Gutenzell-Hürbel: Monastery Church, Castle and Gehren Loop

Church Art and Castle History

The ceiling and wall paintings by Johann Georg Dieffenbrunner in the former monastery church depict biblical scenes such as the “Last Supper,” the “Manna Rain” and the “Wedding at Cana,” as well as a cycle of the Apostles. In the choir are elaborately dressed reliquary shrines of Saints Christina and Justina. The paintings and reliquary shrines offer different ways to explore the history of religious art.

Hürbel Castle received a Baroque extension in 1723, featuring stucco ceilings, parquet flooring and a balustrade staircase made of black oak. Its largely original historic interior also includes stucco ceilings from 1727, old doors and floors, and rare wallpapers dating from 1785, which were restored in 2016. The interiors can only be accessed with permission or as part of pre-arranged guided tours. If you plan to visit the castle, you should take this access requirement into account in advance.

Herrschaftsmühle and Gehren Loop

The Herrschaftsmühle is also distinguished by a striking architectural detail: its 500-square-metre roof is covered with handmade beavertail tiles. A small turbine now powers its own electricity plant, replacing the former waterwheel. If you are planning to visit the mill specifically for the electricity plant, check its current operating status before your visit.

The Gehren Loop starts at the “Laubacher Weg” car park in Gutenzell and returns there. Along the way, the route passes the sports grounds, crosses meadows and fields, and goes through the “Laubacher Esch” and “Gehren” woodland areas. A variety of plants can be found there. The woodland areas lend the circular route a distinctive character through their variety of plants. This walk therefore focuses on the changing landscapes rather than a specific walking distance.

Annual Procession and Seasonal Nativity Scene

The Wendelinusritt takes place in Gutenzell every year on the third Sunday in September. It marks the end of the major equestrian processions in Upper Swabia over the course of the year. The procession begins with the noon bell at Gutenzell Parish Church, then passes through the village and continues through the forests and fields around Gutenzell to nearby Niedernzell. A pilgrimage Mass is celebrated at the Wendelinus Chapel. Its regular schedule makes the event a distinct occasion to plan around; check the details for the relevant event date before your trip.

Another seasonal highlight is the Baroque nativity scene in Gutenzell Parish Church. It features around 100 figures and can be viewed in the side aisle every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the fourth Sunday of Advent until February 2, Candlemas. If the nativity scene is the main focus of your visit, plan around this period and check the viewing hours in advance.

Culture in the wider Biberach destination

In the wider Biberach destination, the Upper Swabian Museum Village of Kürnbach offers another point of interest in cultural history. It comprises more than 30 historic buildings that offer insights into everyday life in times past, and presents six centuries of history. This look at historic buildings complements the themes described in Gutenzell-Hürbel without conflating them with other places.

Tailor Your Stay to Your Interests

For people travelling together with different interests, comparing the highlights can help with planning: the Gehren Loop passes through meadows, fields and forests; the church and castle showcase art and architectural history; and the Wendelinusritt and nativity scene are tied to specific dates or seasons. This lets you first choose the right framework for your trip, rather than having to combine the different themes into a fixed itinerary.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Buchau, Altheim, Maselheim, Erolzheim, Wain, Oggelshausen, Ummendorf, Rot an der Rot.

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