Vierkirchen: Nature Swimming Lake, Way of St. James and Leonhardi Ride

The Vierkirchen Nature Swimming Lake

The nature swimming lake was created in 2003 and 2004 on the site of the former sewage treatment plant. Visitors can swim in its soft, clear water and enjoy the local natural surroundings. Its origins and the swimming experience today go hand in hand: a former utility site became a place to relax by the water. Seasonal use may vary. The nature swimming lake is accessible only on foot or by bicycle; check the latest visitor and access information before setting out.

This access restriction is important when planning your day: you cannot drive right up to the entrance. If you want to make a visit the focus of an outing, plan to get there on foot or by bicycle and take the latest information into account. This makes a visit to the nature swimming lake a distinct option, separate from the town’s cultural and religious traditions.

Along the Way of St. James through Vierkirchen

A route via Ingolstadt, Pfaffenhofen, Scheyern, Jetzendorf, Vierkirchen and Mariabrunn to Dachau better connects the “Regensburg Way of St. James” and the “Munich Way of St. James.” Vierkirchen is therefore explicitly on this connecting route. In the Dachau region, the Way of St. James is continuously marked with the yellow scallop shell, the route’s standard symbol throughout Europe. The route and its markers give pilgrims clear guidance; nevertheless, check current route information and conditions before setting out.

The Way of St. James offers a different reason to travel than a stay focused on the nature swimming lake or a scheduled event. When planning, you can first consider whether you want to follow a pilgrimage route or mainly spend time in the town.

Pasenbach: exhibition depot and Leonhardi Ride

Since 1994, the traditional Leonhardi Ride with themed floats has taken place in Pasenbach every year at the end of October. These floats, along with several objects associated with the veneration of Saint Leonhard, can be seen in the exhibition depot at the Pasenbach association and cultural hall. Visits can be arranged by phone through the town hall. There are therefore two options to consider: experience the recurring tradition on the day it takes place, or view the floats and objects in the exhibition depot. If you want the Leonhardi Ride to determine your travel dates, check the specific event date before making plans.

For people travelling together, these different attractions make it easier to match everyone’s interests: the nature swimming lake, pilgrimage route and Leonhardi Ride each offer a different focus. When looking for a holiday apartment in Vierkirchen, you can first consider which one matters most for your stay. For a swimming trip, bear in mind that access is on foot or by bicycle and that seasonal availability may vary; for the Leonhardi Ride, the date at the end of October is key.

More to discover in the wider Dachau destination

The wider Dachau destination also offers distinctive nature and cultural experiences. Karlsfelder See lies right next to the built-up area of northern Karlsfeld, covers 58.2 hectares and is located in the district of Dachau. It is used year-round for walking, jogging, cycling and relaxation. This makes it a year-round place to unwind in the Dachau region, distinct from the local experiences in Vierkirchen.

Another cultural highlight in the wider Dachau destination is Petersberg near Erdweg. It is home to a Romanesque basilica built in 1104 and preserved to this day. The 200-metre-long sculpture trail also runs through Petersberg Forest, with a total of ten works of art at eight stations. The building and the art trail offer two different ways to explore the area: preserved Romanesque architecture and a sequence of artworks along a path. These places add to the picture of Dachau without replacing Vierkirchen’s own attractions.

Discover more destinations: Schwabhausen, Röhrmoos, Sulzemoos, Dachau, Weißling, Odelzhausen, Markt Indersdorf, Erdweg.

Back to the wider travel guide: Dachau.