Bad Wurzach: Peatland History, Moorland and Baroque

Bad Wurzach combines the history of peat extraction with paths through the Wurzacher Ried and distinctive architecture. The moorland can be experienced from different perspectives: the Upper Swabian Peat Museum explores its history of use, while marked trails and the little peat train bring the Ried to the fore as a place for nature experiences. Baroque and Rococo buildings add to the character of the town.

Peatland History and Moorland Trails

The Upper Swabian Peat Museum explores the history of peat extraction. Peat was cut and put to a variety of uses in Bad Wurzach for over 200 years. The therapeutic use of the moor is another facet of this tradition: since 1936, moor treatments have been used in Bad Wurzach as a healing and relaxing form of therapy. The museum and the history of therapy thus show different sides of the same local theme.

The Wurzacher Ried nature reserve has around 20 kilometres of marked hiking trails on both paved and unpaved paths. In addition to the approximate distance, the path surfaces are a practical point of reference for planning your route. A shorter themed trail is the “In the Footsteps of the Peat Cutters” peat trail: it is one and a half kilometres long and starts at the Upper Swabian Peat Museum. Check local notices for temporary closures before setting out.

At Riedsee, hikers can walk barefoot down a staircase through a natural moorland area. A Kneipp foot-treading pool is located nearby, on the Wurzacher Ach. Both the natural moorland area and the Kneipp foot-treading pool are along Moorland Hiking Trail No. 1. This lets you experience two different attractions on the same route: walking down the staircase through the natural moorland area and visiting the Kneipp foot-treading pool on the Wurzacher Ach.

Young explorers can discover the Wurzacher Ried with the Moor Adventure Backpack. Check current availability in advance.

The historic peat train runs along old narrow-gauge tracks on a newly laid route, around one and a half kilometres long, through the Wurzacher Ried. From April to October, it runs on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday of each month. Check the operator’s latest information before your visit.

Hiking and Cycling

Bad Wurzach is a gateway town on the Allgäu Hiking Trilogy and is part of its Natural Treasure Chambers theme area. Cyclists also have several options: three of the 13 selected cycling routes in the Natural Treasure Chambers Cycling Region can be ridden directly from Bad Wurzach and pass selected sights.

The “Museums, Moorland and More” tour also starts in Bad Wurzach. It follows the Wurzacher Ried to the Farmhouse Museum in Wolfegg, then returns to Bad Wurzach via Bad Waldsee. Unlike the hiking trails in the Ried, this tour connects several other named places. Check the latest route information before setting off.

Buildings and Spa Park

Bad Wurzach’s notable Baroque buildings include the Baroque staircase in the palace and the pilgrimage church on Gottesberg. The former Maria Rosengarten monastery includes a Rococo chapel. These three buildings each add a distinctive element to the town’s architectural history.

The spa park offers another activity: an adventure playground where children can play, climb and swing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Berg bei Ravensburg, Ravensburg, Leutkirch im Allgäu, Achberg, Wolfegg, Wangen im Allgäu, Amtzell, Schlier.

Back to the main travel overview: Ravensburg.