Vierkirchen: Natural Swimming Pond, Way of St. James and Leonhardiritt

Vierkirchen brings together a natural swimming pond, a section of the Way of St. James and the annual Leonhardiritt in Pasenbach. This offers visitors a choice of different travel highlights: water, a pilgrims’ route or local traditions. If you are looking for accommodation in Vierkirchen, you can first consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your stay; for the natural swimming pond, take its seasonal opening and specific access requirement into account.

Natural Swimming Pond and Way of St. James

The Vierkirchen natural swimming pond was created in 2003 and 2004 on the site of the former sewage treatment plant. Visitors can swim in its soft, clear water and enjoy the local nature. Opening times may vary by season, so check the latest information before your visit. Visitors can reach the natural swimming pond only on foot or by bicycle. This access requirement should be factored into your day’s plans, especially if you want to combine a visit to the pond with other interests.

The Way of St. James also brings its own travel story to Vierkirchen. A route via Ingolstadt, Pfaffenhofen, Scheyern, Jetzendorf, Vierkirchen and Mariabrunn to Dachau provides a better connection between the “Regensburg Way of St. James” and the “Munich Way of St. James”. The Way of St. James in the Dachau region is signposted along its entire length with the yellow scallop shell, the route’s standard symbol across Europe. Access to the natural swimming pond is on foot or by bicycle; on the pilgrimage route, the route itself and its markers provide orientation. Before setting off, check the latest route conditions and signposting information.

Leonhardiritt and exhibition depot in Pasenbach

The traditional Leonhardiritt, featuring themed floats, has been held annually in Pasenbach at the end of October since 1994. The exhibition depot in the Pasenbach association and cultural hall displays the Leonhardiritt floats as well as several objects relating to the veneration of the saint. Visits must be arranged by telephone through the town hall. The Leonhardiritt is therefore an annual event at the end of October; visits to the exhibition depot must be arranged by telephone through the town hall.

More highlights in the wider Dachau destination

The wider Dachau destination also offers nature-related attractions with a different focus. Karlsfelder See lies directly beside the built-up area of northern Karlsfeld, covers 58.2 hectares and is located in the district of Dachau. It is used year-round for walking, jogging, cycling and recreation. This provides a point of comparison with the activities described above: swimming and seasonal opening are the focus at the Vierkirchen natural swimming pond, while Karlsfelder See offers year-round opportunities for exercise and recreation.

The approximately 2.5-kilometre “Lebensader Maisach” trail also runs along the Maisach River in the wider Dachau destination. It is accessible to people with disabilities from Bergkirchen or Günding. Its length, riverside route and the access points mentioned give this trail a different character from the natural swimming pond, which is geared towards swimming. When choosing activities for your trip, these specific differences may be more helpful than a general idea of a single style of outing.

Culture enthusiasts will find other attractions across the Dachau destination. In Dachau, the picturesque historic old town is protected as an ensemble and invites visitors to stroll and linger. The Dachau District Museum presents the cultural history of the town and district across three floors. Its exhibits cover topics including settlement forms, town history, guild and market rights, crafts and trade, everyday life, festive customs and popular religious culture. The permanent collection of the Dachau Picture Gallery features landscapes and genre paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can therefore choose between the town and everyday history presented at the district museum and the landscapes and genre paintings at the gallery.

Discover more destinations: Röhrmoos, Odelzhausen, Hebertshausen, Bergkirchen, Sulzemoos, Karlsfeld, Markt Indersdorf, Weißling

Back to the wider travel overview: Dachau.