Castles around Bad Buchau offer a unique historical perspective, focusing on ancient settlements and religious institutions rather than traditional medieval fortresses. The region, particularly near Lake Federsee, is notable for its archaeological significance, including discoveries of a late Bronze Age waterfortress. Visitors can explore sites that reflect 15,000 years of human history, from prehistoric pile dwellings to historical abbeys. This area provides a blend of natural landscapes and deep historical roots.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Great church, which belongs to the castle
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From the history of the city and the guild Saulgau, still called Sulgen in the Middle Ages, was surrounded by a city wall in the 14th century, into which 3 gate towers were built. Source and further information: https://www.dorauszunft.de/ueber-uns/geschichte.html
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One of the last remaining towers of the city wall. Worth seeing from inside and outside the city walls
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Collegiate Church of St. Cornelius and Cyprian", Bad Buchau 774 - 1776 converted from a Gothic church in the style of French classicism for the noble canonesses. Josef Christian from Riedlingen created the sculptures in the church, and Andreas Brugger painted the ceiling paintings in the choir and central nave. The church patrons Cornelius and Cyprianus still refer to the Carolingian tradition today. Adelindis, revered as a Swabian folk saint, rests with her three sons in the crypt of the collegiate church. Text / Source: Upper Swabia's sights https://www.oberschwaben-tourismus.de/attractions/stiftskirche-st.-cornelius-und-cyprian-b4c91cc6ec#:~:text=The%20Stiftskirche%20was%20not%20as%20Pfarrkirche%20built%2C%20but, and%20Cyprianus%20refer%20to%20the%20time%20of the%20Carolingians.
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Bachritterburg, Kanzach The history of the Bach Knights can probably be described in close unity with the genealogy of the Lords of Pflummern but also with the ruling situation in Kanzach. “Lords of Kanzach” are mentioned several times in documents from the 12th to 14th centuries. First it is Bernardus and his son Ortolfus who are named as witnesses in documents from Bishop Otto of Constance and Duke Henry of Bavaria and Saxony for the Salem monastery in 1169 and 1171. With the next mention in 1227, the Kanzach local nobility probably moved to Pflummern. Kanzach is subsequently a branch of the Pflummer family castle. In the document from 1227, Bilgerinum de Pphlumnar and his son Ortolfum de Cantza are named as witnesses. Bilgerinum (vulgo) Peregrinus, the knight from and to Pflummern (from the Chronicle of the Lords of Pflummern, Aloys von Pflummern 1795) is considered the progenitor of the Lords of Pflummern. This knight's seat was donated to the Reichenau Monastery by the then Swabian Duke Berchthold, who had his seat on the Bussen. He was later freed from this and given his own nobility. In 1180 Peregrinus was steward to Emperor Philip, the Duke of Swabia. Peregrinus is considered a co-founder of the monasteries of Salem, St. Gallen and Heiligkreuztal (written down by Father Bucelini, a well-known historian and Benedictine monk from Weingarten Abbey). After his father's death (1227), his son Ortolph also became steward (to Emperor Friedrich II). Text / Source: Municipality of Kanzach, Rathausweg 6, 88422 Kanzach https://www.bachritterburg.de/die-burg/die-bachritter/
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This is really worth seeing. Too bad the tavern was closed.
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Beverage tax for the city wall, Bad Saulgau The city fortifications were probably of poor quality from the beginning - also due to the notorious lack of money. As early as 1372, therefore, Duke Leopold III. the city the privilege of collecting a "wine fee", i.e. a kind of beverage tax, in order to be able to pay for repairs to the wall. The city's statutes also mention fines that anyone who breaks the wall has to pay. In any case, the Saulgau people seem to have had no confidence in the defensive effectiveness of their city walls. Because in 1641 the people of Riedlingen were informed on request, "... since the city wall had collapsed, one did not want to and could not defend oneself in the slightest." Text / Source: Tourist Information, Hauptstraße 56, 88348 Bad Saulgau https://bad-saulgau.de/tourismus/inspirieren/virtueller-stadtrundgang/qr-code-stadtfuehrung/katzentuermle-und-alte-stadtmauer/ Music school (old monastery), Bad Saulgau
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Beverage tax for the city wall, Bad Saulgau The city fortifications were probably of poor quality from the beginning - also due to the notorious lack of money. As early as 1372, therefore, Duke Leopold III. the city the privilege of collecting a "wine fee", i.e. a kind of beverage tax, in order to be able to pay for repairs to the wall. The city's statutes also mention fines that anyone who breaks the wall has to pay. In any case, the Saulgau people seem to have had no confidence in the defensive effectiveness of their city walls. Because in 1641 the people of Riedlingen were informed on request, "... since the city wall had collapsed, one did not want to and could not defend oneself in the slightest." Text / Source: Tourist Information, Hauptstraße 56, 88348 Bad Saulgau https://bad-saulgau.de/tourismus/inspirieren/virtueller-stadtrundgang/qr-code-stadtfuehrung/katzentuermle-und-alte-stadtmauer/
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The Bad Buchau area offers a unique historical perspective, focusing more on ancient settlements and religious institutions rather than traditional medieval fortresses. You'll find archaeological sites like the late Bronze Age Waterfortress Buchau, historical abbeys such as Buchau Abbey, and reconstructed prehistoric settlements at the Federseemuseum. There are also sites like the Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins and the Bachritterburg Kanzach Open-Air Museum that offer a glimpse into more conventional castle-like structures and medieval life.
