Discover Geisenfeld: Heathland, Art and Church History

Geisenfeld brings together striking natural landscapes, modern outdoor art and a rich church history. You can discover the town from different perspectives: on hiking trails through rare heathland, on an art walk, or through sacred art and history. When choosing accommodation, consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Heathland and Hiking Trails

Just under 150 hectares in size, the “Nöttinger Viehweide - Badertaferl” nature reserve lies north of Geisenfeld. It is a heathland landscape rarely found in the Danube lowlands, with signposted hiking trails leading through the area. The reserve offers a distinctive landscape and a clear reason to go hiking. Please observe the nature reserve’s rules when visiting.

Art Walk and Sensory Garden

An art walk through the town centre and the Ilm floodplains leads to the modern open-air artworks Grüner Mann, Storchendenkmal and Nepomuk-Statue, as well as the Begehbarer Baum. It ends at the sensory garden. There, barefoot paths cross wooden planks, pebbles and sand; fragrant herb beds planted with lavender, rosemary and mint complete the garden. Along the walk, named artworks sit alongside sensory experiences created by different surfaces and herbs.

Church History and Art

The town parish church of the Assumption of Mary tells the story of several eras. Count Eberhard II and his wife Adelheide founded it; for centuries, it served as the abbey church of the Benedictine convent founded in 1030. Late Gothic frescoes were painted in the choir in 1516. Some of the paintings, which were plastered over in 1602, were uncovered again in 1971; the uncovered frescoes are considered an art-historical treasure.

The Anna Chapel, with its late Gothic devotional image of St Anne with the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, is located in the church’s north aisle. The image is still venerated in a small local pilgrimage. Another art-historical highlight is the well-preserved Romanesque portal of the parish church of St Ulrich in Ainau. It is one of the district’s most important sights and is highly regarded by art experts.

Weekly Market and Local History Museum

From mid-May, Geisenfeld has a weekly market featuring regional products and direct sellers. The Hallertau Hop and Local History Museum offers a range of insights into traditional crafts, history and nature. Its collection includes historic hop-growing tools, a cobbler’s workshop, a general store and a smithy, as well as a palaeontology section, archaeological finds and regional costumes. The collection is displayed in a reduced format; visits are available by arrangement.

In the Wider Destination of Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm

The southern district of Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm is characterised by tertiary hill country, with gentle hills and valleys. Cyclists can enjoy well-signposted trails in the river valleys and themed cycling tours focused on asparagus and hops. In many municipalities, themed hiking trails and walking paths invite visitors to spend time in nature. Other options for nature lovers include guided town tours through historic lanes, hop farm tours and herb walks.

The German Hop Museum in Wolnzach is part of the region’s cultural offering. It presents more than 1,000 years of hop history, displays old hop weighing slips and introduces visitors to the art of brewing beer.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Geisenfeld, choose based on what you want to focus on during your stay: heathland and hiking trails, or art, churches and local culture.

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