Discover Wangen im Allgäu

Wangen im Allgäu brings history to life in its townscape and museums: half-timbered houses, colorful facades, medieval city gates, winding lanes, squares and numerous fountains define the historic old town. It invites you to stroll and linger.

City Gates, Chapels and Local History

Several layers of history meet at the Frauentor, also known as the Ravensburger Tor: it was first mentioned in an official document in 1472, took on its present form in 1608 and has borne the mark of the Renaissance ever since. The St. Martin’s Gate, now known as the Lindauer Tor, also took on its present form in 1608. It was first mentioned as early as 1347 and retains some of its original Gothic character. The two gates offer distinct architectural points of interest on a stroll through the old town.

The Rochus Chapel in the Alter Gottesacker town park dates from 1592/93. Its slightly barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling is especially intricate: it is decorated with 66 painted panels from 1598. The Eselmühle, or town mill, offers another way to explore the town’s history. The building dates from the 16th century; milling ceased there in 1937. Since 1978, it has displayed treasures from the town’s past.

Wangen’s museum landscape comprises six museums. It extends from the town museum in the Eselmühle to the walkable battlement of the old town wall, as well as the Pulverturm and the medieval bathhouse; one joint admission ticket covers them all. This brings individual historic sites together in a cohesive museum experience. The Museum für ländliches Kulturgut (Museum of Rural Heritage) is also located in a village barn in Leupolz, a district of Wangen. Spanning four floors and 1,000 square meters, it offers insights into rural life in the past. On display are numerous tools and mementos from crafts and domestic life, as well as a classroom. Groups must register in advance.

Views and Regional Food Culture

At the observation tower on the Landesgartenschau grounds, 113 steps sponsored by Wangen residents lead to a viewing platform. From there, the view stretches across the mountains of the Allgäu, Vorarlberg and Switzerland. The cheese museum focuses on the region’s dairy industry and shows how it has shaped the area.

The weekly market also brings produce from the surrounding area into the old town. Every Wednesday morning, more than 70 stalls line the streets and squares. The goods on offer include fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish, meat, cheese and spices, along with other products from the Allgäu, Lake Constance and Upper Swabia. If you would like to combine regional cuisine with a guided visit to the old town, consider the Culinary Experience Tour: it pairs seasonal, regional food with a tour of the historic old town. Both available options include a three-course menu. Dates and booking conditions may vary.

Guided Tour or Trails in the Surrounding Area

The guided tour through the Städtle takes you around the historic old town. Colorful lanes, small gardens, figurine fountains, historic buildings and city gates set the scene, along with stories about the town’s culture, traditions and daily life. If you would rather explore the countryside around Wangen, the local hiking trail network offers a different perspective. It is well marked and signposted. Choosing between local history and nearby trails can help set the pace of your stay.

Wangen im Allgäu is also located on the Allgäu Cheese Route. Its signposted culinary and tourist attractions can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide what you would like your stay to focus on: the historic old town and museums, regional food culture, or a combination with excursions along the Cheese Route and the hiking trail network. Tour schedules may change; check the latest dates before making plans.

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