Landsberg am Lech

The Lech drops over a broad stepped weir in the middle of Landsberg, filling the town centre with the sound of water; the falls have been used for mills and power since the Middle Ages and the present structure dates from the twentieth century. The town grew on the salt road from Bavaria to Swabia, and the wealth shows in the main square with the town hall's facade of stucco by Dominikus Zimmermann, who was mayor here. The Bayertor of 1425 is one of the best-preserved town gates in southern Germany, and the Mother Tower is a modern brick tower built by the painter Hubert von Herkomer in 1884-88.

History

Landsberg grew where a major salt road crossed the Lech, and to protect the bridge Henry the Lion ordered a castle built, Castrum Landespurch, taking in an older settlement and castle called Phetine; a town soon grew up and received its charter in the 13th century. The town burned in 1315 and was rebuilt, from 1320 it could collect salt duties, which brought it considerable wealth, and from 1419 a river toll added more income; in 1437 Hans Multscher carved the Landsberg Virgin and Child for an altar (Wikipedia, Landsberg am Lech).

The main sights

• The Lechwehr - a stepped weir turning the river into falls in the centre.
• The Bayertor - a 1425 gate tower with its barbican intact.
• The Zimmermann town hall - a stuccoed facade by the rococo architect.
• The riverside walks - paths along both banks beside the falls.

When to go

April to October; the falls run all year and are loudest after rain or snowmelt. The Ruethenfest, a children's festival, is held every four years in July.

What to expect

The town is small and seen in a couple of hours. The museum keeps limited hours. The Romantic Road brings coach traffic in summer.

Nearby

Augsburg lies north; the Ammersee is east.

Key facts