City Wall of Schongau Undergoes Testing: Additional Segment is Now Accessible

In the heart of Bavaria, the historic city of Schongau is preparing to celebrate its city wall's 800th birthday in 2026. One of the best-preserved city walls in southern Germany, this medieval structure offers a unique experience for visitors.

The city wall, 1.6 kilometers long, stretches from the Klosterhof to the parking lot at the underground garage, with an additional section extending to the cemetery now open. However, a test phase is currently underway to evaluate the feasibility of opening a longer section, from the underground garage to the cemetery, for public access.

The walkway and walls may be narrow and low, reflecting the characteristics of historic architecture. This historic city wall tells stories of protection, defiance, and defensibility, as well as the importance of Schongau as a trading city in medieval times. The test run, which began on August 15 and will continue until September 30, 2022, aims to make the city wall more accessible while respecting the privacy and rights of residents.

Visitors can access the city wall via two staircase points: one in the Amtsgerichtsstraße (underground garage), the other at the Karmeliterstraße in the Klosterhof. The journey over the city wall offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, with the venerable cemetery and the Church of St. Sebastian offering an impressive view from the city wall's height.

The city is mindful of resident concerns during this test phase. Prolonged stay, smoking, drinking, and parties are not allowed, with noise being avoided to minimize disturbances. The Bavarian Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments has not specified how many other cities have made their historic city walls accessible.

Meanwhile, several other cities in the region, such as Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Landsberg am Lech, boast well-preserved city walls that are accessible to visitors. These cities, each with its unique charm, provide a glimpse into the past, offering a walk through history for tourists.

As Schongau continues to evaluate the test phase, it remains committed to making the city wall more accessible in the future, maintaining its status as a significant cultural heritage and a tourist highlight.