Kempten: Roman History, Residence and City Walks
Accommodation in Kempten
In Kempten, archaeological evidence of Roman times meets the history of Baroque churches and the residence. There are also museums, long-distance cycle routes, pilgrimage routes and attractions such as the weekly market. The impressions you want to focus on can shape your choice of holiday location: those mainly interested in culture will find plenty of themed attractions, while those who prefer the outdoors can explore cycling and hiking ideas.
Roman History and City Museum
The Cambodunum Archaeological Park is located on the eastern high bank of the Iller within the present-day Kempten city limits. As the largest Roman park in southern Germany, it showcases archaeological evidence from the former Roman city of Cambodunum. You can explore the grounds on your own along an interactive circular trail. A total of 15 activity stations offer an immersive historical experience—a self-guided way to engage with Kempten’s Roman past.
The Kempten Museum in the Zumsteinhaus uses multimedia to explore more than 2,000 years of Kempten’s history. A particular highlight is the nine-square-metre city model, which is considered the largest city model in Bavaria created using 3D printing. Visitors seeking accessible exhibition spaces will find 580 square metres of accessible exhibition space at the museum.
Baroque Architecture and Historic Sites
The Princely Abbey Residence in Kempten was Germany’s first monumental Baroque monastery complex built after the Thirty Years’ War. Its state rooms include living quarters from the Baroque and Rococo periods; the throne room is considered a highlight of Bavarian Rococo. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is also part of the architectural history of the post-war period: it is considered the first major church built in southern Germany during this era and is now Kempten’s Catholic parish church. St. Mang’s Church, in turn, is Kempten’s oldest church and is now an Evangelical Lutheran parish church.
At the Erasmus Chapel exhibition space, multimedia displays offer insights into Kempten’s eventful history. The chapel was built in the 13th century as a cemetery chapel with an ossuary; access to the exhibition space is only possible as part of a guided tour. The Allgäu Castle Museum is housed in the gatekeeper’s lodge of the former fortress on the Burghalde. A knights’ hall, historical everyday objects, models, drawings and photographs offer insights into the medieval world of castles in the Allgäu.
Cycle Routes, Pilgrimage Routes and Views
The Iller Cycle Route and Allgäu Cycle Route, both long-distance routes, cross in Kempten. If you would like to combine your stay with a cycling trip, you can use these two routes as a guide when choosing your travel dates and accommodation. The city is also a point of reference for pilgrims: the Munich Way of St. James runs directly through Kempten. The Bachtelweiher is part of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route from Munich to Bregenz.
For a trip up Kempten’s local mountain, Mariaberg, Rathausplatz in the city centre can serve as a starting point. The Burghalde offers views over Kempten and the Alpine foothills. Altstadtpark lies directly on the Iller, on the site of the former gasworks near the Burghalde. These different places each have their own appeal—from an outing with a view to spending time by the river.
Market and Guided Discoveries
The Kempten weekly market takes place twice a week at Hildegardplatz. Around 50 stalls offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish and sausage specialities, homemade pasta and honey. The market is a great way to discover regional produce and a range of specialities.
If you would rather discover Kempten’s history on a guided tour, you can choose between the classic “Experience Kempten” city tour and themed tours. These are offered on scheduled public dates as well as for groups at a date of their choice. This lets you choose your focus: explore the Roman park independently, visit museums and discover the city’s architectural history, or follow cycling and pilgrimage routes. You can choose a holiday apartment in Kempten according to which aspects of the city are most important to your trip.
For the wider travel overview: Bavaria.
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