Discover Geltendorf: Kaltenberg Castle and the Knights’ Tournament

A striking historical landmark in the municipality of Geltendorf is in Kaltenberg: Kaltenberg Castle was built in 1292 in the village of the same name. The village is in the district of Landsberg am Lech in Upper Bavaria and belongs to the municipality of Geltendorf. Two distinctions are important for orientation: Kaltenberg refers to the village and castle, while Geltendorf refers to the municipality.

History in Kaltenberg

The Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament adds an annual arena show to this historical setting. The program features sword fights, traditional jousting and horse stunts. The event complements the architectural history with a dramatic way to experience it. Event details vary from year to year, so check the current edition when planning your visit.

The Gehöft zu Kaltenberg 1250 also focuses on history, but in a different way. It offers courses and year-round activities where school classes, kindergarten groups, student groups and work teams can experience history hands-on. While the Knights’ Tournament is an arena show, the focus here is on practical experience. Specific courses and booking details may change, so if you are planning for a group, check the current offerings.

Landsberg am Lech: City History and Nature

In Landsberg am Lech, too, historic buildings and a museum reveal different facets of the past. Bayertor has stood since 1425 and is considered one of Bavaria’s finest Gothic buildings. The Mutterturm is an unusual monument to Historicism, commissioned by Herkomer in honor of his mother. The Landsberg am Lech City Museum presents the city’s history and connects it with questions of the present. Located on the Leitenberg, it offers one of the finest views of the city. The contrast between Gothic and Historicist architecture gives the city two distinct historical points of reference.

Those wishing to explore history beyond individual buildings can also take guided tours of Landsberg am Lech’s old town. They tell stories of dukes and electors, the salt trade, raftsmen, dyers and tanners, Jesuits and Ursulines, as well as legends spanning the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Nature and water add their own distinctive touches to Landsberg am Lech. Lake Ammersee lies entirely within the district of Landsberg am Lech. In Upper Bavaria, it is Bavaria’s third-largest lake, after Lake Chiemsee and Lake Starnberg; boat trips, water sports and lakeside promenades offer different ways to enjoy the water. Lechpark Pössinger Au is Landsberg’s main local recreation area, encompassing woodland, meadows and floodplain landscapes with rare animals and plants. The LechErlebnisWeg starts at Landsberg’s main square and follows the course of the river for most of its length. For nature outings, the floodplain landscape is therefore distinct from a trail that follows the river. Lake Ammersee is a popular recreational destination in the Bavarian Alpine foothills.

Discover more destinations: Denklingen, Scheuring, Landsberg am Lech, Hurlach, Windach, Pürgen, Utting am Ammersee, Fuchstal

Return to the main travel overview: Landsberg am Lech.