Eichstegen between moraine landscape and local history

Moraine landscape and nature

The municipality stretches between the inner and outer Würm glacial moraines and is geographically part of the Upper Swabian Hill Country. The dry moraine ridges and damp, partly peaty lowlands form different types of landscape within this natural region. If landscape and nature are important to you when choosing a place to stay, you will find a different focus here than on a trip centred mainly on city life or a single cultural attraction.

The Altshauser Weiher nature reserve is also part of the municipality’s natural surroundings: part of the 50-hectare area lies within Eichstegen. This describes the area within the municipality, not the size of a section belonging to Eichstegen. Together with the hilly natural landscape, it offers a specific point of interest for visitors who want to include nature alongside local cultural attractions during their trip.

Chapel, castle and local history

The Marienkapelle in Eichstegen was built in 1972 to replace a Baroque chapel that had been demolished, and belongs to the Catholic parish of Altshausen. Its history combines a relatively recent chapel with the reference to an older sacred building that preceded it. It is a notable point of interest for visitors interested in the town’s religious history.

The former Hirschegg Castle, located within Eichstegen’s municipal boundaries, is also part of the area’s historic setting. It is regarded as the ancestral seat of the now-extinct Hirschegg family. Simple pottery from Käfersulgen offers a different cultural aspect. Local history and a connection to craftsmanship thus stand alongside each other as distinct themes.

Paths and regular gatherings

An extensive network of walking and cycling paths invites visitors to hike and cycle in Eichstegen. This lets you make your stay active, without prescribing a particular route or distance. Those looking for a quieter cultural focus can attend the ecumenical prayer for peace at the Marienkapelle: it takes place on the first Friday of every month and lasts about 25 minutes.

The prayer for peace includes Taizé songs or similar songs, a meditation or prayer, the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing. This clear sequence and approximate duration give the gathering its own structure. The monthly schedule is useful when planning a stay; the event is held on the first Friday, not on any arbitrary date during the month.

Getting here and transport

State and district roads connect Eichstegen to the long-distance road network, particularly the nearby B32. Bus routes operated by the Bodensee-Oberschwaben transport association serve the municipality. Road connections and bus services are the two different transport options to consider when choosing a holiday destination.

The Altshausen–Schwackenreute railway line is also part of the municipality’s transport history. It has been in existence since 1873/75 and had a stop near the village of Kreenried. Passenger services were discontinued in 1971; the line is closed but has been used for excursion traffic since 2011. This distinction is important when planning a trip: the historic line should not be confused with regular passenger services.

Local activities and places to eat

The rural women’s association in Eichstegen offers locals and visitors get-togethers, talks, craft evenings, walks and visits, as well as social gatherings over coffee and home-baked cake. Its activities bring together different forms of community life, from talks to outings. In addition, local clubs organize social and cultural events throughout the year together with the municipal administration.

For a meal, the Vesperstüble Häuserhof in Eichstegen serves traditional German food and drinks. The Frohe Aussicht restaurant, run by the Koch family, is also located in Hirschegg. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Eichstegen, you can therefore decide whether your stay should focus primarily on the moraine landscape, culture and local history, activities on the walking and cycling network, or community life in the area.

Discover more places

If you would also like to explore other places, here are some more destinations: Amtzell, Ravensburg, Achberg, Bergatreute, Schwarzenbach, Bad Wurzach, Hoßkirch and Vogt.

Back to the main travel overview: Ravensburg.