Buchenberg can be explored through three distinct themes: the old St. Nicholas Church above the Glasbach valley, historic farmsteads and mills along a themed trail, and learning about soil in Wirlinger Forest. These offer different focal points for planning your trip: architectural and art history, historic sites, or a circular trail with learning stations.
Church and Local History
The old St. Nicholas Church in Buchenberg stands on the heights above the Glasbach valley. Its exact date of construction is unknown; much suggests it was built after 1122. The frescoes date from the first quarter of the 15th century. This means that two different historical dates are associated with the building: a presumed construction period and the period to which the frescoes are attributed. If you want to learn about Buchenberg through its local history, this is a specific point of reference for exploring its architecture and painted decoration.
Historic Sites and Soil Knowledge on Foot
The Historic Farmsteads and Mills Trail, designed by the local history association, runs through the Glasbach valley. Information boards point out former sites. The trail’s focus is on historic farmsteads and mills, and the places commemorated by the boards. This sets it apart from a visit focused on the frescoes in St. Nicholas Church: here, attention turns to sites in the valley and their history.
The soil education trail covers a different topic: this 1.6 km circular route leads through Wirlinger Forest and has nine stations about the functions of soil. Walk-through soil profiles complement the stations. This trail combines natural history with a clearly defined circular route, while the Historic Farmsteads and Mills Trail focuses instead on former sites. The two descriptions offer different points of reference if you are choosing between local history and soil science.
Stories at the Local History Museum
The Buchenberg Local History Museum invites young and old alike to experience stories with all their senses, be amazed, learn and enjoy. It offers another way to engage with local culture alongside the church and themed trails. While St. Nicholas Church draws attention to architecture and frescoes, and the information boards point to former sites, stories take center stage at the museum. The attractions therefore have distinct themes, without needing to be combined into a set itinerary.
Further Perspectives in the Oberallgäu
The wider Oberallgäu travel region offers other distinct attractions. Oberstdorf has 200 kilometers of hiking trails and nature trails. You can also visit the Heini-Klopfer Ski Flying Hill there; visitors can take the tower elevator to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower. The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Center is located in Immenstadt-Bühl, right by Lake Alpsee. The free-admission interactive exhibition there covers animals, plants, their habitats, and the special features of the protected area.
From Immenstadt station, the Nature Park Center is a 30-minute walk along the “Achis Wasserweg” themed trail. In bad weather, bus routes 39, 11 and 81 go there. Check walking times and bus connections before setting out. The Breitach Gorge offers another way to experience nature: visitors can explore it on well-maintained, secure paths, and there is an information exhibition at the entrance. As trail conditions can vary seasonally, it is worth checking the current situation before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Ahegg, Kreuzthal, Wildpoldsried, Altusried, Fischen Im Allgäu, Lauben, Balderschwang, Wiggensbach.
Back to the main travel overview: Oberallgäu.
