In Irsee, churches dating from different centuries meet walking and cycling routes, as well as the Oggenrieder Weiher. This gives you several ways to shape your stay: around monastic history and art, a hike, or time by the water. The local brewing culture is another theme.

Churches, the Monastery and Remembrance

The Baroque monastery church was built from 1699 to 1703 and is now the parish church of St. Peter and Paul. St. Stephan, also known as the Upper Church, provides an older point of reference: it was built in 1486, and its church tower is considered a landmark of Irsee. The different construction periods offer a concrete starting point if you would like to focus on the churches and their history.

The Friends Association offers guided tours of St. Stephan and its church tower for groups of up to 15 people for a donation of 20 euros. Arrange the tour before you arrive. Behind the monastery church is the Irsee institution cemetery. It includes a Nazi “euthanasia” memorial and a memorial site in the former mortuary of the Irsee sanatorium and nursing home.

Art and local history can also be explored along walking routes. Inaugurated in 2015, the Art + Culture Trail leads to important sites and contemporary artworks, and conveys the history of the monastery and village. It is distinct from the village walking tour, which has 17 information panels and leads from Meinrad-Spieß-Platz to Oberes Dorf. Music is represented by the Balthasar Freiwiß organ in the monastery church, consecrated in 1754. It is considered a sound monument; since 1993, the Swabian Academy, together with the parish, has regularly held organ vespers.

Hiking and Cycling Around Irsee

The signposted Udo circular hiking trail runs from Irsee through Pforzen and Oggenried. At around 20 kilometres, it is designed as a leisurely day hike. The signposted Crescentia Pilgrimage Trail leads from Kaufbeuren via Bickenried to Irsee and continues to Ottobeuren; along the way, it passes through the idyllic “Hölle” footpath. The traditional Swabian-Allgäu long-distance hiking trail from Augsburg to Sonthofen also passes directly through Irsee. These trails differ in their routes and focus, and do not require you to choose a circular route.

For cycling, the “Valleys and Heights Northwest of Irsee” cycle route is another option. It is around 30 kilometres long and runs from Irsee via Blöcktach, Eggenthal, Lauchdorf, Baisweil and Oggenried, returning to Irsee. The approximate distance and the places listed give you a guide when choosing a route; this loop is clearly distinct from the hiking trails described above.

Pond, Brewing Culture and Local Traditions

The 1.4-hectare Oggenrieder Weiher lies at an elevation of 728 metres on the western edge of Irsee. It has a separate paddling area for small children. The pond is officially designated as an EU bathing water site; in 2021, its bathing water quality was rated excellent. Check the current water quality and seasonal conditions before swimming. The natural pond is partly bordered by trees and reeds and is fed by the Krebsbach. The stream rises at the Irsee springs and flows into the Wertach. Nearby, in the monastery forest, you can also find the Klosterweiher pond, with a pontoon and an insect hotel.

The brewery museum in Irsee offers an insight into the brewhouse and its copper kettles. Historical machinery, furnishings, documents, beer glasses and steins are also on display. The privately run Irsee Monastery Brewery still brews naturally unfiltered, traditionally made speciality beers such as “Urtrunk”. This describes the brewing tradition; it does not imply that tours or tastings are available.

Local traditions include the Maypole dance, which has been practised for decades. During the Bandltanz, primary school children dance to music; afterwards, everyone eats and celebrates together. This custom and the organ vespers offer a different focus from visiting the churches or touring the countryside, adding to the range of possible ways to spend your stay.

Getting Here by Public Transport

For travel to Irsee by public transport, the recommended route is to take bus 5, 6 or 7 from the railway station to the “Plärrer” bus station, then bus 26 to the “Irsee Kriegerdenkmal” stop. Check the current timetable before travelling, as bus routes may change.

For the overall travel guide: Pforzen.