Rückholz: Ponds, Village Traditions and Allgäu Cheese

Rückholz combines a landscape shaped by ponds and lakes with village life rich in tradition and regional cheese products. Many small bodies of water lie around the village and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. You can choose different focuses for your stay: time by the water, insights into village culture, or a look at agriculture and its products.

Ponds and Lakes Around Rückholz

The Grundweiher at the entrance to the village is suitable for swimming, walking and relaxing. It also offers views of nature and the mountains. The Schwaltenweiher also offers opportunities for swimming, walking and relaxing; it is a large reservoir. If you prefer fishing by the water, the Luimooser Weiher is a popular pond for swimming and fishing.

Each body of water has its own character. The Trollweiher is a marginal glacial lake with an area of about 7.7 hectares. The Neuweiher is a former glacial lake surrounded by forests, fields and meadows. Tranquillity takes centre stage at the Schönewaldweiher: it lies a little way from the village centre and offers a place to rest and unwind.

If you like to spend your holiday outdoors, you can explore the landscape of ponds on foot or by bicycle. For a day of swimming, consider the Grundweiher, the Schwaltenweiher or the Luimooser Weiher; for a quieter visit, the Schönewaldweiher is another option. These differences can help you choose outings to suit your interests.

Village Culture Throughout the Seasons

St. George’s Parish Church is documented as a church as early as 1465. In 1719, its choir was enlarged to its present size and a new altar was erected. The altar’s design is attributed to the workshop of Dominikus Zimmermann. The Mariengrotte, also known as the Lourdes Grotto, is also part of the village’s history: it was built in 1893. According to local tradition, it is believed to have powers to heal illnesses.

The annual calendar includes events with a variety of themes. Every year on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday, the traditional Funkenfeuer bonfire is lit in Rückholz. The pile of straw or wood built for the occasion bears a witch figure and can reach up to 30 metres in height. Bockbier evenings are also held every year during Lent, featuring plays, music, bock beer and party music.

From July to September, the Rückholz traditional costume association holds village evenings. In good weather, traditional dances are performed in the former schoolyard. The Advent market takes place every two years in late November and is organised by the Rückholz Flower Friends. Handmade and other self-produced goods, as well as food and drink, are highlights of the market.

Regional Products and Insights into Agriculture

Rückholz offers several points of interest for cheese lovers. The factory shop at the Käsladen of Milchverwertung Ostallgäu eG (MVO) sells Allgäu cheese specialities and other dairy products. The range includes Emmental, mountain cheese, hay-flower cheese, Rückholz lemon-pepper cheese, tomato-basil cheese and Alpspitz cheese. The Lipp farm cheese dairy at Stellebauer sells only products made on the farm.

Farm tours show visitors a dairy farm, petting animals and agricultural machinery. These insights into agriculture complement the village’s nature and culture offerings. Other places to discover here include Wald and Hopferau.

For the wider travel overview: Seeg.