Geisenfeld: Heathland, Art and Churches

Heathland and Trails

The “Nöttinger Viehweide - Badertaferl” nature reserve lies north of Geisenfeld and covers just under 150 hectares. It preserves a heathland landscape rarely found in the Danube lowlands. Signposted walking trails lead through the area. The landscape and trails give an outing a clear focus on nature, complementing the town’s art and cultural offerings. Please observe the nature reserve’s rules when visiting.

Art Trail to the Sensory Garden

An art trail through the town centre and the Ilm meadows leads to the modern outdoor artworks Green Man, Stork Monument and Statue of St. John of Nepomuk, as well as the Walk-Through Tree. The trail ends at the Sensory Garden. It brings art in public spaces and a garden visit together in one itinerary, without requiring a sightseeing programme with fixed stops.

At the Geisenfeld Sensory Garden, experiences for hands and feet sit side by side: barefoot paths cross wooden planks, pebbles and sand; fragrant herb beds are planted with lavender, rosemary and mint. These sensory details offer a different experience from the monuments along the art trail. When planning your trip, you can think of the natural landscape, outdoor art and garden as different themes to explore together.

Church History and Art

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary was founded by Count Eberhard II and his wife Adelheid. For centuries, it served as the monastery church of the Benedictine abbey founded in 1030. Its artworks also tell the story of different eras: the choir was decorated with late Gothic frescoes in 1516. Some of the paintings, which were plastered over in 1602, were uncovered again in 1971; the revealed frescoes are considered an art-historical rarity.

In the north aisle is St. Anne’s Chapel, with its late Gothic devotional image of St. Anne with the Virgin and Child. It is still venerated today in a small local pilgrimage. Another example of sacred art is the well-preserved Romanesque portal of the parish church of St. Ulrich in Ainau. It is one of the district’s most significant sights and is highly regarded by art experts.

Weekly Market and Museum

From mid-May, Geisenfeld has a weekly market featuring regional products and local producers selling directly to customers. This seasonal offering adds a glimpse of regional produce to the nature and culture themes.

The Hallertau Hop and Local History Museum offers a range of insights into history and everyday life. Its collection includes historic hop-growing tools, a shoemaker’s workshop, a general store and a smithy. It also features a palaeontology section, archaeological finds and regional traditional costumes. The collection is displayed in a reduced form; visits are possible by appointment.

Further Destination: Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm

In the wider destination of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, the southern district is characterised by tertiary-age rolling hills with gentle elevations and valleys. The district has well-signposted cycle paths in river valleys, as well as themed cycling routes focused on asparagus and hops. Many municipalities also offer themed hiking trails and walking paths for outings in nature.

The German Hop Museum in Wolnzach offers another perspective on regional culture. It presents more than 1,000 years of hop-growing history, displays old hop weighing slips and introduces visitors to the art of brewing beer. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether Geisenfeld’s own landscapes, art and cultural offerings will be the focus of your trip, or whether you would also like to explore themes from the wider district.

Discover more destinations: Gießübel, Vohburg an der Donau, Gerolsbach, Reichertshausen, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Wolnzach, Manching, Reichertshofen.

Back to the main travel overview: Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm.