Wallerstein between local history and cycling routes

Wallerstein combines a historic town center with a special role on the Romantic Road: the market town is one of its founding members. The Plague Column, also known as the Trinity Column, stands in the town center and is Wallerstein’s landmark. Together with St. Alban’s Church and Wallerstein Rock, these historic sites give the town a distinctive character; two cycling routes also pass through Wallerstein. You can therefore plan your stay around local history, a guided tour or a cycling trip.

The Column, Parish Church and Wallerstein Rock

The Plague Column, also known as the Trinity Column, stands in the town center and defines the character of the main street. The Catholic parish church of St. Alban also offers a starting point for exploring local history: it is associated with the year 1242. The guided tour of Wallerstein includes the church, with its early Gothic features and medieval relics, as well as the Trinity Column.

The market town’s origins date back to the 6th century AD. The guided tour ends with a visit to Wallerstein Rock. The castle once stood there; in 1648, Swedish troops set it ablaze with cannon fire and then blew it up. If you would like to visit the rock, note that access is via the grounds of the Wallerstein Brewery. Check local access arrangements before your visit.

Cycling through Wallerstein

The Romantic Road cycle route runs from Maihingen via Wallerstein to Nördlingen. The eastern loop of the “From Crater to Crater” cycle route runs via Maihingen and Wallerstein back to Nördlingen. You can compare the route sequences: the Romantic Road cycle route names Maihingen as its starting point and Nördlingen as its destination, while the eastern loop describes the return to Nördlingen. Check the current signage before setting off.

More highlights in the wider Donau-Ries travel region

In the wider Donau-Ries travel region, the Ries Geopark and the Ries crater, formed by a meteorite impact, are a tourist attraction. The RiesKraterMuseum presents the asteroid impact, its cosmic origins and its effects to this day. Exhibits include meteorites, fossils and a piece of real Moon rock. The Kühstein Geopark educational trail offers a different perspective: eight information panels explain the impact processes that took place 14.5 million years ago. From Buchberg, enjoy panoramic views of the Ries and its inner and outer crater rims.

In Nördlingen, the focus is on the town’s history and architecture: its medieval town wall is completely preserved and fully accessible on foot. The Municipal Museum explores the life and beliefs of Nördlingen’s residents, the changes brought about by the Reformation, the Thirty Years’ War and the 1634 Battle of Nördlingen. A model made of around 6,000 tin figures illustrates the battle. The collection, which is more than 150 years old, spans four floors.

Choose the right base for your trip

If Wallerstein’s local history, the guided tour and the cycling routes mentioned here are the main focus of your trip, you can search specifically for accommodation in Wallerstein. If you plan to explore several of the attractions in the wider Donau-Ries travel region, take these destinations into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Munzingen, Oberndorf Am Lech, Monheim, Rain, Wemding, Fremdingen, Kaisheim and Oettingen In Bayern.

Back to the regional travel overview: Donau-Ries.