On the famous Danube River in Lower Bavaria are the sixty-odd hamlets of Osterhofen. Within those villages are a few pilgrimage churches, which means the area of Osterhofen was on any devout traveler’s itinerary.
Not quite a pilgrimage church, the basilica at the Altenmarkt (Old Market) is one of Osterhofen’s main attractions. The basilica known as the Church of St. Margaretha is a great example of Baroque architecture.
It is also the Pilgrimage Church of Mariä Ascension in Thurdorf, the Pilgrimage Church Kreuzberg in Haardorf, and the mid 16th century Pilgrimage Chapel of Maria Zuflucht der Sünder that still bring visitors to the area. However, it is the St. Martin on the Angerbergerl that’s the oldest church in town, built in the Romanesque style in 1200.
Osterhofen’s Local History Museum (located on the Marktplatz) takes a more detailed look into not only its history, but many of the locally made handicrafts. But, this is Lower Bavaria and there’s more to do around these parts than just visiting churches and museums.
In the forest area between the Vilstal and the River Danube are many walking, hiking, and cycling trails. One is the Baroque Route, another the Danube Cycle Track. There is even an opportunity to take a horse and cart ride through this part of Lower Bavaria. Try it; it’s peaceful, calm, and a far cry from the hustle and bustle of any big city.
Of course, if wandering around the forest isn’t your idea of a good time, try visiting the Osterhofen City Park. It’s got a pond, a gazebo, a playground and hundreds of large tress that make a perfect shaded spot for an afternoon picnic. Take your time looking around; there are sculptures and artwork throughout the park.
If in your travels of Osterhofen you find you’ve got tired aching feet (which anyone over 35 knows what that’s like ;-) try walking in the Kneippanlage, a wading pool that’s also located at the Altenmarkt.
There’s enough around town to keep all sorts of visitor’s happy; with a few local guesthouses for anyone wishing to stay the night. In that case, Osterhofen should really be on any Bavarian traveler’s itinerary!
