Gessertshausen: Art, History and Nature in Oberschönenfeld
Accommodation in Gessertshausen
Oberschönenfeld in Gessertshausen combines cultural attractions with a practical opportunity to spend time outdoors. The Swabian Museum of Folk Culture and the art forum invite you to explore history and visual art; the meditation trail leads through the Schwarzach Valley. Families can also enjoy the Christmas market, traditionally held on the third weekend of Advent, with its arts and crafts and hands-on activities.
Art and History in Oberschönenfeld
In 1984, the District of Swabia established the Swabian Museum of Folk Culture in former service buildings of the Cistercian Abbey of Oberschönenfeld. The former service buildings give the museum a tangible historical connection to the abbey; the year marks its establishment in the history of the town.
The Oberschönenfeld Art Forum presents thematic exhibitions featuring works by individual artists or groups of artists. Its range includes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video art and installation. The art forum also regularly displays works from the art collection of the Oberschönenfeld Museum. This allows you to distinguish between two different ways of exploring the art on offer: thematic exhibitions and recurring presentations of works from the collection.
A guided tour covering Oberschönenfeld’s eventful history can be booked. It combines a walk around the grounds with a visit to an exhibition afterwards. This format brings together an outdoor tour and a look at an exhibition—a fitting choice if you would like to experience local history beyond the exhibition space.
A Trail Through the Schwarzach Valley and More Experiences
The three-kilometre meditation trail leads from the Cistercian Abbey to Weiherhof, through the Schwarzach Valley and along the edge of the forest. Twelve wooden steles bearing short prompts connect the abbey church with the Chapel of Mary of the Seven Sorrows along the way. If you would like to pair a named route with brief reflections, this trail brings both elements together.
Near the playground in Oberschönenfeld, you can feed fallow deer and roe deer in an enclosed area. This is another specific outdoor activity alongside the exhibitions and meditation trail.
The Oberschönenfeld Christmas market is traditionally held on the third weekend of Advent. Local arts and crafts and hands-on activities for families and children are part of its offering. The market therefore provides a seasonal highlight alongside the cultural and walking experiences available throughout the year. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for your chosen year and arrange your travel days accordingly.
In the Wider Destination of Augsburg
The wider destination of Augsburg offers more regional options. The LandArt Art Trail Bonstetten is a 5.65-kilometre circular walking route, where the artist Hama Lohrmann personally explains his sculptures. The Augsburg district also has a well-developed cycling network. The Stauden, Holzwinkel and Reischenau regions are part of the Augsburg — Western Forests Nature Park. Westwood Alpacas offers regular alpaca walks and trips through the nature park.
Choose the Right Reason for Your Trip
When looking for a holiday apartment in Gessertshausen, you can start by deciding what brings you here: art and local history, the three-kilometre meditation trail or a visit to the Christmas market each offer a different focus. If the market is to be the highlight of your stay, the third weekend of Advent is the traditional time; check the dates for your chosen year.
Discover more destinations: Kutzenhausen, Ehingen, Schwabmünchen, Altenmünster, Welden, Augsburg, Wehringen, Nordendorf.
Back to the main travel overview: Augsburg.
