Legau

History and Sights

The name Legau is derived from the Old High German word for “Gau” and a prefix meaning “hill,” roughly translating to “area near the hills.” Stone Age artifacts from the Legau plateau are now housed in the Memmingen Museum; a coin from the Roman era is on display at the Maximilian Museum in Augsburg. Legau lies along the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. The most famous attraction is the Maria Steinbach pilgrimage church, a masterpiece of South German Rococo, reached by a penitential path lined with small chapels. In the village itself stands the parish church of St. Gordian and Epimachus, featuring a Baroque nativity scene well worth seeing.

Sports & Nature

On the banks of the Iller River stands the Illersteg—a pedestrian suspension bridge with a 22-meter-high observation deck offering sweeping views of the river and floodplains. Cyclists and hikers are well catered for here: The Iller Bike Trail runs right past the village and connects the Allgäu Alps with Ulm over a distance of 146 kilometers. Several loop trails across the Legau Plateau are also suitable for road cyclists; in winter, cross-country ski trails are groomed across the open fields.

For families

Rapunzel Naturkost, one of Germany’s best-known organic food producers, is headquartered in Legau and operates the Rapunzel World there: a hands-on museum with exhibits on organic farming and fair trade, an adventure playground with a climbing tower and slide, and an organic restaurant. Admission to the museum is free for children under four years of age.

Food & Drink

Gasthof Löwen on the market square is a highly recommended local spot, serving modern Allgäu cuisine made with regional products. If you dine directly at Rapunzel, you’ll also find wholesome cuisine there at fair prices.