Discover Erbach: Castle, Church Art and Trails

Erbach combines Renaissance architecture and church art with circular hiking trails, cycling opportunities and a swimming area. A distinctive landmark in the townscape and surrounding landscape is the castle hill, which rises 50 metres above the Danube valley. You can plan your stay around a range of interests, with time for architectural history, outdoor activities or relaxation by the water.

Erbach Castle and St. Martin’s Church

Erbach Castle on the Danube is a Renaissance building on a hill above the town of Erbach in the Alb-Donau district. Its double-gabled façade, four squat round towers and distinctive stepped gables make Renaissance architecture especially vivid. The castle also houses a Renaissance room with a South Tyrolean faience stove.

The Baroque church of St. Martin provides a different architectural accent. It was built in 1767 on the site of a demolished late Gothic church and is considered one of Upper Swabia’s most beautiful small Rococo-style churches. In the church interior, 20 frescoes by Franz Martin Kuen cover the vaulted ceilings. The bell tower is 45.80 metres high and topped with a Welsche hood. Together, the castle and church represent different facets of Erbach’s architecture: Renaissance on the one hand, Baroque and Rococo on the other.

The courtyard of Erbach Castle is also part of the town’s cultural life: during the summer months, it is one of Erbach’s open-air venues for cultural events. If you would like to combine a visit with an event, check the specific programme dates for your travel period.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Trips and Time at the Swimming Area

Erbach has ten circular hiking trails. They pass biotopes and bird havens and offer insights into Erbach’s history through chapels, castles and remains of Celtic settlements. The Way of St. James also runs directly through the town, providing pilgrims and hikers with a route through Erbach. The options range from circular trails focused on nature and history to a route along the Way of St. James.

Cycling trips can also take different forms: Erbach is a hub for regional and long-distance cycling routes, offering options for both shorter excursions and multi-day tours. The town is also on the Danube Cycle Path and the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to focus on a shorter ride or a multi-day tour.

For a more relaxing activity, consider the Erbach swimming area. It has peaceful, natural surroundings, with spacious sunbathing lawns, shaded areas and plenty of play options for children. Swimming, resting and relaxing are among the activities available there. The swimming area has free, unguarded parking and bicycle parking. Opening is seasonal and may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Interests

When looking for accommodation in Erbach, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want. Would you mainly like to explore Renaissance architecture and church art, discover circular hiking trails, or use Erbach as a base for shorter or multi-day cycling trips? The swimming area may also be a focus if you plan to spend time by the water.

If you’re travelling with children, you can include the play options at the swimming area in your day’s plans; other itineraries might focus on Erbach’s hiking trails, the Way of St. James and cycling opportunities. If you would like to include cultural events, check their respective programme dates. This makes it easier to shape your stay around the aspects of Erbach that matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Munderkingen, Illerrieden, Setzingen, Dietenheim, Berghülen, Rottenacker, Dornstadt, Holzkirch.

To the overview of the wider region: Alb-Donau district.