Discover Pöttmes: Church, Mandlachsee and Circular Trails

Pöttmes combines architectural history with a variety of leisure interests. The parish church of St. Peter and Paul displays several clearly datable building phases; the Three Castles Tour starts at the market square. Mandlachsee has a recreational area and a youth campsite that can be rented by youth groups. If you are looking for a hotel in Pöttmes, these themes can help you choose the focus of your stay.

The building history of the parish church

The parish church of St. Peter and Paul has had its present form since 1498. At that time, it was enlarged and remodeled in the Gothic style. During this remodeling, the tower was raised and given a tall spire; a large choir with external buttresses was also added. The church interior was designed as a basilica with a high central nave and two lower side aisles. The distinction between architectural form and furnishings helps to place the later building phases in context: the Gothic remodeling shapes the building’s form, while the later Neo-Gothic phase relates to its furnishings.

At the end of the 19th century, the parish church’s Baroque furnishings were replaced with Neo-Gothic furnishings. They were donated by the Barons of Gumppenberg in their capacity as patrons; the Neo-Gothic high altar was erected in 1896. Another clearly datable phase is the comprehensive renovation carried out from 2022 to 2025. The roof trusses and masonry were renovated, and historical stucco elements were added to the west façade. The timeline therefore runs from the Gothic form dating back to 1498, through the furnishings of the late 19th century, to the renovation work of 2022 to 2025.

Mandlachsee and leisure activities

The Mandlacher Badesee recreational area includes a swimming lake, a sunbathing lawn, a kiosk and a children’s playground. The different facilities give the area a variety of attractions. Before visiting, check the current local conditions, particularly if the kiosk is important to your plans.

A youth campsite managed by the district youth council is also available at Mandlachsee. It can be rented by youth groups. This restriction is important if you are considering including the site in your travel plans.

Circular hiking trails and starting points

Various circular hiking trails are marked in the rural area around Handzell. Check local route information and current conditions before setting out. The 9.4-kilometer Three Castles Tour starts at Pöttmes market square. The listed Schloss Pöttmes and St. John’s Chapel are located there. The route length and named starting point are two specific details to help with your planning.

Aichach-Friedberg as a regional context

The wider travel destination of Aichach-Friedberg offers additional cultural and historical attractions. Aichach’s historic old town has changed little over the centuries. Friedberg’s Wittelsbach Castle originated as a high medieval castle built around 1257 under Duke Ludwig II the Strict. Also in Friedberg, the pilgrimage church of Herrgottsruh was built from 1731 to 1753; it is considered one of the finest works of Bavarian Rococo.

Aichach-Friedberg also has specific regional information for cycling and hiking tours: the district’s cycling map features 14 well-marked themed cycling routes. The Paartal hiking trail follows the middle Paar from Aichach to Gut Schenkenau in the district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen and is 36.8 kilometers long in total. The distances offer a direct comparison: 9.4 kilometers for the Three Castles Tour, which starts at Pöttmes market square, and 36.8 kilometers for the Paartal hiking trail in the wider travel destination of Aichach-Friedberg.

Discover more travel destinations: Mering, Ried, Friedberg, Merching, Kühbach, Aichach, Dasing, Schmiechen

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