Discover Döffingen

Döffingen invites you to explore history and cycling as distinct themes for your trip. The Battle of Döffingen on August 23, 1388, shapes the documented historical identity of the town: Württemberg defeated the army of the Free Imperial Cities. A regional cycling loop also passes through Döffingen. Whether you are especially interested in the town’s history or would like to include the route in your plans, both themes give your stay its own distinct focus.

The Battle and the Ulrichstein Memorial

The Ulrichstein Memorial is a specific place commemorating the battle. It remembers Count Ulrich of Württemberg, who died there on August 23, 1388, during the Battle of Döffingen. The Ulrichstein is in the forest just before Döffingen and can be reached via the cycling route. This connects the memory of the event with a named place, rather than leaving it as just a date in the town’s history.

For people traveling together, this historical connection can be a good starting point for planning the day: would you like to give the history of the battle special attention, or should it be part of a varied stay alongside a bike ride? The named memorial and the event offer two specific points of reference to help you decide on a focus. The Ulrichstein remains a memorial in the forest, while the battle is also part of Döffingen’s historical identity.

Cycling through Döffingen

The Heckengäu Nah.Tour.Radweg is a 47-kilometer regional cycling loop that passes through Döffingen. It is marked with a silver thistle on a green background and combines asphalt with firm, paved field and cycle paths. The route length and described surfaces provide concrete guidance if you are considering including the loop in your stay. Check route conditions and signage before setting out.

The cycling loop and the memorial offer different experiences: one focuses on a longer route, while the other commemorates a specific historical event. If you would like to include the bike ride, you can assess the location of your accommodation in relation to your planned itinerary and the places you want to visit.

Culture in the wider destination of Grafenau

The wider destination of Grafenau also offers cultural attractions to consider when planning your trip. Dätzingen Castle began as a former house of the Order of St. John, mentioned as early as 1263. The castle houses the Grafenau Local History Museum, which focuses on village life in the past. Its collections include “Farming and Domestic Economy” and “Village Crafts”—two different ways of exploring life in earlier times. Audio devices are available for a self-guided tour and provide detailed explanations of the exhibits.

A seasonal event is the Grafenau Christmas Market, which opens at 11 a.m. on the Saturday before the second Sunday of Advent. Stalls are set up around Dätzingen Castle; the program includes tours of the castle and local history museum, Christmas music, and groups singing Christmas carols beneath the Christmas tree in the castle courtyard. The program varies from year to year, so if you are planning your trip around the market, check the current event dates. Traditional events are also held every year in both districts of Grafenau.

The Grafenau Cultural Society is another point of interest for music lovers. It is known for the Dätzingen Castle Concerts, held in the atmospheric setting of Dätzingen Castle; individual dates vary. If you are cycling in Grafenau’s Dätzingen district, you can also take a short detour to see Dätzingen Castle.

Then focus your search on the places and events you actually want to include in your stay. This will help you choose a suitable base for your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Dätzingen.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Grafenau.