Discover Öhningen: Monastery History, Trails and Lido

Öhningen can be explored through a wide range of themes: the history of a monastery, church art, pile-dwelling finds, hiking trails and a lido. There are also places of remembrance in Schienen and Wangen. This gives you a choice for your trip between culture, activity and time by the water—or a mix of these highlights.

Monastery History and Church Art

The monastery in Öhningen is thought to have been founded in 965. It existed as an Augustinian collegiate monastery until it was dissolved during secularisation in 1803. Guided tours of the entire monastery grounds are held regularly. If you are planning to visit on a particular day, check the dates locally.

The former collegiate church is now the Catholic parish church of St. Hippolytus and Verena, built in the late Renaissance style. Above Kattenhorn stands the Protestant Church of St. Peter, with large stained-glass windows based on designs by Otto Dix. The two churches offer contrasting highlights: the history of the former monastery at one, and the art of the windows at the other.

In Schienen, the votive image “Mary with Child” is the focus of a centuries-old Marian pilgrimage. The wooden sculpture dates from 1430. Also in Schienen, the annual “Translation Festival” commemorates mystical events from the past. If you would like to combine your trip with a visit to the festival, check the event dates in advance.

Hiking and Time by the Water

Two moderately difficult trails with different destinations are available. The Höri Adventure Trail runs for 7.1 kilometres from Öhningen through the Klingenbach Gorge to Wangen. The cross-border Öhningen–Stein am Rhein Adventure Trail is 7.5 kilometres long. The routes differ in length by 400 metres; the trail through the gorge and the destination of Stein am Rhein are also factors to consider when choosing. Check local conditions before setting off.

The lido in Öhningen has a sandy beach, a children’s playground, table tennis tables, a diving tower and a beach volleyball court. This offers a different way to spend a day by the water than going for a hike or visiting historic sites. If you are planning a visit to the lido, check the current conditions at the facility beforehand.

Pile-Dwelling Finds and Places of Remembrance in Wangen

The Fischerhaus Museum in Wangen presents a selection of Neolithic finds from the Wangen pile-dwelling bay at Hinterhorn. The pile-dwelling house next to the museum features a small exhibition. Information panels by the Institute for Wetland and Underwater Archaeology of the State Office for Monument Preservation in Hemmenhofen introduce visitors to the history of Stone Age people. Finds and an introduction to the Stone Age can thus be explored side by side.

The Fischerhaus Museum hosts children’s birthday parties on request, featuring archery, Stone Age crafts, a dugout canoe and Stone Age flatbread. For planning, coordinate dates and current availability directly with the museum. The Jacob Picard Memorial is located in Wangen’s old town hall and adds another place of remembrance to the area’s historical attractions.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Bus route 201 connects Radolfzell, Moos, Schienen and Öhningen. As routes and timetables can change, check the current timetable with the transport operator before travelling. There is a floating pontoon facility at Öhningen’s Oberstaad harbour.

When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether cultural discoveries, a hike or time at the lido will be the focus of your stay. The trails offer a clear comparison in terms of length and destination; the churches, museum and places of remembrance offer different highlights. This lets you plan your trip around the experiences that matter to you.

Discover More Destinations

Hilzingen, Stockach, Gailingen am Hochrhein, Litzelstetten, Tengen, Mühlingen, Engen

For the main travel overview: Konstanz.