Discover Kempten: Roman Park, Baroque and the Iller

In Kempten, archaeological traces of the Roman city of Cambodunum meet Baroque architecture, museums and paths along the Iller. This gives your trip several different focuses: you can explore history outdoors, visit exhibitions, admire churches and ornate rooms, or combine a market visit with some activity. When planning, the main thing to consider is which of these aspects you would like to focus on.

Following the traces of Roman Cambodunum

Cambodunum Archaeological Park is located on the eastern high bank of the Iller, within the present-day city of Kempten. As the largest Roman park in southern Germany, it showcases archaeological evidence of the former Roman city of Cambodunum. You can explore the grounds independently along an experience trail; 15 interactive stations bring history to life through all the senses. This brings together a self-guided walk and hands-on activities.

An audio guide is another way to explore Kempten independently: Lauschtour is a free smartphone audio guide with various listening points around the city. If you would rather plan a guided tour, you can choose between the classic “Experience Kempten” city tour and themed tours. These are offered on scheduled public dates and for groups on a date of their choice; check the dates before booking.

City history, the Residence and churches

The Kempten Museum in the Zumsteinhaus presents more than 2,000 years of the city’s history using multimedia. The exhibition includes 580 square metres of accessible space and a nine-square-metre scale model of the city, considered the largest city model in Bavaria created using 3D printing. You can discover the city’s history both across its long timespan and through a single large-scale model.

The architecture offers a different perspective: the Prince-Abbot’s Residence in Kempten was Germany’s first monumental Baroque monastery complex built after the Thirty Years’ War. Its state rooms include living quarters from the Baroque and Rococo periods; the Throne Room is considered a highlight of Bavarian Rococo. The churches, too, reflect different historical and present-day roles. St. Mang is Kempten’s oldest church and is now an Evangelical Lutheran parish church. The Basilica of St. Lorenz is considered the first major church building in southern Germany after the Thirty Years’ War and is Kempten’s Catholic parish church.

The Erasmus Chapel was built in the 13th century as a cemetery chapel with an ossuary. Multimedia displays in the Erasmus Chapel exhibition space offer insights into Kempten’s eventful history. Keep this in mind when planning: the exhibition space can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

Burghalde, the Iller and outdoor routes

Burghalde is home to the Allgäu Castle Museum, housed in the gatekeeper’s lodge of the former fortress, and the venue for Märchensommer Allgäu. Through a knight’s hall, historical everyday objects, models, drawings and photographs, the museum offers insights into the medieval world of castles in the Allgäu. During the summer months, interactive fairy-tale theatre featuring different productions each year is performed at Burghalde. Burghalde also offers views of Kempten and the Alpine foothills.

Altstadtpark is located directly on the Iller, on the site of the former gasworks near Burghalde. If you like to combine a city visit with a tour, you can start a hike up Kempten’s local mountain, Mariaberg, right at Rathausplatz. Cyclists also have a useful point of reference: the Iller Cycle Path and the Allgäu Cycle Path cross in Kempten. The Munich Way of St. James passes directly through the city; Bachtelweiher is part of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route from Munich to Bregenz. These different connections can help you shape your stay around city history, outdoor activity or pilgrimage routes.

Market and travel planning

Kempten’s weekly market takes place twice a week at Hildegardplatz. Around 50 stalls offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish and sausage specialities, homemade pasta and honey. If the market is part of your travel plans, check the market days again before you arrive.

When choosing accommodation, consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: the Roman city and its museums, Baroque rooms and churches, a guided tour, outdoor routes or the market. Kempten offers several different ways to plan your visit, rather than just one main attraction. You can tailor your accommodation search to the kind of trip you have in mind, and check relevant dates for guided visits or seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kempten, Passau, Amberg, Mühldorf Am Inn, Kronach, Dillingen An Der Donau, Ingolstadt, Rottal-Inn

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