Kempten (Allgäu): Roman History, Churches and Green Spaces

Discover Roman Times and the City’s History

At the Cambodunum Archaeological Park, Kempten’s Roman beginnings are presented in an open-air museum around the excavation sites. You can explore the park on your own: a total of 15 activity stations bring history to life for all the senses. Roman remains and an independently explored experience are thus at the heart of the same place.

The Kempten Museum offers another perspective on the city’s history. On its first and second upper floors, eleven themed rooms spanning different eras trace its development from Roman times to the present day. In the Erasmus Chapel exhibition room, Kempten’s eventful history is presented in a multimedia show; almost eight centuries of city history are covered there, and the building itself also plays an important role. The underground exhibition room displays archaeological finds, traces of fire and remnants of wall paintings. Two openings in the east wall offer a view into the ossuary behind it. Admission is only possible as part of a guided tour.

Churches and the Residence as Historic Landmarks

The state rooms of the Residence bear witness to the lavish era of the prince-abbots during the time when Kempten was a divided city. St. Mang’s Church is Kempten’s oldest church and is now an Evangelical Lutheran parish church. Its high altar, made of oak and lime wood, has stood in the church since 1906. The Basilica of St. Lorenz, meanwhile, is a landmark of Kempten; its lavish interior is well worth seeing. These places offer contrasting perspectives, from the history of the prince-abbots to a striking church interior.

Green Spaces, Views and Trails

The 12-hectare Engelhaldepark lies east of the Iller and has two adventure playgrounds and a large climbing wall. If you plan to use the climbing wall, check its availability in advance. The Way of St. James from Munich to Bregenz runs through the park. The Iller Cycle Path and the Allgäu Cycle Path also cross in Kempten.

On the Burghalde in the old town, you can see the remains of a medieval castle. From there, unobstructed views extend in every direction: the Alps can be seen to the south, while to the west you can look towards the prince-abbots’ Residence and the Basilica of St. Lorenz. Kempten’s Hofgarten also has its own distinctive character: it is laid out in the Baroque style and has terraces at different levels. On the edge of Stiftallmey lies the five-hectare Stadtweiher, created in 1494 on the grounds of the town monastery. In the city park, an octagonal music pavilion forms the focal point.

Markets and Regional Specialities

Around 50 stalls at Hildegardplatz offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, cold cuts, homemade pasta, plants, honey and other specialities twice a week. The origins mentioned range from Kempten and the Allgäu to the Lake Constance region and Italy. The selection may vary; if visiting the market is important to your plans, check the market days in advance. At lunchtime, locals and visitors meet at Hildegardplatz to enjoy freshly prepared Kässpatzen, among other dishes.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Suit Your Plans

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can prioritise the experiences that matter most to you during your stay. If you want to focus on Kempten’s history, the museums, exhibition room, Residence and churches offer plenty of places to start. For active days, the parks and the two cycle paths that cross in Kempten are further options to consider. When choosing a location, check which places you want to include and tailor your holiday apartment search to that focus.

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