The distinctive character of Weilheim-Schongau is reflected in a wide range of discoveries: the Wieskirche near Steingaden, the Raisting Radom, the Penzberg Mining Museum and trails through the moor each offer something different. They provide different ways to explore architectural history, the history of technology and the landscape. The Lech forms the district’s western boundary; the Ammer flows through its central area, while the Loisach runs along its eastern boundary. Weilheim-Schongau is part of the Pfaffenwinkel travel region.
Sacred architecture and traces of the town’s past
The Wieskirche near Steingaden has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Dominikus Zimmermann built it between 1745 and 1754. Its construction period and designation place the church in two distinct historical contexts. It invites visitors to attend services, listen to summer concerts and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection. Concert dates may vary; if you are planning to attend a concert, check the programme in advance.
Rottenbuch’s Church of the Nativity of Mary tells a different story of church history: the former collegiate church is now a parish church and Rottenbuch’s most valuable cultural monument. The parish church’s support association organises tours and concerts; the programme may change over time. If you would like to attend one of these events, check the dates in advance. In Weilheim, about one-third of the medieval town wall, built approximately between 1320 and 1360, is still standing.
Close to the destination, the Buchheim Museum is located north of Bernried in Höhenried Park, directly on the shore of Lake Starnberg. Its main focus is a collection of Expressionist art, including paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints.
Industrial history and technology
The Penzberg Mining Museum preserves the memory of the local pitch coal mine, which operated from 1796 to 1966. Guided tours in several languages are available for international visitors, families and school groups. The Radom in Raisting tells a different chapter in the history of technology: it is Germany’s first commercially operated satellite ground station.
The approximately five-kilometre Erdfunkstelle walking trail starts at Raisting station and follows a circular route through the satellite ground station, past the large satellite dishes and the Radom industrial monument with its historic Antenna 1. Trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out. In Schwabsoien, too, industrial history has its roots in craftsmanship: the faithfully reconstructed hammer mill at the Hammer Mill Museum has three heavy tail hammers.
Moorland trails and winter sports
The six-kilometre Schwarzlaichmoor nature trail starts at the Hetten inn and runs through the adjacent moorland, with interpretive panels along the way. The panels add an explanatory dimension to this landscape trail. In HohenpeiĂźenberg, the approximately seven-kilometre Filzloipe is groomed for skating and classic cross-country skiing in winter. Its availability depends on winter conditions; if you are planning a day of cross-country skiing, check in advance whether the trail has been groomed. The two trails have different focuses: one centres on the moorland and its information panels, while the other offers seasonal cross-country skiing on a groomed trail.
Discover more destinations: Steingaden, Peiting, Weilheim in Oberbayern, Raisting, Penzberg, Schongau, Hohenpeißenberg, Wielenbach, Wessobrunn, Peißenberg, Rottenbuch, Habach, Huglfing, Bernbeuren, Seeshaupt, Pähl, Altenstadt, Polling, Eberfing, Oberhausen.
View the overview of the wider travel region: Bavaria.
