Geisenfeld combines a natural area north of the town with art in the townscape and a parish church whose history dates back to the Benedictine convent founded in 1030. In the Nöttinger Viehweide - Badertaferl nature reserve, which covers just under 150 hectares, signposted trails wind through a rare heathland landscape in the Danube lowlands. An art walk through the town centre and the Ilm meadows ends in the sensory garden; the parish church of the Assumption of Mary adds late Gothic frescoes and the devotional image of St Anne with the Virgin and Child. Nature, art and ecclesiastical art thus offer distinct themes to choose from during a stay.
Heathland and trails north of the town
The Nöttinger Viehweide - Badertaferl nature reserve lies north of Geisenfeld. It covers just under 150 hectares and is a type of heathland rarely found in the Danube lowlands. Signposted hiking trails lead through the area. Those looking to spend time outdoors can follow the marked trails through this natural landscape. Please observe the rules of the nature reserve.
Art walk through the town centre and Ilm meadows
An art walk leads through the town centre and the Ilm meadows to the modern open-air artworks GrĂĽner Mann, Storchendenkmal and Nepomuk-Statue. The Begehbarer Baum is also one of the stops; the walk ends in the sensory garden. This route gives the walk through the town and Ilm meadows a clear cultural focus and connects the artworks with a special destination at the end.
In the sensory garden, barefoot paths run over wooden planks, pebbles and sand. There are also fragrant herb beds with lavender, rosemary and mint. The different surfaces and herbs complement the artworks with a garden area of their own. Alongside sculptures and monuments, the art walk thus offers a sensory finale.
Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary: Frescoes and pilgrimage
Count Eberhard II and his wife Adelheid endowed the parish church of the Assumption of Mary. For centuries, it served as the convent church of the Benedictine abbey founded in 1030. Late Gothic frescoes were created in the choir in 1516. The paintings were whitewashed in 1602, and some were uncovered again in 1971. The uncovered frescoes are considered an art-historical speciality.
Another highlight is in the north aisle: the St Anne’s Chapel, which houses the late Gothic devotional image of St Anne with the Virgin and Child. It is still venerated today as part of a small local pilgrimage. The church’s history thus encompasses its former role as a convent church, its wall paintings and an enduring religious tradition.
Museum, market and ecclesiastical art in Ainau
The collection of the Hallertau Hop and Local History Museum includes historic hop-growing tools, a shoemaker’s workshop, a general store and a smithy. It also features a palaeontological section, archaeological finds and regional traditional costumes. The collection is displayed in a reduced form; visits are possible by appointment. Its themes range from hop-growing and crafts to archaeological finds and regional clothing.
In Ainau, the well-preserved Romanesque portal of St Ulrich’s Parish Church is one of the most important sights in the district. Art experts hold it in high regard. Geisenfeld also has a weekly market featuring regional products and direct-sale producers from mid-May onwards. Those visiting at that time can include the market in their plans as another seasonal highlight.
In the wider destination of Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm
At district level, the view broadens to include other landscapes and activities. In the southern part of Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm district, the landscape is shaped by Tertiary hill country with gentle elevations and valleys. The district has well-signposted cycle paths in the river valleys, as well as themed tours focusing on asparagus and hops. Themed hiking trails and walking paths can be found in many municipalities. These offerings describe the district and complement the local view of Geisenfeld with further regional options.
In Wolnzach, the German Hop Museum presents more than 1,000 years of hop-growing history. It displays old hop weighing slips and introduces visitors to the art of brewing beer. The district also offers guided tours of historic lanes, hop farm tours and herb walks. Alongside Geisenfeld’s art and church highlights, visitors can choose from the wider region’s own distinct themes.
Discover more destinations: Gießübel, Vohburg An Der Donau, Gerolsbach, Reichertshofen, Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm, Baar-Ebenhausen, Schweitenkirchen, Reichertshausen.
Return to the main travel guide: Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm.
