The history of Sulzemoos is reflected in two different building histories: that of a former late Gothic pilgrimage church and that of the castle. At the church, its architecture and a later redesign shape its appearance; at the castle, destruction and reconstruction take centre stage. You can therefore get to know the town through its religious architectural history and the castle’s eventful development. The wider Dachau destination adds further natural and cultural attractions to these local themes.

The Former Pilgrimage Church of the Holy Blood

The former pilgrimage church of the Holy Blood is located at Brucker Straße 9 in Sulzemoos. It is a late Gothic hall church with a recessed choir closed on five sides. A recessed choir sits back from the hall; its five-sided termination describes its polygonal shape. In the southern corner stands a tower with delicate tracery, an octagonal upper section and a pointed spire. The church was redesigned around 1670/80, and its furnishings have been preserved. Its architectural form, furnishings and redesign thus tell different aspects of the history of the same building. Its former status as a pilgrimage church is also part of its historical character: the church combines its architectural features with the religious history of Sulzemoos.

The Castle and Its Eventful History

Sulzemoos Castle was destroyed by allied troops on 2 August 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. It was later rebuilt, but not to its former splendour. Today, the building appears imposing, without any refined architectural detailing. The castle’s history can thus be divided into a clear sequence: its destruction in the war, its later reconstruction and its present-day architectural appearance. While the church stands out in particular for its form and redesign, the historical event and its architectural consequences shape how we view the castle.

Nature and Culture in the Wider Dachau Destination

Within the wider Dachau destination, Karlsfelder See offers a different focus. The 58.2-hectare recreation area lies directly beside the built-up area of northern Karlsfeld and in the district of Dachau. The lake is used year-round for walking, jogging, cycling and relaxation. Those interested in a route rather than a lake area will find the “Lebensader Maisach” in the same destination: this approximately 2.5-kilometre-long trail follows the River Maisach and is accessible without barriers from Bergkirchen or Günding.

On Petersberg near Erdweg stands a Romanesque basilica built in 1104 and preserved to this day. The 200-metre-long sculpture trail leads through Petersberg Forest; a total of ten artworks are displayed at eight stops. The wider destination therefore offers different cultural highlights: a preserved Romanesque basilica with an early construction date, and an art trail that leads through the forest and features works at several stops.

Museums also offer distinct highlights. The permanent exhibition at the Altomünster Museum explores the history of the Order of Saint Bridget in Europe and its founder, Saint Bridget of Sweden. One example is the now-closed Altomünster Monastery, which had stood for 500 years. On three floors, the Dachau District Museum presents topics including settlement patterns, town history, guilds and market rights, crafts and trade, everyday life, festive customs and popular religious culture. The Dachau Picture Gallery has a different focus: its permanent collection features landscape and genre paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Discover more destinations

Hebertshausen, Vierkirchen, Karlsfeld, Bergkirchen, Dachau, Erdweg, Altomünster, Weißling

To the wider travel overview: Dachau.