Discover Ochsenhausen: Monastery culture and trails along the Krummbach

In Ochsenhausen, monastic history, cycling and hiking trails, and waterside attractions come together. The well-preserved St. George’s Monastery is one of Upper Swabia’s major Baroque complexes. At the same time, trails explore themes connected with the monastery’s former water supply. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on culture, outdoor activities or a seasonal swimming stop.

Monastic history and Baroque architecture

The Ochsenhausen Monastery Museum brings the long history of the former Benedictine imperial abbey to life. A notable item in the collection is a Gothic tower monstrance made of solid silver from the 15th century. It is considered one of the finest examples of its kind from this period in southern Germany, combining craftsmanship with the history of the monastery.

The building’s history can also be described through specific features. The library hall is on the upper floor of the north wing, above the chapter house and the armarium. It has two levels and a gallery running around it. This layout is a distinct architectural feature of the monastery; it complements the overall Baroque complex without focusing solely on individual exhibits.

The St. George’s Ride offers another glimpse of local tradition. This Baroque equestrian procession was established in 1718 and revived in Ochsenhausen in 1977. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in May. With around 600 riders, it is one of Upper Swabia’s largest field processions. If you plan to time your trip around this event, check the exact date before making arrangements.

Cycling routes, circular trails and water

There are two different reference points for cycling tours. The Oberschwaben-Allgäu Cycle Route leads directly to Ochsenhausen. The Öchsle Cycle Route follows the route of the “Öchsle” railway and is signposted in Ochsenhausen. These details describe different aspects: the long-distance cycle route’s connection to Ochsenhausen, and the alignment and signage of the Öchsle Cycle Route.

There are also named routes for walks and hikes. The two circular routes, “Historical Circuit” and “Water Trail,” are signposted in Ochsenhausen. The Four Streams hike explores the monastery’s water supply along the Krummbach. The Krummbach, a historic water engineering feature, was the monks’ former breviary route and was originally created to supply water to the monastery. For anyone interested in the area’s history, this trail explores a specific aspect of monastic life.

There is also a water play area for children along the Krummbach Trail. This is an additional option for families who would like to include a waterside activity alongside cultural visits. The Ziegelweiher, meanwhile, is a swimming spot on the edge of Fürstenwald forest. Public access is seasonal; check current local information before swimming.

Is the St. George’s Ride your main reason for visiting, or are you planning days of cycling and hiking, perhaps with a swimming stop? Choose your itinerary according to the places you want to visit, rather than relying on a single recommendation for every type of trip.

More culture in the Biberach destination

The wider Biberach destination offers other distinct cultural attractions. The Upper Swabian Museum Village of Kürnbach presents six centuries of history; more than 30 historic buildings offer insights into everyday life in times past. In Laupheim, the Museum of the History of Christians and Jews explores three centuries of shared life among Christian and Jewish residents. The Steinhausen Pilgrimage Church was built between 1728 and 1731 by Dominikus Zimmermann and his brother Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Each of these places adds its own cultural dimension to the Biberach destination and should be distinguished from the sights described in Ochsenhausen.

Discover more destinations: Achstetten, Bad Buchau, Wain, Maselheim, Hochdorf, Eberhardzell, Kirchdorf An Der Iller and Laupheim.

For the wider travel overview: Biberach.