In Weilheim in Oberbayern, you can combine an art-themed outing with a walk in the countryside: the sculpture trail leads from the town centre into the Au, bringing art and nature together in an audio experience. The app-guided tour takes around an hour and can be adapted to suit your schedule. It offers a manageable activity to add to a stay that includes other town and landscape attractions.
Churches and Town History
The parish church of the Assumption of Mary stands on Marienplatz in the town centre. It was built from 1624 to 1628 in the early Baroque style, based on plans by Hans Krumpper, and is one of the Pfaffenwinkel’s largest architectural monuments. Its construction period, architect and style give the church a clear historical context.
The cemetery church of St Salvator and St Sebastian at Betberg offers a different connection to the town’s history. It was built in 1449 on a former plague cemetery, which at the time lay on the outskirts of town. A walk through Weilheim also takes you past a well-preserved section of the old town wall. A large mural on Pöltnerstraße marks the former site of Pöltner Gate.
Weilheim Town Museum is one of Bavaria’s oldest municipal museums and was founded in 1882. Its collections include sculptures dating from the 15th century onwards, paintings, furniture, decorative arts and religious artefacts. A particular focus is on works by the Weilheim School of Sculpture. In addition to its churches, the town’s history can therefore also be explored through art and everyday objects from different periods.
Sculpture Trail and the Au
The free Actionbound app is available for the sculpture trail; audio guides, videos and photos can be accessed for the art installations. Another interactive way to explore is the town rally, “Who Will Save the Golden Chalice?” It also takes you through Weilheim town centre using the free Actionbound app. The two activities offer different experiences: the sculpture trail combines artworks with an audio experience, while the rally turns the town centre into the setting for an interactive challenge.
The Au is just a few steps from Weilheim town centre. Its facilities include ponds, a barefoot path and Kneipp pools, bringing together nature, exercise and relaxation. Together with the sculpture trail, it offers a distinct focus for visitors who would like to include nature and exercise alongside cultural attractions during their stay.
Trails through the Hardt and surrounding landscape
The extensive Hardt Loop runs through the Hardt landscape for much of its length. The route passes through raised and fen mires, nutrient-poor grassland and litter meadows, as well as extensive forests. The Hardt is also home to the common European adder; red-violet marsh gladioli bloom there in June and July. Both species are considered highly endangered.
The Gögerl Loop starts at Gögerl and offers viewpoints and an impressive mountain panorama. The Chapel Loop takes a different route: it leads east from Weilheim town centre to the Hardt landscape, then returns to Weilheim via Haunshofen and Wielenbach. Along the way, you can discover small and large churches and chapels. This means visitors can choose between a route featuring viewpoints and one centred on churches and chapels.
Market and events
A market is held on Marienplatz on Tuesdays and Fridays from 08:00 to 13:00. Stalls offer regional produce and Mediterranean specialities, as well as tropical fruits, organic products, cheese, fish and seafood. The set morning hours make it easy to fit a visit to the market into your day.
Recurring events also add seasonal highlights: the light art festival takes place every two years in Weilheim town centre, with internationally renowned artists taking part. French Week is held every year over the extended first weekend in July. Event dates may vary, so please check them before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wessobrunn, HohenpeiĂźenberg, Habach, Peiting, Eberfing, Seeshaupt, Bernbeuren, Penzberg.
For the regional travel overview: Weilheim-Schongau.
