Discover Balgheim: Sebastian’s Chapel and the Tuttlingen destination
Accommodation in Balgheim
In Balgheim, Sebastian’s Chapel tells a story that can be traced through two turning points: the major renovation of 1894 and its relocation in 1988. The wider Tuttlingen destination adds landscapes and experiences with very different focuses. When planning, you can weigh up whether to focus mainly on a specific cultural and historical attraction or on the variety of the larger destination.
Sebastian’s Chapel: Interior Paintings and Local History
In 1894, Sebastian’s Chapel underwent major renovations inside and out. The interior paintings were created by the Munich artist Martin. In 1907, church painter Rauch from Saulgau restored the paintings. This sequence marks two distinct artistic phases: the paintings created in the year of the extensive renovation were restored thirteen years later. The history of the paintings and the chapel’s structural changes thus stand side by side as separate chapters.
In 1988, the chapel was relocated with minor alterations. Its furnishings, including figures by Kuolt, were preserved. It originally stood on the B14. Taken together, these details offer a vivid picture of how the paintings, furnishings and location form part of the history of a single building. For travelers especially interested in cultural history, the chapel offers a specific point of connection to Balgheim.
Landscape Contrasts in the Tuttlingen Destination
The wider Tuttlingen destination encompasses Tuttlingen District, covering a total area of 734.4 square kilometers. Its geography includes the southwestern foothills of the Swabian Alb, parts of the Baar region and the valley of the Young Danube. This broader area brings together different landscapes that can appeal to different interests when planning a vacation: highlands and juniper heaths, a river valley and geological formations.
The northern part of the district is home to juniper heaths and the 10-Tausender region, with ten mountains over 1,000 meters high. White limestone cliffs rise above the Danube Valley. Other scenic highlights of the district include the Danube Gorge Valley and the Höwenegg volcanic crater. Nature lovers can choose between striking cliffs and valley scenery and highland landscapes with juniper heaths.
Enjoy Nature and Explore the Trails
The Danube Sinkhole between Immendingen, Möhringen, Tuttlingen and Fridingen can look different every day. Depending on the location and water levels, the Danube may flow there in abundance, be completely dry or carry only a little water. The phenomenon therefore never looks quite the same. The DonauWellen premium hiking trail “Donauversinkung” is a separate route option, running between Tuttlingen-Möhringen and Immendingen. The final section of the Albsteig trail leads via Rußberg, Bettelmannskeller and Nonnehöhle near Wurmlingen directly to Tuttlingen.
Another specific option in the wider destination is the “Rock- & Roll Tour” in Tuttlingen-Nendingen: this two-kilometer walking and hiking route is largely barrier-free and fully wheelchair-accessible. Check local conditions before setting out. At Rabenfels in the Bäratal valley, the climbing areas between the “Mister Wendl” and “Gebrüderweg” routes are open from August 1 to December 31; here, too, check the current regulations before your visit.
The International Danube Cycle Path runs through Mühlheim an der Donau and continues to the Danube’s mouth at the Black Sea; it can also be ridden in short stages. Mühlheim an der Donau is part of the Upper Danube Nature Park. In October 2022, the Mühlheim Rock Cave became the first cave on the Swabian Alb to be designated a Geopoint by the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb. The wider Tuttlingen area thus offers not only hiking and climbing, but also cycling and geological attractions.
Culture and History in the Wider Destination
The Neuhausen ob Eck Open-Air Museum features 25 historic buildings. They were dismantled at their original locations, moved there and restored to their original condition. In Fridingen, the upper floors of the Künstlerhaus Scharf Eck house a museum dedicated to Hans Bucher, a painter of the Danube Valley; his life and work are presented across three floors. The Upper Danube Museum in Ifflinger Castle combines changing special exhibitions with permanent exhibitions on the town’s history and lordship, archaeology, carnival and more recent history.
The Tuttlingen Honberg Summer Festival also adds its own cultural highlight: held annually in the ruins of Honberg Castle, the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Regional attractions range from individual buildings and museum collections to a recurring festival. When looking for a holiday apartment in Balgheim, you can first decide whether Sebastian’s Chapel or the landscape and cultural attractions of the wider Tuttlingen destination should be the focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Dürbheim, Frittlingen, Schura, Fridingen An Der Donau, Geisingen, Tuttlingen, Aldingen, Mühlheim An Der Donau.
Go to the wider travel overview: Tuttlingen.
