When the church St. Peter and Paul was built, it had already been praised as "one of the most beautiful churches in Swabia". Today it has totally surpassed the borders of Swabia. Not only tourists but also thousands of pilgrams pay a visit to the church which shows how famous it has become. Steinhausen is known as a masterpiece of southern Germany's rococo period which has been captivating its visitors with its vitality and festive atmosphere.
The first chapel is said to be built towards the end of the 12th century. Already in 1275, both Steinhausen and Muttensweiler were mentioned in the chronicle as correlating parishes. The name "Our Beloved Lady" first appeared in 1283. The Steinhausen pilgrimage has never been part of the most famous ones and was more of a regional significance. Nevertheless, the number of pilgrims grew excessively on special holidays; especially on the Friday after the Ascention Day, on the "Dillinger Friday", that was when several thousands of pilgrims arrived.
In the years 1727 to 1733, abbot Didacus Ströbele of the monastery Bad Schussenried instructed the Dominikus brothers (architects and plasterer) and Johann Baptist Zimmermann (fresco painter), to build the pilgrimage church in Steinhausen. Until today this church is known as “the most beautiful village church of the world”.
The significance of the church in Steinhausen is great. It is however not listed if Steinhausen is referred to as precursor of the “Wies-Kirche”. The church in Steinhausen is the first one that has an oval outline including a free-pillar-construction. By constructing the church in Steinhausen, Dominicus Zimmermann would have become one of the leading German architects of the baroque age. D. Zimmermann created the genious connection between a free-pillar-constructed hall and an oval central structure before Johann Michael Fischer and Balthasar Neumann did.
The journey is the reward
You can notice them from far, the Jacobean pilgrims who are hiking on historical trails through Upper Swabia. With the scallop shell on their rucksack they cross towns and landscapes, woods and meadows, on their long way to Santiage de Compostela where they find the grave of the Holy Jacob. Whoever does not feel fit enough to do the complete pilgrimage but still wants to give it a try, can find inspiration and interaction on a scenic stage of the journey. The path of St. James leads from Ulm to Biberach and Steinhausen to Bad Waldsee through Weingarten, Ravensburg, Brochenzell and Markdorf to Meersburg and the town of Constance. The route is marked with the yellow scallop shell and blue background. Many signs of the mediaeval pilgrims bear testimony to a ritual which sets people in motion more than ever. Who starts this journey will be rewarded with a lifestyle that frees one’s mind from the stressful everyday’s life. At least for the time of travel you may follow your own rhythm again.
More information: Oberschwaben Tourismus
Oasis of quietness for relaxation of body and mind can be found nearby in Bad Schussenried.
Delight in colourful flowers or enjoy one of the spa or chamber concerts.
Experience musical highlights in the late baroque Library Hall of the former Premonstratensian Monastery – known as one of the most beautiful concert halls in Germany.
On numerous forest roads and walking paths you will find peace and be able to recharge your batteries. That is where you will find relaxation for body and mind which is what is often lacking in our everyday hectic life
An eldorado for walkers and cyclists – that is what the region around Bad Schussenried is called.
Guided hiking and biking tours are on offer. A wide range of activities for sport lovers is also available.
A popular meeting point for sport enthusiasts is the “Radlertreff” with ex-professional cyclist Rolf Götz, stage winner of the Tour de France and other well known races.
Heavenly baroque
Churches, monasteries, gems – a veritable treasure trove of baroque sights and loveable features can be found in this holiday destination between the Danube and the Lake of Constance. Three routes with different characters are available: on the main route coming from Ulm you will find the pompous monastery libraries of Wiblingen and Bad Schussenried. Furthermore, you will pass the the former Benedictine abbey in Ochsenhausen, the basilica in Weingarten and the enchantingly beautiful village church in Steinhausen. The east route via Buxheim, Ottobeuren and Memmingen represents the Bavarian baroque variety. From the Danube valley through Upper Swabia all the way to the Linzgau - the western route introduces sights such as the Convent of Sießen, the castles of Meßkirch and Salem as well as the famous “Honigschlecker” in the pilgrimage church in Birnau. Opulent forms, vibrant colors and an architecture style that brings heaven to Earth: that is how the baroque is found in Upper Swabia – welcome!
The basic idea of the Upper Swabian museum village of Kürnbach which was founded in 1969 is the preservation of Upper Swabian farmhouses that could no longer be maintained in their original location. The only surviving building with a thatched roof dating back to 1664 is now part of a proper village consisting of 26 buildings and furnishings, all telling stories of how people have lived and worked.
Every year, visitors may be part of six handicraft workshops with rural craft demonstrations that take place. Furthermore, concerts, readings and lectures are on offer.
The Zellerseebad in Bad Schussenried, the natural lake Olzreuter See and the lido Steegersee in Aulendorf invite you on sunny days to swim and relax.
The Adelindis Therme Bad Buchau is a paradise for those seeking relaxation. It offers a great variety of differently tempered bathing areas. The bio sauna made of birch wood and the caldarium with a restful play of lights offer a gentle sauna experience. www.adelindistherme.de
The Sonnenhof Therme in Bad Saulgau is a thermal bath, a haven of peace and relaxation. www.sonnenhof-therme.de
The Jordanbad Biberach offers water worlds and large sauna facilities. The spa also offers a variety of whirlpools, an aroma pool as well as a thermal relaxation pool. Families may enjoy the water slide next to the thermal water pool. www.jordanbad.com
The Schwabentherme Aulendorf is a thermal and fun bath with separate sauna facilities. www.schwaben-therme.de
Active guests can rent e-bikes from the reception.
Daily fee: 15,00 Euro
