In Kempten (Allgäu), different ways of exploring history meet outdoor routes: the Cambodunum Archaeological Park presents evidence of the former Roman town, while the Kempten Museum in the Zumsteinhaus tells the city’s story from Roman times to the present day. Churches, cycling opportunities along the Iller and Engelhalde Landscape Park complete the picture. This lets you combine cultural highlights with time outdoors.

Roman history outdoors and in the museum

The Cambodunum Archaeological Park is an open-air museum presenting archaeological evidence of the former Roman town of Cambodunum, in what is now the city of Kempten. It is laid out across three visitor areas: the Gallo-Roman temple district, the Small Baths and the forum with its basilica. The circular discovery trail, with 15 interactive stations, can be explored independently; a virtual reality app also enhances the visit. Roman remains and different ways of interpreting them are presented side by side.

The Kempten Museum in the Zumsteinhaus focuses on a different span of time. Across eleven themed rooms, it tells the city’s history in detail, from Roman times to the present day. While Cambodunum focuses on the former Roman town, the museum spans several historical periods. Visitors interested in Kempten’s development will find two distinct historical perspectives here.

Church architecture and interior art

St. Mang’s Church is Kempten’s oldest church and is now the city’s Evangelical Lutheran parish church. It was extended in the Gothic style between 1426 and 1428, when the tower was raised to its present height of 66 metres. The historical significance of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, by contrast, takes centre stage: it is considered the first major church built in southern Germany after the Thirty Years’ War.

The interiors also offer different points of interest. The Basilica of St. Lawrence features raised and partly fully sculptural stucco by Giovanni Zuccalli, stucco-marble panels by a “Frau Stuckhatorin” – probably Barbara Hackl – and frescoes by Andreas Asper. The building history of St. Mang’s Church and the artistic decoration of St. Lawrence offer different ways to explore Kempten’s church art.

City history through projections and soundscapes

At the Erasmus Chapel exhibition space, lighting, projections and soundscapes bring the walls to life. A multimedia show explores almost eight centuries of city history. The building itself also plays an important role. The presentation combines historical content with a media-based approach, contrasting with the archaeological exhibition spaces and church interiors.

Cycling and scenery within the city

The Iller Cycle Route and the Allgäu Cycle Route pass through Kempten. There are also cycling opportunities along the Iller, within the city and through the Allgäu countryside. Riders can choose from a variety of settings for their outings, from the urban landscape to the riverside or the Allgäu region.

Engelhalde Landscape Park is a rehabilitated gravel pit with a pond, wetland habitat and adventure playground. It is also home to the largest bike park in the region. The combination of restored landscape and bike park sets this place apart from the city’s cultural highlights. The Way of St. James from Munich to Bregenz is also relevant to the wider destination of Kempten (Allgäu): it passes through Engelhalde Park.

More things to discover in the wider destination of Kempten (Allgäu)

Remains of a medieval castle can be seen on the Burghalde in the old town. From here, there are unobstructed views in every direction: the Alps to the south, and the residence of the prince-abbots and the Basilica of St. Lawrence to the west. This viewpoint combines visible traces of the city’s history with views of other landmarks.

The weekly market at Hildegardplatz is also part of the wider destination of Kempten (Allgäu). Around 50 stalls offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, cold cuts, homemade pasta, plants, honey and other specialities from Kempten, the Allgäu, the Lake Constance region and Italy, twice a week. The seasonal selection may vary. At lunchtime, locals and visitors also meet at Hildegardplatz to enjoy freshly made Kässpatzen, among other things.

Getting to a specific tour

The “Kempten: In Kneipp’s Footsteps” tour is easy to reach by car or train.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wertach, Bolsterlang, Blaichach, Durach, Altusried, Waltenhofen, Rettenberg, Betzigau

Back to the wider travel guide: Oberallgäu.