Achern: Illenau, Klauskirchl and Three Cherries Trail
Accommodation in Achern
Achern can be explored from very different perspectives: the Illenau and Klauskirchl tell the story of the town, while the Three Cherries Trail leads through vineyards and Baden’s fruit-growing region. There are also events and a range of uses at the Reithalle. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Achern, your preferred itinerary can be a helpful starting point: would you like to explore historic sites, plan to attend an event or spend time on a longer outdoor route?
Illenau and Klauskirchl: two historical timelines
The Illenau was founded in 1842 as a Baden institution for the care and treatment of people with mental illness, and opened under its first director, Dr. Christian Roller. The ensemble of buildings, designed by building inspector Hans Voß, is considered an important example of Classicism. The Illenau-Arkaden Museum presents the history of the Illenau, from its beginnings and development through its tragic end and transition to a new beginning. Here, you can encounter both the history of the institution and an architectural example of Classicism in one place.
Klauskirchl, the Chapel of St. Nicholas, is considered Achern’s oldest building and a landmark of the town. Its oldest sections date back to the 9th century. The chapel acquired its present form in the second half of the 15th century; it is Gothic. Together with the founding of the Illenau in 1842, these represent distinct periods: from the early building sections and Gothic design to the history of the institution for the care and treatment of people with mental illness. For visitors interested in architectural and local history, this contrast offers a concrete point of reference when choosing what to visit.
Reithalle, events and guided tours
The Reithalle Achern complex includes a market hall, a café, a florist, a zero-waste shop, a bookshop, an exhibition space, apartments and offices. Events are held regularly at the Reithalle. The complex thus brings together different uses in one place. Individual businesses and programmes may change; check the current programme before planning your visit around a specific event.
Groups can take a historical guided tour of Achern’s town centre, visiting the “Acherner Meilensteine” (“Achern Milestones”). Stops include Klauskirchl, the Leopold Monument and the Brecht House. The tour is for groups; no public schedule is available. The Illenau Arkaden Museum generally offers a public guided tour on the last Friday of each month, covering the museum, the outdoor grounds or the Illenau cemetery. Registration through the Tourist Information Office is required. Check the date and registration arrangements before your visit.
Exploring the area around Achern
The 21-kilometre Three Cherries Trail is a circular route around Achern through vineyards and Baden’s fruit-growing region. It is particularly impressive during cherry blossom season. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views across the Achertal valley, the Rhine plain and as far as Alsace. The circular route, stated distance and landscape views provide clear guidance if you would like to include a tour in your travel plans. Cherry blossom adds a seasonal highlight, while the viewpoints take in several different landscapes.
Beach volleyball is also listed as an activity at the swimming pool on Badstraße in Achern. If you would like to include it in your plans, check before visiting whether access is currently possible. This means you can choose from a range of things to do during your stay: historic sites and guided tours, events at the Reithalle, or a longer circular route through the countryside. Consider what matters most for your trip, and choose a holiday apartment to suit your own itinerary.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Oberharmersbach, Schutterwald, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, Kappelrodeck, Lauf, Zell Am Harmersbach, Berghaupten, Ringsheim.
Go to the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.
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