Aufham: Swimming, Hiking Trails and the Way of St. James

Discover Aufham through a range of experiences: a heated outdoor swimming pool with a large sunbathing lawn, hiking trails with different starting points, and a church whose namesake is associated with the Way of St. James. Swimming, a walk and the connection to pilgrimage each give your stay its own focus.

Staufenbad and trails around Aufham

Staufenbad Aufham–Anger is a heated outdoor swimming pool with a large sunbathing lawn. The pool complex also includes a non-swimmer pool and a wide-wave slide. So alongside swimming in the main pool, there is space to relax on the lawn and a separate pool for non-swimmers. Seasonal opening arrangements may change; check the current conditions before visiting.

For a longer walk, the easy Aufham–Piding valley loop starts at the village square. The circular route is 9.1 kilometres long and follows the panoramic trail as well as forest roads and woodland paths. Another hiking option is the Steiner Alm route via Aufham (Hänggraben), which starts at Staufenbad. The return leg follows forest roads and woodland paths along the Aufhamer Bach; trail conditions may change.

The two tours differ from the outset: the valley loop begins at the village square, while the Steiner Alm route starts at Staufenbad. Their described routes also have different highlights—one follows the panoramic trail, forest roads and woodland paths, while the other’s return leg runs along the Aufhamer Bach. You can choose a tour based on which starting point and route description best suit your plans.

Church, pilgrimage connection and maypole

The parish church of St. James is connected with the Salt Road and the Way of St. James. The church is named after St. James, patron saint of pilgrims; the Way of St. James has a defining significance for Aufham. Visitors interested in pilgrimage routes will find a tangible cultural point of connection here. The church adds a subject linking the village’s history with pilgrimage to the range of active pursuits.

An annual event also shapes village life: in Anger and Aufham, the raising of the maypole is celebrated every year on 1 May. The exact format of the celebration may vary. The fixed date can help with planning; if you would like to experience the festival, it is worth checking the relevant event information.

More to discover in the wider destination of Anger

In the wider destination of Anger, Hans-Peter Porsche TraumWerk brings together a variety of themes under one name. Its model railway layout covers 400 square metres, features landscapes from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and is traversed by more than 200 trains. The historic tin toy collection, meanwhile, comprises more than 2,100 exhibits dating from 1860 to 1930. The miniature railway runs through a 20,000-square-metre garden; the adventure park also includes a playground and the miniature railway.

Historic churches and chapels are also among Anger’s attractions. The Romanesque hall church of St. George on the Steinhögl was built in the mid-14th century on the site of a castle chapel. Ashlar blocks from the remains of Roman or medieval buildings were used in its construction. Vachenlueg Pilgrimage Chapel was completed in 1848. When its roof structure collapsed in 1824, the shrine with the miraculous image remained undamaged; pilgrimages to Vachenlueg increased as a result.

Another option for a walk is the circular route around Höglwörther See in Anger. It is flat and wide, making it suitable for a walk with a stroller. Allow about half an hour for the circuit. This described walking option differs from the hiking trails in Aufham, where the routes and starting points are the main focus.

Choose your destination based on the experiences you would like to include in your plans.

For the wider travel overview: Anger.