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Allgäu

Kaufbeuren

Attractions and Places To See around Kaufbeuren - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Kaufbeuren include a blend of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural areas. This historic town in Bavaria's Swabia region features a well-preserved Old Town with medieval architecture. The surrounding area offers access to natural beauty, including lakes and numerous hiking and cycling paths. Visitors can explore ancient city walls, significant religious sites, and various museums.

Best attractions and places to see around Kaufbeuren

  • The most popular attractions is Kaufbeuren Town Hall, a man-made monument constructed between 1879 and 1881. This impressive building was designed by Georg Hauberrisser, who also designed the Munich City Hall.
  • Another must-see spot is Crescentia Convent, a religious building. This significant site is associated with Saint Crescentia, who lived here and was the superior of the community.
  • Visitors also love Kaufbeuren Old Town, a historical site with a nice atmosphere. Its winding streets and medieval architecture offer a glimpse into the town's history.
  • Kaufbeuren is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval towers to natural trails.
  • The attractions around Kaufbeuren are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 470 upvotes and 213 photos.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Kaufbeuren Old Town

Highlight • Historical Site

Beautiful old town and lots of greenery in the surrounding area.

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The Kemnat castle ruins are located in Kaufbeuren in the Ostallgäu. The former hilltop castle was built in the 12th century. The high medieval keep has been preserved. In the 1980s there was an extensive renovation and the installation of a covered viewing platform from which you have a wonderful view. Access is free. On boards you will learn a lot about the history of the castle.

Already knew? The everyday name "Römerturm" has no historical meaning. The Kemnat castle ruins show parallels to the Helmishofen castle ruins, which are also located in the Ostallgäu.
Source: alpintreff.de/regionen/101468-Burruine-Kemnat

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Kaufbeuren Town Hall

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An audio guide can be found at Bayerischer Rundfunk in cooperation with students from the Jakob-Brucker-Gymnasium br.de/s/1mhCTXL

The town hall in Kaufbeuren, a Swabian town in Bavaria, was built from 1879 to 1881 after the previous Gothic building from the beginning of the 15th century was demolished. The town hall at Kaiser-Max-Straße 1 is a protected architectural monument.

The three-storey solid building with a hipped roof and rich stone structure was built according to plans by Georg Hauberrisser in neo-Renaissance forms, who also built the Munich City Hall. It has a two-story corner bay window with a tent roof on the entrance side. After a fire (by fire foundation), the roof and plastering of the former exposed brick masonry was renewed in the 1960s. At the same time, the natural stone structure has been simplified. A rearward expansion took place from 1969 to 1971.

Inside there are historical furnishings such as the large hall with wall paintings by Wilhelm Lindenschmit.

see also de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathaus_(Kaufbeuren)

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Five-button tower Kaufbeuren

Highlight • Historical Site

The city wall is attached to the tower. You can enter it free of charge after picking up a key from the information desk. From the wall walkway, you have a magnificent view of the city.

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Crescentia Convent

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A women's community has existed here in Kaufbeuren since the Middle Ages, according to the rule of St. Francis since the beginning of the 14th century. The monastery is named after St. Crescentia, who lived here in the 18th century and was the superior of the community for the last three years of her life.

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Nature needs space and here you can feel it. How you will be reduced to being human, simply an animal of many, nice that they and us exist - here you can experience it!

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Bärensee

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Beautiful lake with a variety of birds, a bike path leads right along the lake and in the adjacent forest there are many nice MTB single trails / forest trails.

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Castle Well at Burg Kemnat

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Old well carved into the rock, 80 feet deep. On the site of the Roman tower in Großkemnat

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St. Martin Parish Church (Kaufbeuren)

Highlight • Religious Site

The parish church of St. Martin dominates the cityscape of Kaufbeuren with its tower that can be seen from afar. The parish of St. Martin was first mentioned in written sources in 1308. Herrmann the Phaffe and Hainrich the Liutpriester of Burun, who were mentioned in 1240 and 1299 respectively, can both be considered the pastors of St. Martin. During excavations in 1978, the remains of four different apses were discovered in the choir of St. Martin, which date back to previous buildings. The oldest of the apse remains can be considered part of an early medieval royal court church, but the dating is not archaeologically certain. As an imperial court church, St. Martin was a fiscal church and was therefore only available to the royal administrators of the Franconian imperial court, which was founded around the middle of the 8th century. The patronage is to be seen in the context of Kaufbeuren's Carolingian period, as St. Martin is considered the house and court saint of the Frankish kings. (Source: Diocese of Augsburg)

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Irseer Waldbauschülerpfad Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Irseer Wadtrail is actually continuously drivable with S1-2 in dry weather. On our tour, it turned out to be S§ "pushing line" after days of rain. :-)

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Tips from the Community

Markus Wehnert
May 8, 2026, Crescentiakloster

Small monastery in the middle of the nice old town of Kaufbeuren with a great monastery garden.

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Kemnat Castle near Kaufbeuren features a historic well, originally located in the middle of the castle courtyard and now situated 20 meters east of the keep. The well is 26 meters deep and, along with the keep and the administrative building, was the only structure to survive the castle's demolition in 1804. The well is part of the ruins of Kemnat Castle, built in 1185 as a spur castle on a promontory. Although the tower is mistakenly referred to as the "Roman Tower"—a designation originating with the Historical Society of Swabia—it is in fact the keep of the medieval castle.

