Zusmarshausen: Nature Park, Cycling Routes and Roman Traces

Zusmarshausen and its districts lie entirely within the “Augsburg-Western Forests” Nature Park. This setting gives the town a strong connection to nature; at the same time, activities here range from cycling to Roman history. Nature trails, a signposted cycling route and the Zusmarshausen Museum offer different ways to experience your stay.

Walks and nature trails

A trail runs all the way around the Rothsee in Zusmarshausen, inviting you to enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by nature. The Zusamaue Nature Discovery Trail offers a different experience: this picturesque circular hiking trail lies south of Zusmarshausen and Gabelbach near the Rücklenmühle mill; along the trail, you can learn about local wildlife and plant life. The Zusam Landscape Conservation Association established the trail in 1997–1998. The Rothsee loop and the Zusamaue trail offer different experiences: a route surrounded by nature, or a trail that focuses on local wildlife and plant life.

The “Am Horn” forest discovery trail is located near the destination of Zusmarshausen. Information boards tell you about 25 tree species, and a covered rest area at the turning point is a welcoming spot for a snack or a break. The rest area is located at a specific point along the trail, while the information boards focus on the tree species.

Cycling and getting here

The Zusam Cycle Path passes through Zusmarshausen on its section from Dinkelscherben to Donauwörth. The route is signposted throughout and runs mostly along side roads or paths away from road traffic. When planning a cycling trip, both the signage and the fact that most of the route avoids road traffic are relevant. Zusmarshausen also has direct access to the Zusmarshausen interchange on the A 8 Munich–Stuttgart motorway (E 52). This connection is a practical consideration when travelling by car.

Roman traces at the museum

The Zusmarshausen Museum displays finds from the Roman bridge settlement of “Pontone”, which was located on the Augsburg–Mainz Roman road. The names of the settlement and the road place the finds in a specific historical context. If you are interested in history as well as scenery and outdoor activities, the museum offers a distinct focus among the things to explore in Zusmarshausen.

These different interests can help shape your plans without requiring you to settle on just one kind of outing. If you are travelling by car, you can also factor in direct access to the A 8.

More options in the wider Augsburg destination

The wider Augsburg destination offers additional nature and culture ideas in their own right. Augsburg District has an extensive network of cycling paths. The LandArt Bonstetten art trail is a 5.65-kilometre circular hiking route, where artist Hama Lohrmann personally explains his sculptures. This connects your choice of route with a specific focus on art.

Another hiking option is the three-kilometre meditation trail from Oberschönenfeld Cistercian Abbey to Weiherhof, which follows the edge of the forest in the Schwarzachtal valley. The Stauden, Holzwinkel and Reischenau regions are also part of the Augsburg-Western Forests Nature Park. Westwood Alpacas offers regular alpaca hikes and excursions through the nature park. The wider Augsburg destination therefore offers art and alpaca excursions as distinct options, alongside cycling and hiking trails.

Discover more destinations: Gabelbach, Diedorf, Wehringen, Thierhaupten, Königsbrunn, Lechfeld, Altenmünster, Walkertshofen.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Augsburg.