Pöttmes: Gothic Architecture, Stork’s Nest and Circular Trails in Handzell

Gothic architectural history at the parish church

The parish church of St Peter and Paul has had its present form since 1498. At that time, it was enlarged and remodelled in the Gothic style. The tower was raised and given a tall spire; a large choir with external buttresses was also added. Inside, the church was designed as a basilica with a tall central nave and two lower side aisles. The building therefore offers a glimpse of both its exterior structure and the layout of the church interior.

The furnishings also reflect later changes: at the end of the 19th century, a neo-Gothic interior replaced the Baroque one. The Barons of Gumppenberg donated it as the church’s patrons; the neo-Gothic high altar was installed in 1896. The parish church underwent extensive restoration from 2022 to 2025. The work included restoring the roof structures and masonry, as well as historic stucco elements on the west façade. For visitors interested in culture, the church brings together older architectural styles, later neo-Gothic furnishings and a more recent restoration history.

Market square, gate tower and Three Castles Tour

The 9.4-kilometre Three Castles Tour, a circular hiking trail, starts at Pöttmes market square. The listed Pöttmes Castle and St John’s Chapel stand in the square. The market square provides a clearly marked starting point for the tour, while the two buildings offer specific landmarks from which to explore the townscape. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Another notable building is Pöttmes Gate Tower, also known as the West Gate. It dates from the 15th century and has continuously housed a white stork’s nest for decades.

Water, a sunbathing lawn and circular trails in Handzell

Mandlach Lake is in Handzell, within the Pöttmes market municipality. The Mandlach Swimming Lake recreation area includes a swimming lake, a sunbathing lawn, a kiosk and a children’s playground. This offers a range of ways to spend time by the water. Check the current conditions on site before visiting.

Various circular hiking trails are also signposted in the Handzell countryside. These offer a different way to spend your time from the named Three Castles Tour starting at Pöttmes market square. There is also a youth campsite at Mandlach Lake, managed by the district youth council and available for youth groups to rent. This offer is intended for youth groups and is not the same as a general campsite booking.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Pöttmes, your plans for the day can be a practical guide: would you prefer to focus on architectural history and the market square, or make more time for the swimming lake and the signposted circular trails in Handzell? If swimming and outdoor activities are on your agenda, take local conditions into account; if architecture interests you, the parish church offers a tangible link to the past.

For broader holiday planning in the wider Aichach-Friedberg destination, there are other options too: the Aichach-Friedberg district cycling map features 14 well-signposted themed cycling routes. The Paartal Hiking Trail follows the middle section of the Paar River from Aichach to Gut Schenkenau in the district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen and is 36.8 kilometres long in total. These wider-ranging options add cycling and hiking opportunities in Aichach-Friedberg to the picture of Pöttmes.

Discover more destinations

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