Yes, while not abundant, you can visit the Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins, which offers a unique view of Upper Swabia from its tower during summer months. Another notable site is the Katzentürmle (City Fortifications) in Bad Saulgau, a preserved city tower that was once a detention cell and part of the town's defensive past.
Several sites are great for families. The Bachritterburg Kanzach Open-Air Museum is highly recommended, especially during 'Living History' events on weekends where you can encounter knights. The Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins also features a nice hiking trail around the Bussen that is accessible even with a stroller. The Federseemuseum, with its reconstructed prehistoric settlements, is also a fantastic family destination.
For ancient history, the Federseemuseum in Bad Buchau is a must-visit. It brings to life the world of Ice Age hunters, pile dwellers, and Celts, featuring original finds and an archaeological outdoor area with reconstructed settlement forms, including typical pile dwellings. This museum directly relates to the significant late Bronze Age Waterfortress Buchau archaeological site.
The region around Bad Buchau and the Federsee offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like 'Pile Dwellings at the Federsee – Federsee Nature Reserve' or 'Wobbling Forest, Federsee – Federsee Nature Reserve'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes such as 'Federsee Boardwalk – Cycle Path by Federsee'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide or the gravel biking guide for Bad Buchau.
While specific dog policies for individual historical sites like Bachritterburg Kanzach or the Katzentürmle should be checked directly with the venue, the Federsee Nature Reserve generally has specific rules regarding dogs to protect wildlife. It's advisable to keep dogs on a leash in designated areas and check for any restrictions, especially around sensitive ecological zones like the Federseesteg.
The summer months are generally ideal for visiting, as many outdoor attractions and activities are fully accessible. For example, the tower at the Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins is open for climbing from April 1st to October 31st, offering unique views. The Bachritterburg Kanzach Open-Air Museum is open from April 1st to September 30th, with reduced hours in October and early November. Winter visits might limit access to certain outdoor areas or towers.
Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty, particularly around Lake Federsee. The Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins offers a fantastic panoramic view of Upper Swabia and, on clear days, the Alps. The Federsee itself is a significant natural feature, part of a nature reserve, and offers boardwalks like the Federseesteg for exploring the unique bog landscape.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The unique perspective on ancient history, especially at the Federseemuseum and the archaeological sites, is a highlight. The 'Living History' events at Bachritterburg Kanzach are very popular, and the stunning views from the Bussen Pilgrimage Church and Castle Ruins are frequently praised. The community has shared over 330 photos and given more than 360 upvotes for these experiences.
Yes, you can find options for refreshments. For example, the Aulendorf Castle Brewery offers hand-brewed beer and delicious food, often with summer garden concerts. The Bachritterburg Kanzach Open-Air Museum also has a castle tavern serving good food. Additionally, the towns themselves, like Bad Buchau and Bad Saulgau, offer various cafes and pubs.
Public transport options to specific sites can vary. Bad Buchau itself is connected, but reaching some of the more rural historical sites like Bachritterburg Kanzach or the Bussen Pilgrimage Church might require a combination of bus services and short walks. It's always best to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information when planning your visit.
While the main sites are well-known, the true 'hidden gems' often lie in the deeper historical context. The archaeological significance of the Federsee area, with its prehistoric pile dwellings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), offers a profound connection to 15,000 years of human history that goes beyond typical castle visits. Exploring the Federseemuseum and understanding the ancient 'Waterfortress Buchau' provides a unique and less conventional historical experience.


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