Westerheim between the Günztal and chapels

Chapels at the crossroads of local history and architecture

The Holy Cross Chapel is in Westerheim and holds treasures. In the district of Rummeltshausen stands the beautifully restored St Sebastian’s Chapel, which the municipality describes as a cultural highlight. The Catholic chapel dates from 1584 and was extended in 1628.

Its architectural design also makes it a special feature: pilaster strips divide the building, which ends in a three-sided apse. A roof turret with a tent roof completes the roofline; the chapel also has its own furnishings. The design of St Sebastian’s Chapel brings Westerheim’s architectural heritage to life for those interested in culture.

The Hundsmoor and Günztal as a landscape experience

The 21-hectare Hundsmoor is a biotope in the valley of the Western Günz between Westerheim and Hawangen. It is the most pristine of the four nature reserves in the Unterallgäu district. The protected areas are primarily wet, moss-rich fenland, peat moss areas, as well as wet scrubland and wet woodland. These habitats give the moor its distinctive character and make the purpose of its protection tangible in the landscape.

The Hundsmoor and the Western Günz shape Westerheim’s landscape. Visitors can find relaxation on walks in the Günztal. Nature and exercise are therefore among the themes to consider for your trip alongside exploring the chapels.

Cycle routes and leisure activities

A cycle route leads from Westerheim to Ottobeuren. A cycle path just over a kilometre long runs along district road MN 32, from the motorway bridge near Westerheim to the entrance to Günz; a strip of grass separates it from the road. For specific route planning, it is worth checking the latest route details, as the cycle network is continually being renewed. The municipality also lists beach volleyball as a leisure activity.

The two cycle-route descriptions offer different kinds of guidance: the connection to Ottobeuren names a destination, while the short stretch along MN 32 is described with its endpoints and separation from the road. When planning your holiday, you can consider whether you would prefer a route to a particular destination or a specifically described stretch of path.

The wider Unterallgäu region

Beyond Westerheim, the wider destination of the Unterallgäu offers further nature and cultural attractions. The Iller forms the Unterallgäu’s natural boundary in the west and the Wertach in the east. The region lies on the A7 and A96 motorways; a dense road network, rail connections and Allgäu Airport in Memmingerberg add to its accessibility. This information provides a framework for planning a regional trip.

Notable architectural landmarks in the Unterallgäu include the Baroque basilica in Ottobeuren and Mindelburg Castle in Mindelheim. Kirchheim’s Fugger Castle features the world-famous Cedar Hall. The former Imperial Charterhouse in Buxheim is known for its choir stalls. Today, in the monastery’s east wing, the Sebastian Kneipp Museum documents the life and work of the famous priest through more than 2,000 exhibits. These examples show the diversity of cultural attractions across the wider destination.

The Unterallgäu also offers plenty for nature lovers and walkers: Benninger Ried is easy to explore on foot and has its own educational trail and viewing platform. In Bad Grönenbach, a 3.2-kilometre forest discovery trail introduces visitors to the forest ecosystem. The Buxheim Forest Discovery Trail runs for 2.7 kilometres around Buxheimer Weiher and is designed to let visitors experience nature with all their senses. In the Bannwald forest in Ottobeuren, eleven stations lead along another forest discovery trail. Cycle and walking routes throughout the district are signposted uniformly; there are also the Glückswege trails.

One seasonal culinary highlight is the Culinary Mile in Bad Wörishofen. It takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn, and offers freshly prepared food at numerous tasting stalls. Check the specific event dates when planning your trip.

When choosing your holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on: should your stay centre on Westerheim, its chapels, the Günztal and local cycle routes, or would you prefer to include a wider range of places of interest across the Unterallgäu in your travel plans? This can help you choose a location that suits the interests of your group.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stetten, Memmingerberg, Tussenhausen, Boos, Niederrieden, Woringen, Ettringen, Dirlewang

Go to the wider travel overview: Unterallgäu.