Discover Hurlach: Memorial Site and Local History

Hurlach’s history can be explored through a range of historical traces: a memorial commemorates the victims of the Landsberg/Kaufering concentration camp subcamp complex, while the chapel, castle and archaeological finds offer further ways to discover local history. Remembrance, architectural history and local collections stand alongside one another as distinct themes. When planning your trip, first consider which of these interests you most.

Hurlach Concentration Camp Cemetery

Hurlach Concentration Camp Cemetery is located within the municipality of Hurlach, between Kaufering and Hurlach, west of Federal Highway 17 between Landsberg and Augsburg. The route there is signposted in places. Check the signs on site, as they may change.

The cemetery was established over a mass grave containing victims of Camp IV in the Landsberg/Kaufering concentration camp subcamp complex. At least 360 unidentified victims of Camp IV are buried there. “At least” indicates a lower bound, not an exact total. The cemetery’s history is therefore directly linked to the victims of the camp.

A solid, low wall surrounds the cemetery; two Stars of David are mounted on the iron gate. The wall and gate define the memorial’s visible design. This makes it possible to explore the site through both its history and its specific architectural features.

Chapel, Castle and Finds

St. Margaret’s Chapel lies south of the village of Hurlach. Hurlach Castle was built around 1610 by Max Fugger and renovated in 1899. The two dates refer to different periods in its architectural history: its construction in the early 17th century and its renovation in the late 19th century.

Restored grave finds also offer insight into local history: they can be viewed in the local museum in the municipal library. If you would like to visit the exhibition, check the current access conditions in advance.

Landsberg am Lech: City History and Landscape

Other cultural themes take center stage in Landsberg am Lech. Landsberg am Lech’s Bayertor gate has stood since 1425 and is considered one of Bavaria’s finest Gothic buildings. The Mutterturm is an exceptional monument to Historicism, commissioned by Herkomer in honor of his mother. The Landsberg am Lech City Museum is an open, lively place that presents the city’s history and connects it with contemporary issues. It is located on the Leitenberg and offers one of the finest views of the city. Guided city tours lead through the old town and tell its history, including 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.

The landscape around Landsberg am Lech includes Lechpark Pössinger Au and Lake Ammersee. The Lechpark is the city of Landsberg’s main local recreation area and encompasses woodland, meadows and floodplains with rare animals and plants. The LechErlebnisWeg trail begins in Landsberg’s main square and follows the course of the river for much of its route. Lake Ammersee lies entirely within the district of Landsberg am Lech. After Lake Chiemsee and Lake Starnberg, it is Bavaria’s third-largest lake and a popular local recreation destination, offering boat trips, water sports and attractive lakeside promenades.

When looking for accommodation, it helps to weigh up your travel interests: do you want to focus on the memorial and local history in Hurlach, or would you also like to include city history, river landscapes and lake activities in Landsberg am Lech? Start with the themes that matter to you and use them to guide your search.

Discover more destinations: Reichling, Apfeldorf, Prittriching, Fuchstal, Utting am Ammersee, Thaining, Schondorf am Ammersee, Landsberg am Lech.

Back to the main travel guide: Landsberg am Lech.