Discover Bechhofen: History and Countryside

Bechhofen offers travelers several different points of interest: a museum devoted to Bavarian weights and measures, churches reflecting different historical periods, and cycling and hiking trails through natural landscapes. There is also a Jewish cemetery that is particularly large by Bavarian standards, and a walking tour exploring the town’s history.

Culture and history in Bechhofen

The “wiegen & messen” museum in Bechhofen houses a wide-ranging collection of scales, weights, measuring instruments, and measures of capacity. Its focus is Bavarian weights and measures. The different objects give the museum a clearly defined subject: it is not just about individual scales, but also about different ways of measuring and weighing.

Jewish heritage is another distinctive focus. Bechhofen Jewish Cemetery is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Bavaria. A walking tour in Bechhofen explores the town’s Jewish past and sights. The Shoah memorial is also located in the market square. It contains 32 pebbles bearing the names of murdered Jews from Bechhofen. The cemetery, memorial, and walking tour offer different ways to engage with the town’s history.

The churches also reflect different historical periods. The Church of St. Catherine took its present form in 1780 under court architect Johann David Steingruber. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John was completed in 1922 and is an Art Nouveau building. Bechhofen thus brings together different historical periods and styles: the focus at the Church of St. Catherine is its present form, while at the Church of St. John it is the year of completion and its architectural classification.

Cycling routes, walking tour, and mills

Bechhofen offers numerous cycling and hiking trails through natural landscapes. The Wieseth Cycle Route passes directly through Bechhofen and is 32 km long. This gives cyclists both a connection to the town and a clear indication of the route’s length.

The Mill Trail offers a different theme. It recalls the mills along the Wieseth and throughout the municipality, including in Bechhofen. In Wiesethbruck, there is also a Baroque mill on the River Wieseth. When planning, you can choose between a cycling route with a specified length, trails connected to the history of milling, and a walking tour exploring Jewish history and local sights. If your travel group has varied interests, these themes can help you find a shared focus without every activity having to be the same kind of experience.

Nature in the wider Ansbach destination

In the wider Ansbach destination, the Frankenhöhe Nature Park offers another perspective on the landscape. It covers about 1,100 km² and lies within the districts of Ansbach and Neustadt a.d. Aisch–Bad Windsheim, as well as the independent city of Ansbach. The nature park is the source area for the Altmühl, Fränkische Rezat, and Zenn rivers. Information on hiking and cycling trails, as well as ranger-led tours, adds to the nature and outdoor activities on offer there.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Königshofen an der Heide, Dürrwangen, Adelshofen, Triesdorf, Wassertrüdingen, Burk, Langfurth, Wettringen.

Back to the wider travel guide: Ansbach.