Bachhagel – St. George’s Chapel and the Zwergbach

Bachhagel offers several different points of interest for a stay: the architectural history of St. George’s Chapel, paths along the Zwergbach, and views from the observation tower at the nearby Dattenhauser Ried. You can tailor your stay to the subjects that interest you—from historic architecture and waterside paths to a moorland and wetland landscape.

St. George’s Chapel: architectural history and views

St. George’s Chapel brings together several building phases. Its choir dates from the Late Gothic period, probably from the second half of the 15th century. The nave, with its curved western gable and three-storey square roof turret, dates from 1692. The dates thus correspond to different parts of the building: the choir is older, while the nave was built later.

The chapel’s former role is also part of the town’s history: it was once the parish and pilgrimage church of Lobershofen, a settlement destroyed in the Imperial War of 1462. The chapel features contemporary high-relief terracotta panels modelled by Günzburg sculptor Josef Brenner. At the top of the Way of the Cross, a panoramic lounger offers wide-ranging views over Bachhagel and the surrounding area. Architectural history, historical context and views are different aspects that you can bring together as you explore.

Hiking and cycling routes along the Zwergbach

The Wohlfühlstation on the Zwergbach is right on the “Sinne-Reich” themed hiking trail and the “Donautal und Alb” cycle route. A hiking route and a cycling route therefore meet here. If you are planning a specific trip, bear in mind that routes can change and check the current route.

There is parking right on site at the barefoot path on the Zwergbach. If you rely on this option when travelling there, check the current situation before your visit. In the warmer months, the stream offers a different experience: on hot summer days, it is several metres wide at this point and invites you to enjoy Kneipp water treatments and paddle in the cool water. As water conditions can vary, it is best to include these seasonal activities in your plans without assuming they will be possible every day.

Views across the Dattenhauser Ried

Near Bachhagel, an observation tower stands on the southwestern edge of the Dattenhauser Ried. From there, you can enjoy far-reaching views over the largest moorland and wetland area in the entire Swabian Jura. This landscape differs from the local attractions along the Zwergbach: here, the focus is on views across an extensive moorland and wetland area, while there, it is on paths and seasonal waterside activities.

More tours in Dillingen an der Donau

In the wider Dillingen an der Donau destination, the DonAUwald hiking trail runs for just under 60 kilometres through the riparian forests along the Danube; 40 kilometres of it are in the Dillingen district. It is the first premium hiking trail in Bavarian Swabia. All five classic stages are easily accessible by train. For planning a specific stage, it is a good idea to check the current timetable.

The Donautal-Radelspaß is also a regional event, distinct from the year-round routes described in Bachhagel. It takes place every two years on a weekend in September, with the central event held in the Dillingen district. Three signposted routes, closed to cars, offer culinary and cultural excursions. As the event takes place every other year, check before planning your trip whether the event weekend falls within your travel dates.

The options can therefore be clearly distinguished: Bachhagel combines the history of its chapel with hiking and cycling routes along the Zwergbach; nearby, you can also enjoy views across the Dattenhauser Ried. The regional offerings in Dillingen an der Donau provide a different setting for longer hiking stages or an event. You can weigh up which focus suits your trip by considering the specific places and offerings.

Discover more destinations: Buttenwiesen, Dillingen an der Donau, Holzheim, Lauingen, Finningen, Höchstädt, Bissingen, Wertingen.

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