Exploration of Baroque and Modernism in Ottobeuren: Delving into Nature, Culture, History, Serenity, and Inspiration
Nestled in the picturesque pre-Alpine landscape of Unterallgäu, the town of Ottobeuren in Bavaria, Germany, offers a unique blend of history, art, and culture that appeals to visitors from around the world.
The town's crowning jewel is the Ottobeuren Abbey, a historic religious institution with roots dating back to the 8th century. During the Baroque period, the abbey flourished and gained particular prominence as one of the approximately 40 self-ruling imperial abbeys within the Holy Roman Empire. Today, the abbey continues to serve as a living religious community, maintaining its religious functions while also preserving and showcasing its Baroque heritage and contemporary art culture.
The Erich Schickling Foundation in Ottobeuren is a testament to this cultural fusion. The foundation serves as a meeting place of art and religion, hosting events such as image meditations, house concerts, and readings. The artist Erich Schickling, who lived and worked in Ottobeuren, is celebrated for his glass art, which can be found in many churches in Bavaria, including the crypt of the basilica in Ottobeuren.
The monastery complex is another significant cultural attraction, featuring the late Baroque basilica, excellent choir stalls, a Romanesque crucifix, the Imperial Hall, a theater hall, and the monastery library with stucco ceilings. The museum also houses the State Gallery, a branch gallery of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, which showcases paintings of the late Gothic period and high-quality works from Oberschwabian masters. In 2014, the Museum of Contemporary Art - Diether Kunerth opened, showcasing the art of Diether Kunerth and hosting high-quality special exhibitions.
For art enthusiasts, the town's cultural offerings don't end there. The monastery museum presents the history of the monastery with listening, smelling, and touching stations, offering a unique and immersive experience. The "Basilica Music" presents great orchestras and concert evenings in the Ottobeuren basilica, providing a musical backdrop to the town's rich history.
Outside the walls of the monastery, Ottobeuren offers a variety of outdoor activities. In winter, cross-country skiing with groomed trails is available when snow conditions are right. In summer, visitors can cool off in various nearby lakes or Kneipp pools in the area. The town also has a small, well-maintained spa area with Kneipp cure clinics and sanatoriums, where the teachings of Pfarrer Sebastian Kneipp, the inventor of "Kneipping", are practiced based on five pillars (water, movement, healing plants, nutrition, balance).
Hikers and cyclists will find plenty to explore, with trails such as the shady footpath through the Ottobeurer Bannwald and the "Glücksfluss Etappe" in the Iller Winkel. Golfers can enjoy a round on the 18-hole course of the "Allgäu Golf and Landclub e.V." with a view of the Basilica.
Ottobeuren's classic Allgäu cuisine, served at inns located near the market square, is another draw for visitors. The town's strategic location also makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby excursion destinations such as Memmingen, Kaufbeuren, Mindelheim, Kempten, Füssen, Lindau, Munich, Augsburg, or Ulm.
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Ottobeuren offers something for everyone. Maps and information material, including a "Top 10 Guide" with hiking and cycling tips, are available at the tourist information center, ensuring that your visit to this charming town is both enjoyable and informative.
- The Erich Schickling Foundation, a fusion of art and religion, presents a unique lifestyle experience through events like image meditations and house concerts in Ottobeuren.
- Visitors can explore fashion-and-beauty offerings in the local cuisine, such as traditional Allgäu dishes found at inns near the market square.
- For those interested in educational and self-development, the Museum of Contemporary Art - Diether Kunerth showcases contemporary art, providing insight into the town's cultural scene.
- Travelers can engage in sports activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, and golfing, or relax in local spas offering Kneipp cure treatments, all while enjoying the picturesque home-and-garden surroundings of Ottobeuren.
