In the Ampertal (Amper Valley) area of Upper Bavaria, in the Dachau District, are the eight districts of Haimhausen, making it quite close to Munich — making a quick trip over easy enough.
Or, you could just stay here for a few days, then make your way around to many of the local sights in the region while staying in this quiet town.
As I mentioned, Haimhausen lies in the Dachau District, making it convenient enough to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp. The camp, originally opened to house political prisoners in 1933, is now a memorial site and museum of sorts.
It’s never easy to transition from something so somber, so will you settle on solemn? There are a number of old churches here in Haimhausen, like the Church of Sankt Martin, a grand Romanesque church from the 13th century in the village of Amperpettenbach. I really like the Chapel of St. Andrew, a tiny white 19th century building.
There’s also the Church of Sts. Jacob & Stephan, originally built in the last years of the 15th century in the village of Ottershausen — the same village that houses a mausoleum of the Hainel Family, a local ruling family from long ago. And in Westerndorf, it’s a blend of late-Gothic and 18th century architecture at the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul.
It is, however, the Parish Church of St. Nicholas that everyone seems to notice. Why not, it’s a wonderful Gothic church that deserves lots of attention. There’s a whole nature conservation area, so please be kind to the environment while you’re out and about here.
The gorgeous Upper Bavarian countryside also deserves some attention. The Amper-Auenlandschaft is a flood plain where you’ll find rare plants and animals, pretty ponds, and beautiful bogs.
I could tell you to come to Haimhausen’s Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum), with exhibits on everything from household goods to furniture. I can’t, however, tell you to go see Schloss Haimhausen. The old Rococo castle isn’t open to the public anymore, it’s now a Business School.
Oh well, I guess it’s off to the nearby Beer Garden in Mariabrunn instead. It’s been called one of the most beautiful beer gardens, so why ever not? Is there any better place to end a grand day sightseeing around Haimhausen and its environs? ;-)