Ochsenhausen: Monastery, Krummbach and Trails

Monastic History and Baroque Architecture

The well-preserved Monastery of St. George is one of the great Baroque complexes in Upper Swabia. The Ochsenhausen Monastery Museum focuses on the history of the former Benedictine imperial abbey. The museum’s collection includes a Gothic tower monstrance made of solid silver from the 15th century. It is considered one of the finest pieces of its time in southern Germany. A view of the monastery can therefore be complemented by a closer look at its art and history.

The library hall is another special part of the monastery complex: it is on the upper floor of the north wing, above the chapter house and armarium. The hall has two levels and a gallery running around it. This spatial layout offers another way to explore the monastery’s architectural history. Before planning a specific visit, check the latest visitor information from the monastery and museum.

Equestrian Tradition and Trails Around Ochsenhausen

Another historic tradition is the St. George’s Ride. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in May; with around 600 riders, it is one of the largest rural processions on horseback in Upper Swabia. The Baroque equestrian procession was established in 1718 and revived in Ochsenhausen in 1977. Its fixed place in the annual calendar and the approximate number of riders help put the event in context. If you would like to see the procession, check the details for the relevant event date.

There are various routes for active exploration. The Upper Swabia–Allgäu Cycle Route leads directly to Ochsenhausen. The Öchsle Cycle Route, by contrast, follows the route of the “Öchsle” railway and is signposted in Ochsenhausen. Two circular routes are also marked in the town: the “Historical Loop” and the “Water Trail.” The Four Streams Walk lets you explore the monastery’s water supply along the Krummbach. The routes therefore differ in their stated focus, from a cycle route leading to Ochsenhausen to a hike connected with the monastery’s water supply.

The Krummbach and Ziegelweiher

The Krummbach is also part of the historic landscape. This historically significant watercourse was the monks’ former breviary path and was originally built to supply water to the monastery. There is a water play area for children along the Krummbach Trail.

Ziegelweiher is a bathing spot on the edge of Fürstenwald. Public access is seasonal; before swimming, check the latest local information. This excursion destination offers a different focus from the monastery museum and historic trails. When choosing your travel dates, you can therefore consider whether the bathing spot or the cultural and walking-route attractions matter more to you.

Ochsenhausen as a Starting Point for Your Search

If you would like to combine monastic history, the trails along the Krummbach and the local equestrian tradition, you can consider Ochsenhausen as a destination when searching for a holiday apartment. The first thing to decide is which experiences you want to focus on: the museum and architecture offer insights into the monastery’s history, while the cycling and circular trails provide other ways to explore. If you mainly want to use the bathing spot, take its seasonal public access and the latest local information into account when planning. This way, you can choose accommodation based on the themes you want to shape your trip, without treating different routes or destinations as if they were the same.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Warthausen, Achstetten, Königshofen, Dettingen An Der Iller, Kirchdorf An Der Iller, Betzenweiler, Biberach An Der Riß and Wain.

For the main travel overview: Biberach.