Babenhausen: Fugger History and the Günz Valley

In Babenhausen, the castle ensemble shapes the view of the town: the castle complex stands at the edge of a plateau, and its imposing western façade dominates the market square in the Günz Valley. The town also has churches and chapels featuring art and history from several centuries. Visitors planning a stay will find options for both culture enthusiasts and those interested in cycling and spending time by the water.

Castle Ensemble and Market Square

The Babenhausen Castle and Market Ensemble encompasses more than the castle alone. It includes the entire castle grounds, with the castle garden inside the surrounding walls, utility and administrative buildings, the market square, and Stadtgasse street on the slope of Castle Hill. The buildings on the castle grounds and the market square thus form a shared spatial setting, while the market square extends below the western façade in the Günz Valley.

The history of Fugger Castle dates back to a 13th-century fortress. In the 16th century, it was expanded into the castle seen today. There is an important current restriction to bear in mind when planning a visit: the Fugger Museum is permanently closed until further notice, and the castle cannot be visited either. The museum has been housed in the castle since 1955. Its collection includes examples of goldsmithing, glass, porcelain, sculptures, weapons, books, furniture and sacred art. Across twelve rooms, it documents six centuries of family and European history. These exhibits give an impression of the themes that shape Babenhausen’s Fugger history, even though a museum visit is currently not possible.

Discover Churches and Chapels

The parish church of St. Andreas dates from the 15th century and was given a Baroque makeover. It includes the Rechberg Chapel, with tombs dating to around 1470. The church’s stair tower also houses a Crucifixion group from around 1520. These different dates show how St. Andreas brings together architectural history and artworks from various periods.

Another destination for those interested in cultural history is the Gottesacker Chapel, built in 1722 and featuring a Dance of Death cycle. The Aspen Chapel offers a different focus: this Catholic pilgrimage chapel dedicated to St. Mary dates from around 1700 and was renovated in the 19th century. Together, these sacred buildings illustrate different aspects of Babenhausen’s religious architecture and art history.

By Bike or by the Water

The Günz Valley Cycle Path runs through Babenhausen and is around 92 kilometres long in total. Most of the route follows quiet side roads and farm tracks, with no significant climbs. It is well suited to children, making it a good option for families looking to include cycling in their travel plans. The stated distance refers to the entire cycle path, not just the section through Babenhausen.

For a change of pace away from the bike, Babenhausen has a bathing lake and an outdoor swimming pool with a sunbathing lawn. Outdoor facilities for beach volleyball, boules and football round out the options. Visitors can choose between a longer bike ride, some activity with ball and throwing games, or a break by the water. If you plan to use the swimming area, check the current opening times before your visit.

The Wider Destination of Unterallgäu

Beyond Babenhausen, the wider destination of Unterallgäu offers more natural and cultural attractions. The Iller forms Unterallgäu’s natural western boundary, and the Wertach its eastern boundary. The region is accessible via the A7 and A96 motorways, an extensive road network, rail connections and Allgäu Airport in Memmingerberg. Cycle paths and hiking trails throughout the district are consistently signposted, and Unterallgäu also has the Glückswege trails.

Unterallgäu’s architectural heritage also encompasses a range of highlights: Ottobeuren has a Baroque basilica, Fugger Castle in Kirchheim features the Cedar Hall, and the former Imperial Charterhouse in Buxheim is known for its choir stalls. Mindelburg Castle in Mindelheim is another of Unterallgäu’s important historic buildings. These places complement Babenhausen’s own castle and church history with further regional examples, without implying a particular excursion route.

Discover more destinations: Memmingerberg, Woringen, Rammingen, Illerwinkel, Erkheim, Sontheim, Mindelheim, Bad Grönenbach.

See the wider travel overview: Unterallgäu.