Ellzee: Hiking, Cycling and History

Ellzee combines trails by the Günz Reservoir, cycling routes and insights into local and craft history. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you mainly want to hike, cycle or visit the Stoffenried District Heritage Museum. The various trails and historic sites give your stay different points of focus.

On foot: Günz Reservoir, Waldstetten and Taubried

The Günz Reservoir premium walking trail follows gravel farm tracks from Ellzee Town Hall to the Günz floodplain. The trail seal is valid until October 2028. Another trail description leads north from the community hall to Waldstetten; along the way, there are views of the Günz Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. A walking trail also follows the Günz dam through Taubried to the west, passing the fish ladder at the hydroelectric power station. The routes offer different highlights: one leads into the Günz floodplain, another offers views towards Waldstetten, and the fish ladder is along the way by the Günz dam.

Cycling routes and getting there

The Günztal Cycle Route is around 92 kilometres long. It starts in Günzach in the Ostallgäu region, ends at the mouth of the Günz where it flows into the Danube in Günzburg, and also passes Ellzee. In addition, the continuous cycle path alongside the B16 provides access to Krumbach to the south and Günzburg to the north. Cycling trips are possible in Stoffenried Forest. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a bike ride.

Ellzee has a stop on the Mittelschwaben Railway between Mindelheim, Krumbach and Günzburg. The station is very close to the starting point of the Günz Reservoir premium walking trail at the town hall. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetables before your journey.

Stoffenried: Pond and local history

The village pond is in the centre of Stoffenried and measures about 120 × 100 metres. You can take a short walk around the pond. The traditional Weiherfest takes place in the pond area every year at the end of July; the exact dates may vary. A walk by the water and a visit during the festival can therefore be considered different reasons to visit.

The Stoffenried District Heritage Museum occupies a Sölde, a former smallholding dating to around 1880. It features fully furnished living rooms and chambers, a stable and a barn with agricultural equipment. Another part of the exhibition is devoted to crafts: the former Pfründhäusel, built in 1798, houses a small shoemaker’s workshop and a tiny rope-making workshop. In the living room, visitors can watch how seagrass shoes are made. The ropewalk, moved from Langenhaslach to the garden of the district heritage museum in 1991, provides further insight into rope-making.

Local history extends beyond the buildings on display. A 200-year-old chapel once stood on the site of today’s church in Ellzee. On activity days at the district heritage museum, children and adults can discover regional traditions and take part in activities including brewing beer, baking bread, spinning wool and twisting ropes. If you would like to include these activities in your trip plans, check the relevant dates in advance.

In the wider Günzburg destination

The Turncable Wakepark is located in Thannhausen, within the wider Günzburg destination; wakeboarding and water skiing are offered there. Courses are available for beginners and advanced participants, as well as for individuals and groups. Check the operating days and course availability before your visit.

Back to the main travel overview: Ichenhausen.