This historic Bavarian town on the Lech River has an 8th-century old town square with traditional buildings, local shops and restaurants amid the Alps backdrop.
Landsberg am Lech, a medieval town 65 kilometers west of Munich, sits along the banks of the Lech River. Walk through the triangular Main Square to see the ornate 1700s Marien fountain, climb the 36-meter Gothic Bayertor tower for valley views, or follow the riverside path past a three-step waterfall. The Old Town's streets contain buildings dating from the 1200s through the 1700s, including the decorated Baroque facades of merchant houses and the medieval defensive walls along the river.
Getting to Landsberg am Lech
Trains run from Munich to Landsberg am Lech hourly, with the journey taking about one hour. The train station sits west of the town center. If you're driving, take the A96 motorway connecting Munich and Lindau. Munich International Airport is 86 kilometers away.
Exploring the Main Square
The triangular Main Square anchors Landsberg's Old Town. In its center stands the Marien fountain from 1700. Look for the former Ursuline convent and its monastery church, both works of architect Dominikus Zimmermann. The church began as a Gothic structure before its 1708 Baroque renovation added elaborate stucco work and painted ceilings.
Medieval Towers and Gates
Several medieval towers mark Landsberg's skyline. The Schmalzturm from 1260, the town's oldest tower, rises above what locals once called the Witches' Quarter. Climb the 36-meter-high Bayertor from 1425 for views across the Old Town rooftops and the Lech River valley.
Along the River Lech
The Lech River flows past the historic center, which rises on its right bank. A three-step waterfall cascades through the center. Walk the riverside paths to see the medieval town walls and the Mutterturm (Mother's Tower), a 19th-century building constructed by artist Hubert von Herkomer in memory of his mother.
Museums and Culture
Visit the New Town Museum in its 17th-century building to see archaeological artifacts from the region and changing exhibitions about local life. The Town Theater and Historical Town Hall schedule regular concerts and film festivals. In summer, concerts and markets fill the Main Square and riverside areas.
Local Food Scene
Restaurants around the Main Square serve Bavarian dishes, combining recipes from both Swabian and Bavarian cooking traditions. You'll find specialties like Spätzle noodles and Schweinebraten (roast pork) on most menus. During summer, ice cream shops open throughout the town center, many serving Italian-style gelato.
