Raisting: Discover the history of technology on Lake Ammersee

Raisting on Lake Ammersee combines an unusual history of technology with walking experiences and remarkable architecture. The Radom, the satellite ground station and the satellite station nature trail give the place a clear theme; St. Remigius and the local history museum add ecclesiastical and local history. Depending on your interests, you can make technical insights, a walk or cultural discoveries the focus of your stay.

The Radom and the history of satellite communications

The listed Raisting Radom was built in 1963/64 to plans by Hans Maurer, commissioned by the German Federal Post Office. Until 1985, the satellite ground station served intercontinental radio communications for telephone and television via communications satellites. The Radom is one of Germany’s monuments of national importance and is regarded as the cradle of satellite-based telecommunications in Europe. This combination of a structure and communications history makes the site especially interesting if you are curious about how satellite communications were used.

During opening hours, you can visit the Radom independently without registering in advance; check the current opening hours before your visit. The Radom is also within walking distance of Raisting railway station. If you would like to learn more about the facility, you can book outdoor guided tours of the satellite station, including all the antennas and the industrial monument Radom, at any time through association member Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hermann Martin. He is an eyewitness and expert; confirm the tour’s availability before your trip.

Information boards, a chapel and Alpine views

The satellite station nature trail explores the technical themes outdoors, too: three information boards explain satellite communications technology, its history and the current work of the antennas located there. If you are travelling with children, these topics offer opportunities to talk together, without making the walk all about technology. The trail passes the former pilgrimage chapel of St. John the Baptist, where you can take a break. From there, you can see the Alpine range.

The satellite station nature trail is free to walk at any time and is independent of the Radom’s opening hours. Nevertheless, check local notices before your trip. This means you can plan the trail independently of a visit to the Radom; visiting the Radom itself, however, is subject to its opening hours. The two options therefore offer different time frames for your stay.

Church architecture and local history

St. Remigius also tells the story of Raisting’s architectural history: the present church was built in 1692/96 by Michael Natter of Vorarlberg, master builder at Dießen Monastery. Today, its interior conveys an elegant Late Rococo sense of space. Those interested in architecture will find a different focus here than at the Radom: instead of satellite technology, an ecclesiastical interior in the Late Rococo style.

The local history museum of the Raisting-Sölb Local History and Traditional Costume Association has seven rooms in the former rectory. Together with St. Remigius, it offers a glimpse into another part of the area’s history. When planning your day, you can therefore consider whether technical history, architecture or a mix of the two appeals to you most.

Raisting and the wider destination of Weilheim-Schongau

The wider destination of Weilheim-Schongau offers further regional points of interest, which should be distinguished clearly from Raisting’s attractions. Weilheim-Schongau is in the Pfaffenwinkel travel region. The Lech forms its western boundary, the Ammer flows through its central area, and the Loisach runs along its eastern boundary. The Wieskirche near Steingaden is a distinctive cultural highlight: Dominikus Zimmermann built it from 1745 to 1754, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Church services, summer concerts and quiet contemplation are among the reasons given for visiting. Concert dates may vary.

When choosing accommodation, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: the history of technology at the Radom, the trail with its chapel and Alpine views, or architecture and local history. Take the specific location of the accommodation you are considering into account when planning. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences you actually want to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Eberfing, Habach, Wielenbach, Peiting, Wessobrunn, Steingaden, Seeshaupt, Penzberg.

Back to the regional travel overview: Weilheim-Schongau.