Gilching offers several ways to explore local history: the Arnoldus Bell in the historic village church of St. Vitus, the SchichtWerk Museum – Time Travel in the Wersonhaus, and the Via Time Travel routes. The weekly market and the Art and Culture Week add regular market days and autumn events to these themes. When planning, the highlights vary by topic and timing: cultural history can be explored through a specific object or in a broader overview, while the routes combine history with exercise.
The Arnoldus Bell and Local History
The historic village church of St. Vitus in Gilching houses the Arnoldus Bell, one of the oldest bells in Bavaria. Priest Arnoldus had it cast in the second half of the 12th century and had his name inscribed on it. Its date and inscription make the bell a tangible testament to local history: both its medieval origins and the name of its commissioner have been preserved.
The SchichtWerk Museum – Time Travel in the Wersonhaus offers a broader perspective on the people who lived in the area. It provides an overview of Gilching’s past inhabitants and the artefacts they left behind. These are two distinct ways of exploring the past: the story of a single historic object and an overview that includes former residents and their legacies.
Via Time Travel on Foot and by Bike
The Via Time Travel routes let you explore Gilching’s history on foot and by bike. Three routes run through the municipality of Gilching, passing archaeological sites and geological formations. Along the way, traces of human activity and geological features offer different themes to explore. The routes are continually updated and expanded.
The cycling tour starts at Gilching-Argelsried S-Bahn station. The S8 line runs there in the direction of Herrsching and Munich Airport. The station is accessible. Before travelling, check current connections and accessibility information with the operator.
The Weekly Market and Autumn Events
The weekly market takes place every Thursday in the square Am Markt in the centre of Gilching. It offers regional produce and Mediterranean specialties. Examples include farm shop products, bread and baked goods, honey, and international cheeses. If you want the market to be a regular part of your visit, check the current date in advance.
Another event to consider when planning is Gilching’s Art and Culture Week. It has been held every year in autumn since 2015. In 2026, it is scheduled to run from 9 to 25 October. Unlike the weekly market, which takes place on a particular day of the week, the Culture Week has a set autumn date range. Plan your trip around whichever event matters most to you.
In the Wider Starnberg Destination
The wider Starnberg destination has its own historic sites and visitor conditions. Swimming and bathing are prohibited in Bucentaur Park by order of the lake shipping company because of the nearby shipyard harbour; check the current regulations before visiting. The Bismarck Tower near Assenhausen was inaugurated on 1 July 1899. The listed Feldafing lido is still largely in its original 1927 condition. As seasonal operations may change, check current opening times before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Bernried on Lake Starnberg, Starnberg, Gauting, Berg, Feldafing, Inning on Lake Ammer, Andechs, Herrsching on Lake Ammer
Back to the wider travel overview: Starnberg.
