Babenhausen: Castle History, Churches and the Günztal Cycle Path

If you choose Babenhausen as a destination for your stay, you’ll find two distinct highlights: architectural and church history, and outdoor activities. The ensemble of castle and market square defines the town’s historic character; other attractions include religious buildings, a bathing lake or outdoor swimming pool with a sunbathing lawn, other sports facilities and the Günztal Cycle Path. Plan your trip around your cultural interests, outdoor activities, or a mix of both.

Castle, Market Square and the Günz Valley

The Babenhausen Castle and Market Square ensemble includes the entire castle grounds, with the castle garden within the surrounding wall, the associated utility and administrative buildings, the market square and Stadtgasse on the slope of Castle Hill. Together, these bring different types of buildings and public spaces into a single architectural setting. The castle complex is located on the edge of a plateau; its imposing western façade dominates the market square, which stretches out below it in the Günz valley. The location on the edge of the plateau and the market square in the valley are both part of the townscape.

Fugger Castle dates back to a 13th-century fortress and was expanded into its present-day castle in the 16th century. The Fugger Museum has been housed in the castle since 1955. Twelve rooms display examples of goldsmithing, glass, porcelain, sculptures, weapons, books, furniture and sacred art. They document six centuries of family and European history. Please note when planning your trip: the Fugger Museum is permanently closed until further notice. The castle is also not open to visitors.

Churches and Sacred Art

St. Andreas Parish Church dates from the 15th century and was given a Baroque makeover. The Rechberg Chapel, with tomb monuments dating from around 1470, belongs to the church. A group depicting the Crucifixion, dating from around 1520, is located in the church’s stair tower. You can explore the church’s history through three aspects: its architectural development, the tomb monuments and a Crucifixion group as part of its furnishings.

Another period is represented by the Gottesacker Chapel, built in 1722 and featuring a Dance of Death cycle. The Aspen Chapel is a Catholic pilgrimage chapel dedicated to St. Mary, dating from around 1700; it was renovated in the 19th century. St. Andreas and the other buildings offer a way to explore different aspects of Babenhausen’s sacred architecture and art: a church from the 15th century and chapels dating from around 1700.

Leisure and Cycling

For time outdoors, Babenhausen has a bathing lake or outdoor swimming pool with a sunbathing lawn. Outdoor facilities for beach volleyball, boules and football add to what’s on offer. Swimming and sunbathing areas sit alongside opportunities for a range of ball games and leisure activities; you can plan your stay around what interests you.

The Günztal Cycle Path passes through Babenhausen. It is around 92 kilometres long overall and runs mostly along quiet side roads and field paths. The route is suitable for children and has no significant climbs. Please note: the roughly 92 kilometres refers to the entire cycle path, not just the section through Babenhausen. When planning, you can compare the cycling route with the leisure facilities in town: the Günztal Cycle Path is a longer route, while the bathing lake or outdoor swimming pool and sports facilities are specific options within the town.

Discover more destinations: Ottobeuren, Illerwinkel, Winterrieden, Pfaffenhausen, Erkheim, Memmingerberg, Kirchheim in Schwaben, Rammingen.

For the broader travel overview: Unterallgäu.