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Allgäu

Kempten Allgäu

Attractions and Places To See around Kempten Allgäu - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Kempten Allgäu include a blend of historical sites, cultural institutions, and natural landscapes. As one of Germany's oldest towns, Kempten offers insights into its Roman origins and Baroque heritage. The region is characterized by the Iller river, surrounding Alpine views, and numerous natural features like lakes and forests. Visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions reflecting both its rich past and scenic environment.

Best attractions and places to see around Kempten Allgäu

  • The most popular attractions is Iller Cliffs near Riederau, a gorge that presents an impressive rock face on the opposite bank of the Iller river. This natural monument offers striking views.
  • Another must-see spot is St. Lorenz Basilica (Kempten), a religious building and historical site. This Baroque church, built after the Thirty Years' War, features a double-tower façade and a dome above the choir.
  • Visitors also love Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu), a historical site that served as the political heart of the city for centuries. Today, it remains a lively center of the old town with a medieval town hall.
  • Kempten Allgäu is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and cultural attractions. The area offers a variety of places to explore, from ancient Roman settlements to Baroque palaces and scenic river views.
  • The attractions around Kempten Allgäu are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 upvotes and 60 photos shared across various highlights.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Cliffs along the Iller

Highlight • Natural Monument

Very nice bike path along the Iller. Partly sunny, partly shady. Very easy to drive - ideal for families with children.

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Rock faces on the Iller loop

Highlight • Gorge

The rock face of the opposite bank of the Ille is an impressive sight.

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Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu)

Highlight • Historical Site

The town hall square with the town hall was the political heart of the small city republic for many centuries and is today the lively centre of the old town.

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St. Lorenz Basilica (Kempten)

Highlight • Religious Site

St. Lorenz Basilica (Catholic)
The foundation stone for the church building was laid in 1652 and the church and monastery complex were in use from 1670. The monastery received the baroque splendor that can still be admired today in the state rooms of the residence in the 18th century. In 1802, Bavarian troops occupied the princely monastery and the imperial city of Kempten, after which the monastery was dissolved and the St. Lorenz Basilica has been exclusively a parish church since then.
Text / Source: Kempten Tourism
kempten-tourismus.de/basilika-st-lorenz

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Herrenwies Pond

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful, quiet lake for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

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A very nice place behind the Erasmus Church, in the old churchyard there is also the Sankt Mang fountain. Furthermore, you have a beautiful view of the old patrician houses.

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Kempten residence with state rooms

Highlight • Historical Site

State rooms of the Kempten Residence
The residence of the prince abbots in the historic city center of Kempten, built in the middle of the 17th century, is the first baroque monastery complex in Germany. A tour of its state rooms and the magnificent throne room reveals the full splendor of the early Bavarian Rococo. Together with the St. Lorenz Basilica, the residence is an impressive testimony to the prosperity of the Catholic monastery town in this era.
A Benedictine monastery was founded on the site of the current residence as early as 750. After this was destroyed in the Thirty Years' War, the prince abbot Roman Giel von Gielsberg commissioned the Vorarlberg architect Michael Beer to rebuild the complex, including today's St. Lorenz Church, in 1651. The residence served as both a monastery and the seat of power of the prince abbots.
The lavish interior design of the living rooms from 1732 to 1742 is thanks to Anselm von Reichlin-Meldegg. The prince abbot was an extraordinary art lover and had the residence furnished in the early Rococo (Régence) style. The various rooms, the anteroom and the audience room, the day room and the bedroom, the guest rooms and the throne room allow exciting insights into the splendid era of the prince abbots between sacred and secular art. Strong colors in the interior design, artistically decorated stucco and high-quality paintings and sculptures leave no doubt that the state rooms of the residence are considered the high point of early Rococo in all of southern Germany.
Text / Source: City of Kempten
kempten.de/prunkraume-der-residenz-kempten-2067.html

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Hofgarten, Kempten

Highlight • Natural

The Hofgarten is a beautiful, well-maintained park behind the residence. On the lawn of the courtyard garden, many enjoy the sun on a blanket or on one of the many benches. It is a baroque garden located north of the Prince's Residence. The park consists of different levels of terraces, which in turn have a different size area. The Hofgarten is a total of 3.4 hectares. The orangery is a late Baroque building with forms of classicism built in 1780 as the northern end of the Hofgarten. Since 1963, the city library has been located in the listed building.

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Kempten outside staircase

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Kempten staircase
The outside staircase from 1903 provides the connection between the former abbey town and the higher-lying former imperial town.

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Mariaberg Country Inn

Highlight • Restaurant

A beautiful beer garden and a wonderful panorama

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Tips from the Community

Jani
June 29, 2025, Landgasthof Mariaberg

Great beer garden with extremely friendly service. Great!

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Since December 2024, the inn has been run by "Just & Ela". The food is delicious, the service is good 🙂.

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The town hall is a medieval, listed building that was built in 1474. Around 1,300 people are employed by the Kempten city administration.

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Sylv🏜
December 24, 2024, Kempten Freitreppe

The Kempten staircase of 1903 was one of the most important structural changes, as it became a symbol of the unification of the two formerly hostile districts of the Abbey City and the Imperial City.

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The town hall square with the town hall was the political heart of the small city republic for many centuries and is today the lively centre of the old town.

