Ried: Hiking, Pilgrimage Churches and Nature

Ried lies in the varied hilly landscape of the Wittelsbacher Land and is a municipality in the Swabian district of Aichach-Friedberg in Bavaria. The municipality presents 18 hiking and cycling routes. When planning, you can choose between forest and research themes, pilgrimage churches and nature watching.

Hiking, Forest and Nature Watching

Route 01 passes a forest climate station in the Höglwald, where forest research is still being carried out. This gives the route a tangible connection to ongoing research in the forest. Route 13 offers a different nature experience near Rettenbach: it passes a fallow deer enclosure with fallow deer and red deer. How easily the animals can be observed may vary, so don’t plan wildlife watching as a guaranteed part of your itinerary.

The Höglwald Adventure Trail near Zillenberg is another clearly defined circuit. The circular trail is 2 kilometers long and is described as taking about 1.5 hours. The distance and time estimate help with different aspects of day planning: the kilometer figure describes the route, while the duration indicates the time required. The trail includes 11 information stations and hands-on activities for families. There is a parking lot at the edge of the forest; nearby stops are in Ried or Zillenberg. Check parking options and public transport information before your hike, as conditions may change.

Pilgrimage Churches and Architectural History

Route 11 begins at the pilgrimage church of St. Maria Zell. The church is also a stop on the Wittelsbacher Land Pilgrimage Route. You can park for free right next to the church. As parking regulations may change, it is advisable to check the current parking situation before setting out.

The Maria Hilf pilgrimage church in Holzburg was built around 1200 as a Romanesque choir-tower church. The pilgrimage to Maria Hilf Holzburg developed during the plague epidemic of 1671 to 1679. Inside the church are ceiling frescoes dating from 1760, depicting the Annunciation and the Assumption of Mary. The church’s origins, pilgrimage history and iconographic program therefore belong to different historical periods. The dates help distinguish these aspects of the church chronologically.

Cycling Route and Water Activities

If you’re looking for an activity by the water in addition to hiking and churches, a cycling route from Ried leads to Lake Mandichosee. Sailing, surfing and swimming are possible there, and there is also a kiosk with a beer garden. The combination of a cycling route and water activities offers a different focus from the trails and churches described above. As recreational facilities and activities may change, check what will be available on the day of your visit.

Getting There and Local Tradition

The nearest railway stations with connections to Munich and Augsburg are in Mering and Kissing. Check current timetables and connections before travelling. There is also an MVV connection to Munich from Baindlkirch.

Baindlkirch has a long-standing tradition of eating Weißwurst on Thursdays. If you’re planning your trip specifically around this, confirm the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kühbach, Petersdorf, Affing, Steindorf, Friedberg, Pöttmes, Aichach, Baar

See the overview of the wider region: Aichach-Friedberg.