Rückholz: Ponds, Traditions and Allgäu Cheese

Small ponds, local history and recurring traditions shape different aspects of a stay in Rückholz. Many small ponds and lakes around the village are accessible on foot or by bicycle. You can plan your trip around the waterside landscape or combine it with a visit to the parish church, seasonal events and regional cheese offerings.

Ponds and lakes around Rückholz

The Trollweiher near Rückholz is a glacial marginal lake with an area of about 7.7 hectares. Neuweiher is a former glacial lake surrounded by forests, fields and meadows. Both bodies of water offer different points of reference: at Trollweiher, its formation and approximate area are the main features, while at Neuweiher, the surrounding landscape and its former status stand out.

At Grundweiher, at the entrance to Rückholz, you can swim, go for a walk and relax; it also offers views of nature and the mountains. Schönewaldweiher lies a little way from the village centre and provides a peaceful place to unwind. The large Schwaltenweiher is also suitable for swimming, walking and relaxing. Swimming and fishing are the main activities at Luimooser Weiher. If you are comparing bodies of water as you plan your day, these different uses offer practical guidance.

Church, history and living traditions

St. George’s Parish Church is documented as a church as early as 1465. In 1719, the choir was enlarged to its present size and a new altar was built. The altar’s design is attributed to the workshop of Dominikus Zimmermann. The church thus brings together an early historical record and specific changes made in the 18th century. The Marian grotto, also known as the Lourdes Grotto, was built in Rückholz in 1893. According to local tradition, it is believed to have powers to heal illnesses.

Recurring events also add their own highlights to the year. The traditional Funkenfeuer bonfire is lit every year on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday. The pile of straw or wood, which may feature a witch effigy, can reach up to 30 metres in height. Bockbier evenings take place every year during Lent and combine theatrical performances, music, strong bock beer and party music; the programme and number of visitors may vary. From July to September, the Rückholz traditional costume association holds village evenings. When the weather is fine, traditional dances are performed in the former schoolyard.

Cheese, farm cheese dairy and Advent market

The factory shop at the Käsladen cheese shop of Milchverwertung Ostallgäu eG (MVO) sells Allgäu cheese specialities and other dairy products. Named varieties include Emmental, mountain cheese, hay-flower cheese, Rückholz lemon and pepper cheese, tomato and basil cheese, and Alpspitz cheese. The selection may change. The Lipp farm cheese dairy at Stellebauer sells exclusively products made on site.

Every two years, Blumenfreunde Rückholz holds the Advent market at the end of November. It features handmade and other self-produced goods as well as food and drink; the selection may vary from one edition to the next. If you want the market or another celebration to determine your travel dates, check the specific event dates before your trip.

Trip ideas and finding accommodation

When looking for accommodation in Rückholz, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on: time by the water, an interest in the parish church and local traditions, or a visit centred around seasonal customs. The ponds differ in the leisure activities described, while events are tied to specific times of year. These themes can help you work out your preferred travel dates and what you want to focus on during your stay, without treating different places or offerings as the same.

The wider Ostallgäu

In the wider Ostallgäu holiday region, the RadReiseRegion features themed regional cycling routes that extend across the whole of Ostallgäu. Each route is 25 to 76 kilometres long and signposted throughout. Ostallgäu also has 32 local walking routes that showcase special natural and local attractions. These regional offerings provide a broader framework for planning your trip beyond Rückholz.

Discover more destinations: Wald, Hopferau.

Return to the overview of the wider region: Seeg.