Things To Do
in Schongau
Schongau is a picturesque Bavarian town set along the Lech river, renowned for its well-preserved medieval center and red-tiled rooftops. It offers a compact, walkable old town complemented by easy access to the surrounding Alpine foothills. Visitors enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine, quaint shops, and scenic river views, making it an excellent base for day trips into the Ammergauer Alps.
Across seasons, Schongau delivers authentic Bavarian charm with a fairy-tale atmosphere and cozy inns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Schongau and settle into your charming riverside guesthouse. The crisp Bavarian air and medieval architecture immediately set a fairytale tone. You wander through narrow lanes lined with colorful facades and historic towers.
After a leisurely lunch at a riverside café, you join a guided walking tour of the Old Town. The guide shares legends of siege warfare and the city’s imperial past. You pause at the Fischertor gate to admire the stone carvings up close.
As dusk falls, you dine on hearty Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) at a cozy tavern. A local wheat beer pairs perfectly with warm pretzels. You finish the night with a peaceful stroll along the illuminated town walls overlooking the Lech River.
You set out early for a hike along the dramatic Lech Gorge, the only wild river landscape in Bavaria. The trail winds through towering limestone cliffs and lush conifer forests. You pause on wooden bridges to marvel at the turquoise waters surging below.
A picnic lunch by a hidden waterfall rewards your morning efforts. You spend time photographing the swirling eddies and rare plants clinging to rock faces. Then you continue upstream, breathing in the scent of pine and damp stone.
Back in town, you relax your muscles in a traditional sauna at your guesthouse. A refreshing dip in the wellness pool follows. Later, you enjoy a light dinner of fresh salad and locally cured sausages.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Two-person mid-range dinner | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🥖Bakery item | $2-5 |
| 🏨Night in a mid-range hotel | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with well-preserved historic center
- Rich Bavarian culture and cuisine; easy day trips to the Alps
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Can be touristy in peak season, with higher prices
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Schongau
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic gate and square with half-timbered houses and market life.
Iconic church with views from the tower (if open) over the town.
Water reflections and bridges along the river create classic Bavarian scenes.
Remnants of the town walls offering atmospheric sunset shots.
Food in Schongau
Schongau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roasted pork with crackling, typically served with dumplings and gravy.
Must-Try!
Cheesy noodles topped with crispy onions.
White sausage with pretzel and sweet mustard, often enjoyed with a beer.
Dark rye bread with a soft Bavarian cheese spread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the old town square offering fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties.
Pretzels, sausages, and roasted chestnuts available seasonally around the town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Timeliness is valued; arrive on time for appointments and meals.
Greet with a friendly hello (Hallo) and a handshake in formal settings; eye contact is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Schongau
Ensure a smooth experience
Round up at restaurants to the nearest euro or leave around 5-10% for good service.
Cash is widely accepted; cards (debit/credit) are common in larger establishments; contactless and mobile payments are increasingly available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming meadows; showers possible; great for walking and photography.
Warm days; outdoor events and beer gardens; occasional thunderstorms.
Colorful foliage, cooler temps, harvest markets and cozy inns.
Cold with possible snow; festive markets and candlelit streets.
Schongau at Night
Hiking in Schongau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Family-friendly hill hike with panoramic views over the Lech valley.
Gentle river-side path along the Lech suitable for easy day walks.
A range of trails with alpine scenery within driving distance.
Airports
How to reach Schongau by plane.
Major international hub about 1.5-2 hours by car or rail from Schongau.
Smaller regional airport about 1-1.5 hours away by car.
Another option about 2-2.5 hours away by road/rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant residents with Bavarian traditions.
Visitors from Germany and abroad who explore the town and the nearby Alps.
A mix of long-term residents and visitors enjoying the scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals and fans; local clubs and community leagues.
In winter, nearby Alps offer snow sports.
Extensive cycling routes around the Lech valley and the Alps foothills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schongau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bavarian dishes can be adapted; look for cheese-based dishes, mushroom ragouts, salads, and sides like dumplings or potatoes.