Memmingen Germany

Day 67 Friday 10 July 2026

The weather is heating up again. Low 30°s today.

We leave our lovely shady spot in Freising and head west to Memmingen.

Originally a way-station on a Roman trade route, Memmingen grew in importance because of its position on one of the major salt roads and on an important route from Germany down into Italy. One of the most enduring historical aspects of the town is its participation in the upheavals at the time of the Reformation. After the 16th century the trading prosperity of the town began to decline because of changing trading patterns and the outbreak of war on important commercial routes. At the start of the 18th century the town was occupied by Bavarian troops and, for the first time, became part of Bavaria. Some of the old town centre was destroyed during bombing raids in the Second World War.

We parked up in the motorhome area and walked into the historic centre. With a map from the tourist office we go and explore the main sights.

In every direction we look in the marketplace we got a different vista of the most prominent buildings here.

The 1488 Rathaus’s Rococo facade dates back to 1765.

The Tax House was built in 1495 and its Neo Baroque style faced was done in 1909.

The Guildhall was likewise built in the mid 1400’s but nedded to be reconstructed in 1718.

We loved the tower of St.Martins church. Inside there was 15/16th century fresco paintings as well as choir stalls from the same era.

A small river flows through the town and we noticed lots of fish. They have a big festival at the end of July which includes a fish catching competition.

One of the landmarks of the town is The House with Seven Roofs originally built in 1601 and designed for tanners to dry their leather and furs.

In the Wine market square the 9m Freedom Fountain is made with 12 bronze plaques representing the Twelve Articles.

We were wowed by the Baroque stuccoed ceiling in the Crusaders Hall.

The stork house.. nests on the

Along the way we saw a few of the 8 gatehouse entrances into the town, 

leaving out of the Ulm Gate, built un the 14thC. The double eagle design is a symbol of belonging to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

roof

We find ourselves once again searching for shade as the mercury goes up.

On our way to a spot in the forest we stop in Zwiefalter and find what we were looking for. 

When we go for a walk into town it appears the brewery and the monastery are the 2 most important sights.

The center of the old monastery and place of pilgrimage is the Minster “Our Lady”, one of the most important buildings of the late baroque German style. It was built by master builder Johann Michael Fischer. Munich. (1739-65).

The magnificent ceiling frescoes are by Franz Josef Spiegler, Wangen. Johann Michael Feichtmayr furnished the church with a lavish abundance of unique stucco work. One of the main jewels of the church is the choir stalls made by Joseph Christian from Riedlingen.

We first go and visit the interior of the church… it was amazing.

The monastery was founded in 1089, and were brewing beer at least by 1521. The Württemberg government confiscated the monastery and took over the brewery in 1803 (something as important as beer can't be left to God...). The Baader family took over the brewery in 1897 and runs it to this day.

Later we returned to the brewery to sample its beers and had a bite to eat. Then listened to a band play both modern and traditional songs… great end to the day.

231km