Amstetten: Fortified Church, Lontal Valley and Branch Lines

Church and rural history

The Protestant St. Lawrence Church is a landmark of Amstetten, visible from far away, and was a fortified church. The oldest parts of its tower date from around the year 1000. The term “fortified church” links the church to its former defensive function; together with the dating of the tower elements, it gives the building a distinctive historical dimension.

In the district of Schalkstetten, a museum founded by the Association for the Preservation of Rural Traditions is devoted to the early mechanization of agriculture. Machinery and equipment from this period are at its heart; the museum also presents rural life at the time. This perspective on technological development and everyday life complements the architectural history of St. Lawrence Church.

On foot through the Lontal Valley

A hiking route passes through the Lontal Valley, the valley of the Urlone, to Türkheim and returns to Amstetten via Amstetten-Dorf. There is a place to stop for refreshments in Amstetten-Dorf. The route connects the valley with several named places, making the hike a distinctive way to experience Amstetten and its surroundings.

Branch lines and historic rail journeys

Two branch lines diverge from Amstetten station: one goes to Gerstetten, the other to Oppingen as a narrow-gauge railway. The latter line used to continue on to Laichingen. Regular trips with historic diesel railcars operate on the branch lines from Amstetten. If you plan to take one of these trips, check the operator’s current timetable before travelling.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Amstetten, these local attractions can help with your trip planning: consider whether you would like to focus more on architectural and everyday history, the hiking route or historic railway journeys.

Culture and trails in the Alb-Donau District

The wider destination of the Alb-Donau District also offers its own nature and cultural attractions. The Alb-Donau District is part of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve. Near Schelklingen lies Hohle Fels, a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the discovery site of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Vulture Bone Flute.” Both finds are around 42,500 years old. The Alb-Donau District is also home to the Stone Age settlement of Ehrenstein in Blaustein: a Neolithic settlement in the Blau Valley that is part of the transnational and serial UNESCO World Heritage site “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.”

The Alb-Donau District’s monastic history can be seen in different places. The former Premonstratensian Abbey of Obermarchtal stands directly above the Danube; the monastery complex took its present form between 1686 and 1795. Blaubeuren Monastery was founded in 1085 as a Benedictine monastery and today consists mainly of Gothic buildings dating from 1466 to 1510. The different dates reveal two distinct building histories.

The hiking options also vary in length. The 20 “Ice Age Trails” circular routes are 6 to 14 km long and are suitable for day hikes. The family-friendly “Ice Age Tracks” are 1 to 6 km long; the Reflection Trail is designed for multi-day hikes. The region therefore offers short walks, day routes and a multi-day option. Themed cycling routes include the 75 km “Ice Age Valleys” tour, the 115 km “Berg Bier Tour” and the 186 km “Albtäler” cycle route, which has been awarded four stars.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Setzingen, Westerheim, Ballendorf, Öpfingen, Merklingen, Nerenstetten, Kirchen, Asselfingen.

To the wider travel overview: Alb-Donau District.