Get to know Urspring through its distinctive local details: St. Mary Magdalene Church brings together several phases of construction and furnishing, while trails lead to and through the village. On the edge of the village, the Pferdestall Urspring offers views of the Urspringer Lech reservoir and the Alps. The building history, local traditions and trails along the Lech offer different ways to shape your stay.
St. Mary Magdalene: Several Phases of Construction
St. Mary Magdalene Church combines Romanesque features on its tower, portal and remaining sections of wall with a later Late Gothic renovation. Different periods also come together inside: the coffered wooden ceiling dates from the 16th century, and the gallery parapet from 1507 bears eight painted Stations of the Cross. These are joined by a Rococo pulpit and an Early Baroque Crucifixion group. The building’s history can thus be read in specific details, rather than assigning the church to a single style.
Different seasonal conditions apply for visits. In summer, the church is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; in winter, it can be accessed by request. Services and concerts are held occasionally. If you would like to combine your visit to the church with an event, check the relevant date; for a winter visit, request access in advance.
Lech Lake and Trails near Urspring
The Pferdestall Urspring is on the edge of the village and offers views of the Urspringer Lech reservoir and the Alps. The trails described here offer another way to explore the surrounding landscape. The King Ludwig Way descends gently to Urspring. Along the section leading to Urspring, information boards explain how the moor formed and describe protected plant species.
The routes along the Lech also differ in their course and how they are travelled. The hike along the Lech in Lechbruck follows the shore of Lech Lake in the direction of Urspring. The cultural tour to Wies Church follows a cycling route through Urspring, along the upper Lech Lake, to Lechbruck am See. One route description focuses on a hike towards Urspring, while the other describes a cycling route that passes through the village.
There is an opportunity for fishing at Upper Lech Lake near Urspring; hand lines are permitted. As seasonal fishing regulations may change, check the current rules before fishing.
Local Traditions and Culture in Steingaden
The “Lechtaler” Urspring traditional costume association maintains the tradition of raising the maypole.
The wider travel destination of Steingaden has its own cultural attractions. The WelfenmĂĽnster in Steingaden has a Gothic cloister; the former monastery church brings together artistic and architectural periods from the Romanesque era to the modern age. Wies Church is in the district of Wies near Steingaden. The Rococo church was built from 1745 to 1754 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
The recurring traditions also belong to Steingaden: Every year on Whit Monday, members of the Oberer Lechgauverband traditional costume association hold a pilgrimage to the devotional image of the Scourged Saviour at Wies. Afterwards, the Wies traditional costume association and marksmen invite pilgrims and visitors to a garden festival. On Corpus Christi, a traditional procession passes through the streets of the former monastic village of Steingaden after the festive service at the WelfenmĂĽnster.
Discover more destinations: Prem, Steingädele, Wildsteig
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Steingaden.
