Discover Westerheim

Westerheim offers different perspectives on a trip: chapels with a specific architectural history, hikes in the Günz Valley, and cycling routes with named destinations. Hundsmoor and the Western Günz shape the landscape. You can therefore focus your stay more on cultural history, nature, or active pursuits—or combine these themes according to your interests.

Chapels and architectural history

The Holy Cross Chapel is located in Westerheim and holds treasures. In the Westerheim district of Rummeltshausen stands the beautifully restored St. Sebastian Chapel, which the municipality describes as a cultural highlight. The Catholic Chapel of St. Sebastian dates from 1584 and was extended in 1628. Its features include a building structure articulated by pilasters with a three-sided apse, a roof turret with a tent roof, and its furnishings. Pilasters are flat, vertical wall projections that articulate a façade. The chapel in Rummeltshausen therefore offers several concrete points of interest for anyone interested in sacred architecture and architectural history.

Hundsmoor and the Günz Valley

Nearby lies the 21-hectare Hundsmoor, a biotope in the valley of the Western Günz between Westerheim and Hawangen. It is the most pristine of the four nature reserves in the Unterallgäu district. The protected areas include wet, moss-rich fens, peat moss surfaces, a wet shrubland, and a wet forest. Hundsmoor and the Western Günz shape the landscape of Westerheim; visitors can enjoy a relaxing break on hikes in the Günz Valley. The landscape thus offers a different focus from the chapels: rather than individual architectural forms, the valley, wetland habitats, and protected moorland areas take centre stage.

Cycling and leisure

A cycle path from Westerheim to Ottobeuren is mentioned for cycling tours. A cycle-path section just over one kilometre long runs along county road MN 32 from the motorway bridge near Westerheim to the entrance to the village of Günz. A green strip separates it from the carriageway; the path was officially opened in 2021. The information differs in its orientation: Ottobeuren is named as the destination for one cycle route, while the length, route, and endpoints of the other section are described in detail. If you are planning a cycling tour, check the current route in advance. Beach volleyball in Westerheim is also mentioned as a leisure activity.

The wider travel destination of Unterallgäu

Looking beyond Westerheim to the wider travel destination of Unterallgäu reveals further topics for a more extensive trip. In the Unterallgäu, the Iller to the west and the Wertach to the east form natural boundaries. For travel from further afield, the A7 and A96 motorways run through the Unterallgäu; a dense road network, rail connections, and Allgäu Airport in Memmingerberg add to its good accessibility. Cycling and hiking trails throughout the district are signposted uniformly, and there are also the Glückswege.

The cultural attractions of the Unterallgäu also offer different highlights. Important architectural landmarks include the Baroque basilica in Ottobeuren and Mindelburg Castle in Mindelheim. The Fugger Castle in Kirchheim features the world-famous Cedar Hall; the former Imperial Charterhouse in Buxheim is known for its choir stalls. Today, in the monastery’s east wing, the Sebastian Kneipp Museum documents the life and work of the priest with more than 2,000 exhibits. A stay in Westerheim can therefore also be combined with an interest in other historical and cultural topics in the Unterallgäu.

The Unterallgäu also offers various examples of nature and outdoor activities. The forest adventure trail in Bad Grönenbach is 3.2 kilometres long and introduces visitors to the forest ecosystem. In Buxheim, the 2.7-kilometre forest adventure trail makes a circuit around the Buxheim pond. In the Bannwald forest in Ottobeuren, eleven stations lead along the forest adventure trail. The Benninger Ried is easy to explore on foot and has its own educational trail as well as a viewing platform. These options differ in focus: from learning about the forest ecosystem, to a circular route around the pond, to stations in the Bannwald forest.

Culinary events are also part of the regional calendar: the Culinary Mile in Bad Wörishofen takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. Freshly prepared dishes are offered at numerous tasting stalls. If you would like to include the event in your plans, check the dates; the food on offer may vary.

Discover more destinations: Buxheim, Mindelheim, Dirlewang, Tussenhausen, Woringen, Memmingen, Niederrieden, Kirchheim in Schwaben.

Back to the wider travel overview: Unterallgäu.