Böhmfeld combines a long local history with a range of ways to explore the town from cultural and thematic perspectives. The Herb Trail leads through the northern fields; the Way of St. James runs from Böhmfeld into the Katzental valley. In the parish church of St. Boniface, architectural history and works of art from different centuries stand side by side. Nearby, the Hohle Stein cave points to the Palaeolithic era. This offers different ways to focus on local history, knowledge of plants, sacred art and archaeological finds.

Local History and St. Boniface

Böhmfeld is first mentioned in the deed of foundation of St. Walburga Abbey in Eichstätt, dated 24 July 1035. In it, the nuns are granted the “possessions already held” in “pemminveld.” An early milestone in the history of the church followed between 1057 and 1059: the first church in Böhmfeld was built during this period and dedicated to Saint Boniface.

The parish church of St. Boniface was built in the 16th century and enlarged to its present size by Domenico de Salle in 1793. De Salle was the last of the famous Graubünden master builders in the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt. The furnishings also span different periods: late Gothic figures of the Evangelist John, dating to around 1475, and Saint Mary, dating to around 1520, stand on early Baroque side altars from around 1650. A painting dated 1760 depicts a view of Böhmfeld and its patron saints Boniface, Willibald and Walburga. The building’s history, altars, figures and painting each contribute their own dates—from the Late Gothic period through to the 18th century.

Herb Trail and Way of St. James

The Herb Trail runs through the northern fields of Böhmfeld. In addition to herbs, it also explores their magical associations. Those interested in plants will find a trail with an additional layer of cultural-historical interpretation. Guided herb walks are also offered in Böhmfeld. Check the latest dates before travelling if you would like to include one in your plans.

The Way of St. James offers a different focus. An information board about it stands in Böhmfeld by the Catholic church; the route leads from Böhmfeld into the Katzental valley. The Herb Trail and the Way of St. James can therefore be considered according to different interests: one focuses on herbs and their associations, while the other is defined by its route into the Katzental valley. The information about the two trails makes them distinct themes for a stay, without implying that they share a route.

Culture and Prehistory

For more than 20 years, the Kotterhof has been a regionally renowned cultural centre. It has hosted exhibitions, readings, theatre, cabaret and concerts. The cultural programme is currently on hold. If you are planning a visit for an event, check with the municipality beforehand for any updates.

Nearby, between Böhmfeld and Schambach, lies the Hohle Stein, an important Palaeolithic cave site in Bavaria. More than 100 years of research there have brought numerous objects and tools to light, as well as bones and traces of mammoths, cave bears and woolly rhinoceroses. The site adds a glimpse of the region’s much more ancient prehistory to its local and church history.

Eichstätt: Further Cultural and Natural History Highlights

In the wider Eichstätt destination, the Jura Museum focuses on fossils from the Solnhofen Plattenkalk limestone. The museum also displays the original Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx. Another cultural-historical highlight is Willibaldsburg Castle: Bishop Berthold Burgrave of Zollern had it built in 1355; it served as the bishop’s residence until 1725. Parts of the 420 m-long complex have survived, including walls and bastions, the armoury, the 63 m-long gate hall and the Gemmingen building with its two towers.

The 1,500 m² Bastion Garden is also located at Willibaldsburg Castle. The Hortus Eystettensis, destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, was brought back to life there after 400 years; visitors can discover many of its original plant species. Food is also part of what Eichstätt has to offer: several times a year, the Eichstätt Genuss-Wirte serve special dishes under the motto “Eichstätt kocht...” (“Eichstätt cooks...”), including hearty Altmühltal lamb dishes.

Discover more destinations: Dollnstein, Pförring, Kösching, Denkendorf, Wellheim, Eichstätt, Gaimersheim, Titting.

Go to the main travel overview: Eichstätt.