If you divide the sixty square kilometers of Bergkirchen by its 26 villages you’ll get that each hamlet is (roughly) averaging just over two kilometers square. Scary that I tried to figure that out. ;-)
Regardless of how big each and every village is, Bergkirchen is rustic and quiet. Perfect for enjoying the many bicycle trails and hiking paths that criss-cross the Upper Bavarian countryside.
One particularly beautiful walk is along the Way of the Cross. You’ll find it in the village of Lauterbach, following along Oak Trees that have been here for the better part of three centuries.
Lauterbach is also where you’ll see Bergkirchen’s castle, known as Schloss Lauterbach. Its Renaissance appearance belies its medieval beginnings.
You’ll also won’t want to miss seeing the village’s St. Jacobs Church (built 1707).
Alt Günding has another old shire, known for its medieval St. Vitus Church.
As lovely as these two churches are, neither of them are Bergkirchen’s landmark. That title’s reserved for the Church of St. John the Baptist. This Rococo church’s high altar is splendid in all its marble, gold, and artwork glory.
Being outside is more important to some, so I’m sure you’d rather be at the Eisolzrieder See, a swimming and recreational lake. Near the sports area is the Bergkirchner See, another one of the town’s lakes.
During the winter, nearby ski lifts will give you the ultimate in frosty views from December to February.
Save the warmer weather for theater performances at the Court Theater, housed on an organic farm. Ohhh, good for the brain and the body.
One place you need to see while you’re in Bergkirchen is located just next door in Dachau, the Dachau Concentration Camp. Open from March 1933 to April 1945, the camp was operational the entire time the Third Reich had a fisted grasp on Germany. It’ll take you the better part of half a day to tour, and a guided tour of it really delves into its infamous history.
It’s no good to end a trip on such a note, so afterwards why not sit under the 700 year old Oak in the Castle Park for a spell?
If that’s not a great way to end your journey here, then I don’t know what is. ;-)