Rückholz: Ponds, Cheese and Village Traditions

Ponds and lakes around Rückholz

There are many small ponds and lakes in the area around Rückholz, reachable on foot or by bicycle. The Trollweiher near Rückholz is a glacial-edge lake covering approximately 7.7 hectares. The Neuweiher is a former glacial lake, surrounded by forests, fields and meadows. These two bodies of water alone illustrate different features: the Trollweiher is notable for how it was formed and its approximate area, while the Neuweiher is distinguished by its surrounding landscape.

Swimming, walking and unwinding

The Grundweiher at the entrance to Rückholz is suitable for swimming, walking and relaxing, and offers views of nature and the mountains. The Schönewaldweiher lies a little way from the village centre and provides a peaceful place to relax and unwind. The Schwaltenweiher is a large reservoir that is also suitable for swimming, walking and relaxing. The Luimooser Weiher near Rückholz is known as a popular swimming and fishing pond. The bodies of water described here each have a different focus: in addition to opportunities for swimming and walking, the Luimooser Weiher also offers fishing, while the Schönewaldweiher is described primarily as a peaceful retreat.

Church and Marian grotto

The parish church of St. George is documented as a church in Rückholz as early as 1465. In 1719, its choir was enlarged to its present size and a new altar was erected. The altar’s design is attributed to the workshop of Dominikus Zimmermann. These dates mark different stages in the church’s history: the early record of the church and later changes to the building and its furnishings.

Another historic place to visit is the Marian grotto, also known as the Lourdes Grotto, built in Rückholz in 1893. According to local tradition, it is believed to have healing powers.

Traditions throughout the year

Every year on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday, the traditional Funkenfeuer bonfire is lit in Rückholz. A pyre of straw or wood is built with a witch figure on top; it can reach up to 30 metres in height. Bockbier evenings are also held every year during Lent. The programme includes plays, music, Bock beer and party music; the specific arrangements may vary.

Between July and September, the Rückholz traditional costume association hosts village evenings. In good weather, traditional dances are performed in the former schoolyard. The Advent market, organised by the Blumenfreunde Rückholz every two years at the end of November, offers handmade and other locally made goods, as well as food and drink. Check the specific market dates before your trip; the offerings may vary from one edition to the next.

Cheese and insights into farming

The Käsladen shop of Milchverwertung Ostallgäu eG (MVO) in Rückholz sells Allgäu cheese specialities and other dairy products through its factory shop. The varieties listed include Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Heublumenkäse, Rückholzer Zitronen-Pfeffer-Käse, Tomate-Basilikum-Käse and Alpspitzkäse. Availability at the factory shop may change. The Hofkäserei Lipp at Stellebauer in Rückholz sells exclusively products made on site; sales details may change here, too.

Farm tours in Rückholz showcase a dairy farm, petting animals and agricultural machinery. Dates and registration details may vary, so it is a good idea to check them in advance. The tours complement the cheese offerings with an insight into farming, without requiring a particular programme or a set date.

Winter sports in the wider Ostallgäu destination

In the wider Ostallgäu destination, the Alpspitzbahn Nesselwang provides access to the ski run around the 1,575-metre-high Alpspitz. The ski area offers family-friendly slopes and a children’s ski area. Operating conditions may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Hopferau.

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