This medieval Bavarian town has a preserved old center with historic fortifications. Set in the Allgäu Alps, it's near Munich and the Neuschwanstein Castle.
Kempten, in Bavaria's Allgäu region, is Germany's oldest urban settlement with 2,000 years of history. Walk through the St. Lorenz Basilica to see its Baroque ceiling frescoes and gilded altar, or descend into the Erasmus Chapel to watch multimedia presentations about medieval life. At the Archaeological Park Cambodunum, you can explore the reconstructed Temple of Hercules and Roman bath foundations. The weekly markets at Hildegardplatz bring farmers selling mountain cheese and seasonal vegetables, while the western hills give you views of snow-capped Alpine peaks.
Walking Through Kempten's Central Squares
The Rathausplatz sits at the center of Kempten's old town, where the 14th-century town hall rises above outdoor cafes. Trees shade the restaurant terraces, giving you a good spot to rest and observe local life. Next door, Hildegardplatz transforms into a market every Wednesday and Saturday morning, with stalls selling Allgäu mountain cheese, cured meats, and fresh produce. This square marks where the former Imperial City met the monastery town, dividing Protestant and Catholic Kempten.
Exploring the Archaeological Park Cambodunum
North of the city center, the Archaeological Park Cambodunum preserves Roman history through stone foundations and rebuilt structures. The Temple of Hercules stands next to ancient public baths and a forum. Download the park's app to learn about each site as you walk through. During even-numbered years, the Cambodunum Roman Festival brings historical reenactors who demonstrate cooking, crafting, and fighting techniques from ancient Rome.
Museums and Underground Discoveries
Under St.-Mang-Platz lies the Erasmus Chapel, discovered in 2003 during construction. The underground space uses light projections and digital displays to show how medieval Kempten developed. At the Kempten Museum in Zumsteinhaus, artifacts and exhibits trace the city's timeline from Roman times to present day. The Alpine Museum focuses on mountain climbing equipment, early ski designs, and documented expeditions through the nearby Alps.
Transportation and Getting Around
Trains run hourly between Kempten's central station and Munich, with InterCity and EuroCity connections to other major cities. Local buses serve more than 20 routes throughout Kempten from early morning until midnight. Three major roads meet here: the A7, A980, and B12 autobahns. You can drive to Munich in 90 minutes or reach Ulm in about an hour.
Local Food and Markets
Restaurants around Kempten serve Allgäu mountain cheese and butter made at nearby Alpine farms. Try the regional Schnitzel variations, which come with locally grown potatoes and vegetables from surrounding farms. The Forum Allgäu contains 90 shops and restaurants serving both German and international dishes. In summer, you'll find many locals at the cafes around Rathausplatz, where you can taste traditional pastries like Allgäuer Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) or Käsekuchen (cheesecake).
