Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen: Culture, Trails and Nature

Culture and History in Bad Tölz and Wolfratshausen

The Leonhardifahrt in Bad Tölz is considered the largest Leonhardifahrt in Upper Bavaria and one of the most beautiful horse pilgrimages in Germany. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of spectators. The procession follows a set order along Marktstraße up to Kalvarienberg and to Leonhardskapelle. A church service with a blessing of the participants takes place there. The procession then circles Leonhardikapelle, built in 1718, twice before returning to Marktstraße. If you plan to attend the event, check the dates and the schedule for that year separately.

In Wolfratshausen, the city tour is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the town and its residents. It takes in historic buildings such as St. Andreas Parish Church, built in 1484, Humpelbräu and the craftsmen’s houses. The Wolfratshausen Museum offers a different focus: small and large objects donated by local residents provide insights into domestic culture, arts and crafts, trades, commerce and contemporary history.

The BADEHAUS Memorial Site in Waldram, a district of Wolfratshausen, also explores regional contemporary history. An audio guide leads visitors through the permanent exhibition or on a historic tour of the area. In Wolfratshausen, the Flößerei audio trail also introduces the old craft through audio and video files. These offerings take different approaches: town buildings, collection objects and media each address different aspects of local and regional history.

Themed Trails and Walks

The Benediktusweg is an easy, 2.31-kilometer themed trail from the information post at the monastery car park to post 12 in front of St. Benedict’s Basilica. Twelve stops present the teachings of Saint Benedict; QR codes and audio files provide further information. If you would like to compare another specific walking distance, Wolfratshausen’s Loisachweg is an option: this easy, 3.34-kilometer walk follows the Loisach and leads to traces of rafting, the Kastenmühl weir and the Floßlände. The stated walking time is 49 minutes. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The MeinBankerl-Weg starts in Wolfratshausen’s Old Town, directly in front of Loisachhalle. From there, it runs for about six kilometers to well-known filming locations from the series “Hubert und/ohne Staller”; an alternative shortened route is about four kilometers long. The two distances give you a concrete comparison when choosing between the longer and shorter options. If you would like to use an app for this, check its availability before your trip.

For guided experiences, the Klosterwege offer another option: they can be booked as a tour. The pilgrimage days are led and accompanied by trained and experienced pilgrimage guides from the Catholic Adult Education Centre of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen. Check dates and booking conditions in advance.

Nature, Cycling and Getting Around

At Blomberg, the discovery trail features stops for trying things out and solving puzzles, wooden telescopes offering views of environmental features, and stories for children. The trail is accessible from spring to autumn. At 19 stations, the forest adventure trail explains the importance of the forest ecosystem and invites visitors to experience the forest with all their senses. The Pupplinger Au borders Wolfratshausen to the north: this nature reserve has extensive gravel banks and pristine alluvial forest where the Loisach and Isar meet.

A road cycling tour to Walchensee starts in Wolfratshausen and runs via Bad Heilbrunn, Lake Kochel and the Kesselberg to the lake. The return route goes via Bad Tölz to Wolfratshausen. The route description lists the places and the course of the ride; road and access conditions may change.

For sightseeing by ExpressBus X970, the route connects Bad Tölz, the Isar Valley, Geretsried, Wolfratshausen and Starnberg. You can get off at various stops and plan sightseeing visits. Check the latest route and service information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Benediktbeuern, Lenggries, Schlehdorf, Münsing, Kochel Am See, Egling, Bad Tölz, Bad Heilbrunn, Icking, Geretsried, Jachenau, Eurasburg, Wolfratshausen, Dietramszell.

For the overview of the wider region: Bavaria.