If you’re in the mood for some medieval magic in Bavaria, you don’t have to choose between the touristy Rothenburg ob der Tauber or the university town of Regensburg. There are also quieter places that are less crowded and , on top of that , closer than the well-known hot spots. It takes just 45 minutes by train to visit this idyllic old town by the water. Perfect if you want to escape the big city for a day and long for a change from lakes and mountains.
Genuine old town romance
Photo: Albrecht Fietz/Pixabay
The old town in Landsberg am Lech is considered one of the best preserved in Upper Bavaria. Stroll along cobblestone streets and through winding alleys, past impressive fortifications until you reach the main square. Here, the Marienbrunnen fountain towers in the center, surrounded by colorful houses. Particularly striking is the town hall with its stucco façade, designed by Rococo architect Dominikus Zimmermann. He later became mayor of Landsberg am Lech himself and was thus able to move into the town hall he had designed as his workplace.
Dominikus was also responsible for St. John’s Church, which is considered one of the most beautiful creations of Bavarian Rococo. Another sacred highlight is the former Gothic parish church of Maria Himmelfahrt, which was later redesigned in the Baroque style. The 13th-century Schmalzturm tower is also located on the main square. In its shadow, market women used to sell lard, as it stayed solid longer here on sunny days. This is how the tower got its nickname.
From the Schmalzturm, the Alte Bergstraße leads up to the Schlossberg, where the Phetine once stood. This was a castle complex, but it was demolished in the 19th century. Today, the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche (Holy Cross Church) stands here. Until the 1950s, traffic on the Bergstraße itself was on the left, making it the only street in Germany where this has ever been the case. This was done for safety reasons, as the carters walked on the left side of their carts due to the steep gradient. Today’s one-way street also leads you to the Hexenviertel(Witches’ Quarter), which supposedly owes its name to a red-haired Munich artist who once lived and worked here.
Along the Lech to the Mutterturm
Photo: Jens Aber/Unsplash
In addition to the charming old town, the river is also an absolute must-see in Landsberg am Lech. The Karolinenwehr is a four-step weir in the river where the water splashes down bubbling. The weir has been around since 1364 and was used to power the mills along the river. Even today, there is still an old mill wheel to be discovered here, reminiscent of its former function.
At the edge of the Lech, there is also a small park where you will find the Mutterturm (Mother Tower ). Sir Hubert von Herkomer had it built in honor of his mother and married his wife there. It is connected by a bridge to a building that now houses the Herkomer Museum. The round stone tower with its pointed golden roof has a medieval feel, but has only been standing in Landsberg am Lech since 1887.
Landsberg am Lech as part of the Romantic Road
Photo: Albrecht Fietz/Pixabay
Further east, you will come to the Bayertor. It used to form the end of the third city wall and allows the salt road from Munich to enter Landsberg. It was built in the neo-Gothic style and is considered one of the most impressive and beautiful city gates in southern Germany. It measures 36 meters and is open to visitors from May to October. From here, you have a wonderful view over the old town and, in good weather, as far as the Alps. Since Landsberg am Lech is considered one of the sunniest cities in Germany according to the DWD, your chances are good.
Landsberg am Lech is located on the Romantic Road, one of the oldest and most popular vacation routes in Germany. It begins in Mainz and stretches 413 kilometers to Füssen. The Romantic Road attracts 5 million overnight visitors annually and up to 25 million day tourists to the towns along the route. Landsberg am Lech is undoubtedly one of these places that attracts visitors with its tranquil idyll. From Munich, you can reach Landsberg am Lech by train in about 45 minutes via Kaufering. You will need to change trains once before you arrive at your destination. By car, it takes about an hour.