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The magnificent Basilica of St. Lorenz is the successor building to the old monastery church from the 8th century and is characterized by beautiful spaciousness and elegance.

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The court garden between the residence and the orangery is beautiful. An oasis in the middle of the city.

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The main protagonist on the town hall square in Kempten is, as the name suggests, the town hall. The listed medieval building dominates the square and gives it a historic flair. The inviting restaurants and cafés in particular make the former centre of the imperial city a popular meeting place in the old town.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in Kempten Allgäu?

Kempten Allgäu, one of Germany's oldest towns, offers a rich history. You can delve into its Roman past at the Archaeological Park Cambodunum, which features a Gallo-Roman temple area and thermal baths. The Baroque era is showcased by the magnificent Kempten residence with state rooms and the impressive St. Lorenz Basilica (Kempten). Don't miss the historic Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu), which was the political heart of the city for centuries, or the Erasmus Chapel and St. Mang Fountain at St.-Mang-Platz, Kempten, which offers insights into the city's eventful history through a multi-vision show.

Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy in the region?

Yes, the region boasts beautiful natural features and scenic viewpoints. The Iller Cliffs near Riederau present an impressive rock face along the Iller river, offering striking views. You can also enjoy the peaceful Hofgarten, Kempten, a beautiful baroque garden behind the Residence. For panoramic Alpine views, consider visiting Mariaberg, where the Mariaberg Country Inn is located. The Burghalde also offers magnificent views of the city and surrounding mountains.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The Kempten Allgäu region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for various activities. For running, explore trails like the "Iller River – Path Along the Iller River loop" or the "Stadtweiher Kempten – Kempten Town Pond loop." Hikers can enjoy waterfall hikes such as the "Speckbach Waterfall loop" or mountain hikes like the "Niedersonthofen Waterfall – Stoffelberg Summit loop." Many of these routes are accessible from Kempten and can be found in guides like Running Trails around Kempten Allgäu, Waterfall hikes around Kempten Allgäu, and Mountain Hikes around Kempten Allgäu.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Kempten Allgäu?

Absolutely! Many attractions in Kempten Allgäu are suitable for families. The Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu) is a lively hub with cafes. The Hofgarten, Kempten, a beautiful park, is perfect for picnics and relaxation. Natural spots like the Herrenwies Pond and the Iller River, with its bike path, offer great opportunities for outdoor family fun. The Archaeological Park Cambodunum also provides an engaging way for children to learn about Roman history.

What is the best time to visit Kempten Allgäu for outdoor activities?

The Kempten Allgäu region is beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) are generally ideal. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and trails are typically clear. Summer offers lush green landscapes and opportunities for activities around lakes, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter provides opportunities for winter sports, though some trails might be less accessible.

What cultural sites and museums are available in Kempten?

Kempten offers several cultural sites and museums. The Kempten Museum in the Zumsteinhaus provides a comprehensive journey through Kempten's 2,000-year history. The Showroom Erasmuskapelle at St.-Mang-Platz brings the city's past to life with a multi-vision show. For insights into medieval times, visit the Allgäu Castle Museum at Burghalde. The Kempten Art Hall also hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

Are there any accessible paths or attractions for visitors with mobility needs?

While specific accessibility details vary, the Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu) is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a central and lively experience. The König Ludwig Bridge (Iller Bridge) is also listed as wheelchair accessible. Many city squares and pedestrian zones in the old town are generally flat and easy to navigate. For detailed information on specific attractions, it's advisable to check with Kempten Tourism directly.

Where can I find cafes, pubs, or accommodation near the attractions?

Kempten's city center, particularly around the Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu) and the pedestrian zone in the old town, is rich with cafes and restaurants. You'll find numerous options for dining and refreshments within walking distance of historical sites like St. Lorenz Basilica and the Residence. For accommodation, the city center offers various hotels and guesthouses, providing convenient access to most attractions. The Mariaberg Country Inn also offers dining with scenic views.

What do visitors enjoy most about Kempten Allgäu?

Visitors to Kempten Allgäu particularly appreciate the blend of rich history and stunning natural beauty. The impressive rock face of the Iller Cliffs near Riederau is often highlighted as a breathtaking sight. The grandeur of the St. Lorenz Basilica (Kempten) and the historical significance of the Town Hall Square Kempten (Allgäu) are also highly rated. The komoot community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 800 upvotes across various highlights, indicating a strong appreciation for both the historical landmarks and the scenic outdoor experiences.

Are there any less crowded or hidden natural gems to discover?

While many attractions are popular, you can find quieter spots. The Iller River itself, beyond the main viewpoints, offers peaceful stretches for walks or cycling along its banks. The Stadtweiher Kempten, a city pond, provides a tranquil setting for a stroll. Exploring the various charming squares like Kornhausplatz and Stiftsplatz, each with unique historical significance and often featuring fountains, can also offer a more relaxed experience away from the main tourist hubs.

Can I find cycling routes that pass by some of the attractions?

Yes, Kempten Allgäu is very cyclist-friendly. A very nice bike path runs along the Iller River, which can take you past natural sights like the Cliffs along the Iller and the König Ludwig Bridge (Iller Bridge). Many city routes also connect historical sites, allowing you to explore Kempten's heritage on two wheels. You can find detailed cycling routes in komoot guides for the region.

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Most popular attractions around Kempten Allgäu

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