Beuron

Beuron is a village in the Sigmaringen district of Baden-Württemberg with a population of approximately 700. It lies in the upper part of the Danube valley, around 25 kilometres west of Sigmaringen. The villages of Hausen im Tal, Neidingen and Thiergarten are also part of Beuron, which is affiliated with the Donaubergland tourism association and is located on the Hohenzollern themed tourist route.

City Highlights

Nowhere else on the Danube will you find so many castles in such close proximity as you do near Beuron. It's as if the rocky crags were made for these mighty fortresses, which line up along the river like pearls on a string. The Bischofsfelsen rocks are a spectacular vantage point from which to look across the Danube valley and see the ruins of Hausen Castle and the still intact Werenwag Castle. From here, you can follow a ridge trail to another lookout point, Hohler Fels, which is adorned with a large white stone cross. If you love old castles, you will be in your element. With almost a dozen more ruins to see, you will feel as if you have taken a step back to the Middle Ages. But it wasn't only medieval knights who were inspired to build wonderful castles in this enchanting landscape – there are also some marvellous examples of religious architecture. One is the baroque Abbey Church of St. Martin and St. Mary with its magnificent side altars, ceiling frescoes and stucco work. Three kilometres down from the abbey is another: the Chapel of St. Maurus, which was completed in 1871. With its austere imagery and expression of form, it is representative of the Beuron Art School, whose influence spread from here right across the whole of the Catholic world. St. George's Chapel in Thiergarten is also unique: it is thought to be the smallest triple-naved basilica in Europe. And that fits perfectly with Beuron – where great things come in small packages.

Accommodation and Cuisine in Beuron

Beuron is a great place to eat out and the choice is much more varied that you might expect. You can enjoy Angus beef at Restaurant Gutshof Käppeler, or German, Italian and even Romanian cuisine on the terrace of Gasthof Steinhaus, which affords glorious views. Beuron's idyllic campsite on meadows by the Danube, still a young river at this point, is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Upper Danube Nature Park.

Beuron Archabbey is the centre of the Beuronese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries and attracts around 100,000 visitors every year. The baroque abbey complex is renowned for its remarkable historical rooms and large abbey library – and also for the wide range of seminars, spiritual exercises and courses that it offers. The abbey provides a scenic setting for people seeking a place of retreat and life orientation. A guesthouse is open throughout the year for individuals and groups. It has 43 guest rooms, some of which can be made up as twin rooms. In the attic are simple rooms that are particularly suitable for youth groups and pilgrims. The chapel, meditation room and lounge serve as places of tranquillity and prayer and can also be used for communal activities: Erzabtei Beuron

Activities in Beuron

The Haus der Natur (House of Nature) in Beuron presents a permanent exhibition on the geological history of the Upper Danube, local cultural history and the region's flora and fauna.

If you're a keen walker, there's an incredible choice of routes in and around Beuron. New signposts were added to all the walking trails here in 2012, so you'll have no trouble getting back to where you started!

Cycling is growing in popularity in the area around Beuron. As an eco-friendly activity, cycling makes a valuable contribution to low-impact tourism and is a wonderful way to experience the countryside and get close to nature. One of the most scenic sections of the Danube Cycle Route (Donaueschingen to Passau) runs through Beuron. The route, which follows the course of the valley, is ideal for families.

The number of people enjoying boat tours on the Danube has risen sharply in recent years. Although the Danube is closed all year between Fridingen and the railway bridge above Beuron in order to protect nature, there are various opportunities in the opposite direction. However, as the unpredictable currents do pose a risk, care should be taken and the current boating regulations must be observed.

The Danube Valley, with the characteristic limestone rocks of the Swabian Jura, is also a popular destination for climbers and mountaineers. Some rock formations in the Beuron area are approved for recreational climbing, others are off limits because of nature conservation. The latest climbing information is available from Beuron Tourist Information.

Hausen im Tal and Beuron are located on the Hohenzollern Route.


Contact:

Bürgermeisteramt Beuron (council office)
Kirchstrasse 18

88631 Beuron
Tel.: +49 (0)7579 92100
Fax: +49 (0)7579 921 025
info@beuron.de
www.beuron.de

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