’s accessibility. The best option for you depends on how you are travelling; check current traffic and transport information before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Ottobeuren, Babenhausen, Bad Grönenbach, Bad Wörishofen, Memmingen, Mindelheim, Rammingen, Ettringen, Boos, Erkheim, Westerheim, Sontheim, Memmingerberg, Stetten, Woringen, Illerwinkel, Dirlewang, Buxheim, Winterrieden, Pfaffenhausen, Kirchheim In Schwaben, Türkheim, Niederrieden, Tussenhausen.
See the regional travel overview: Bavaria.
