Discover Ellenberg: European Watershed, Art and Water Tower

Art and Geography in Ellenberg

The parish church of “Our Lady of Sorrows” houses a wooden Late Gothic Pietà dating from around 1500. It is considered the church’s oldest and most significant work of art. For art enthusiasts, it offers a tangible connection to the village’s history: the work combines a clear religious image with an approximate date that reaches far back into the past.

The European Watershed can also be traced in Ellenberg using signs and stones. It separates the catchment areas of the Danube and Rhine. This makes a geographical feature tangible on site: the watershed assigns bodies of water to different river systems. Those interested in the landscape not only as a backdrop but also in its geographical structure will find a striking topic here.

The Stone and Water Tower as Points of Reference

The Ellenberg Stone was erected in 1925 by the Road and Water Construction Office as part of road construction. It is located at the entrance to the village when you arrive from the direction of Wört or Dinkelsbühl. Its history is therefore closely linked to road construction; at the same time, its location marks a specific arrival point from these directions.

The water tower stands at the northern edge of the village, on the local road “Gässle”. It is around 29 metres high to the top of the roof. Its position at the edge of the village and its approximate height give you two clear reference points when exploring Ellenberg’s built features. There are also several restaurants serving traditional German cuisine at the campsites in Ellenberg.

More to Explore in the Ostalb District

Beyond Ellenberg, the Ostalb District offers a variety of ways to include nature and culture in your itinerary. The “Green Path – Adventure Tours in the Ostalb District” explores the countryside through individual networks of circular routes for cyclists, hikers and families. The Ostalb Cycling Loop covers a different scale: it stretches for around 305 kilometres and is divided into six stages and nine connecting routes, which can be combined to suit your plans. It runs through the Ostalb District and crosses district boundaries repeatedly.

Another regional highlight is the Roman heritage near Rainau. Sections and individual monuments of the Limes are preserved in particularly high concentration in the Limes Park. A reconstructed watchtower offers panoramic views over the Ostalb region. The Limes Circular Hiking Trail near Rainau is about 11 kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours on foot. It runs from the Limes wall and tower between Buch and Schwabsberg through the “Mahdholz” forest along the Limes to the southern edge of Schwabsberg. The Ostalb District therefore offers a range of travel interests: Ellenberg’s local art and landmarks on the one hand, and a longer hike with a Roman focus near Rainau on the other.

Choose the Right Search Location

The focus of your stay can be a good starting point when searching for a holiday apartment. If you mainly want to explore the Ellenberg Pietà, the marked watershed and the village’s history, you can search specifically for a holiday apartment in Ellenberg. If you are planning a particular hike near Rainau, include its starting area between Buch and Schwabsberg when choosing where to stay. These examples are part of the wider Ostalb District travel destination; they are distinct regional themes, not features of Ellenberg.

Discover more destinations: Bopfingen, Essingen, Adelmannsfelden, Waldhausen, Abtsgmünd, Mutlangen, Rainau, Neuler.

Go to the main travel overview: Ostalb District.