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Alex
December 27, 2025, Kaufbeuren Town Hall

While you're here, be sure to visit the Five-Knob Tower and St. Blasius Church (ring the bell at the house opposite to visit). For quiet contemplation, the Crescentia Sisters' monastery garden lies between them. (The garden is closed during the winter months.)

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Great trail. Not recommended after rainy days. Extreme mud holes.

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Like many undestroyed towns in the Allgäu, simply beautiful.

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1185 well carved into rock

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Built from 1871 to 1881 according to the plans of the Munich architect Georg von Hauberrisser

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Wikipedia (Fünfknopfturm (Kaufbeuren), 2024-12-24): https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fünfknopfturm_(Kaufbeuren) Wikipedia (List of listed buildings in Kaufbeuren, 2024-12-24): https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Baudenkmäler_in_Kaufbeuren#D-7-62-000-1 “Fünfknopfturm ... tower of the city fortifications, six-story, four-sided solid structure with a tent roof and polygonal watchtowers with tent roofs at the corners, on the eastern side a large, formerly open pointed arch, around 1420 ... belonging to D-7-62-000-1” Förderverein Fünfknopfturm e.V. (2024-12-24): https://fuenfknopfturm.de/ Cafe am Fünfknopfturm (Cafe, Bar, Restaurant, 2024-12-24): https://www.cafe5.de FACEBOOK (Cafe am Fünfknopfturm, 2024-12-24): https://www.facebook.com/CafeAm5knopfturm

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore in Kaufbeuren?

Kaufbeuren boasts a rich history evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture. You can wander through the Kaufbeuren Old Town with its winding streets, visit the iconic Five-button tower Kaufbeuren, a symbol of the city's fortifications, or see the impressive Neo-Renaissance Kaufbeuren Town Hall. The Blasius Tower is another notable part of the city's ancient defenses.

Are there any castle ruins or ancient sites near Kaufbeuren?

Yes, just outside Kaufbeuren, you can explore the Keep of Kemnat Castle Ruins (Römerturm). This 12th-century hilltop castle features a preserved high medieval keep and offers a covered viewing platform with wonderful panoramic views. Don't miss the historic Castle Well at Burg Kemnat, which is 26 meters deep.

What cultural institutions or museums are available in Kaufbeuren?

Kaufbeuren offers several cultural sites. The Stadtmuseum provides insights into the city's history, while the Kunsthaus Kaufbeuren hosts changing contemporary art exhibitions. For a unique experience, visit the Puppentheater Museum, which showcases European puppet theater. The Erlebnisausstellung der Gablonzer Industrie in Neugablonz explores the local jewelry industry's history.

Where can I find religious sites of interest in Kaufbeuren?

The Crescentia Convent is a significant religious site associated with Saint Crescentia, whose reliquary shrine is housed in its church. Other notable churches include the late Gothic St. Blasius Church, known for its 1518 altar, and the St. Martin Parish Church (Kaufbeuren), originally a Romanesque basilica rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style.

What outdoor activities can I do near Kaufbeuren's attractions?

The region around Kaufbeuren is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and cycling paths. For specific routes, explore easy hikes around Kaufbeuren, or challenge yourself on MTB Trails around Kaufbeuren. There are also many running trails around Kaufbeuren.

Are there any natural viewpoints or scenic spots in the area?

Yes, you can enjoy beautiful vistas from the Keep of Kemnat Castle Ruins (Römerturm), which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the Alps. Another scenic spot is the View of the Alps between Bärensee and Bachtelsee, providing picturesque natural settings.

What are some family-friendly attractions or activities in Kaufbeuren?

Many attractions in Kaufbeuren are family-friendly. Children will enjoy exploring the medieval Kaufbeuren Old Town and its towers. The Puppentheater Museum offers an engaging cultural experience. For outdoor fun, the Bachtelsee and Bärensee lakes provide pleasant natural settings for recreation, and the City Park is a tranquil green space within the city.

Can I find hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Kaufbeuren?

Absolutely. The region offers a variety of hiking trails. For an easy stroll, consider routes from the easy hikes around Kaufbeuren guide, such as the "View of the Alps – Castle Well at Burg Kemnat loop." More challenging trails, like the Irseer Waldbauschülerpfad Trail, are also available for experienced hikers.

What is the best time of year to visit Kaufbeuren for outdoor activities?

The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) are generally the best time to visit Kaufbeuren for outdoor activities. During these periods, the weather is most favorable for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty around the Bachtelsee and Bärensee lakes, as well as the city's historical sites.

Are there any unique local events or festivals in Kaufbeuren?

Kaufbeuren is home to the Tänzelfest, one of Germany's oldest children's festivals. This significant cultural event involves local children reenacting medieval life, offering a vibrant and unique experience if you visit in July.

What natural features can I see around Kaufbeuren?

Beyond the city's historical core, Kaufbeuren is surrounded by natural beauty. You can visit the tranquil Bachtelsee and Bärensee lakes, which are popular for walks and recreation. The broader Allgäu region, with its rolling hills and forests, provides a scenic backdrop for exploring the outdoors.

Is Kaufbeuren Old Town accessible for visitors?

The Kaufbeuren Old Town is generally accessible for visitors, though its medieval cobblestone streets might present some challenges for those with mobility issues. The Kaufbeuren Town Hall is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a good starting point for exploring the city center.

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