Easy hikes and walks around Biberach an der Riß

This district, with its narrow streets, is home to some of Biberach's oldest houses. Some have been beautifully restored, such as the pottery. This neighborhood has a special flair.

The Biberach Donkey commemorates Biberach's most famous figure, the poet and writer Christoph Martin Wieland. One of his works is about a seemingly senseless dispute over a donkey's shadow. A merchant had hired a shepherd and his donkey. In the midday heat, the merchant wanted to sit in the donkey's shade, but the shepherd insisted that the shade would have to be paid for separately.... The artwork was created by the provocative artist Peter Lenk, who also created the Imperia statue in Konstanz. The artwork was unveiled on May 6, 2000.

With the acquisition of the estate of the Munich painters Anton Braith (a Biberach native, 1836–1905) and Christian Mali (1832–1906) between 1905 and 1908, their prestigious, richly furnished studios became part of the Biberach Museum. Today, the Braith-Mali salons are considered the only completely preserved artists' studios from the 19th century. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_Biberach

The Ulm Gate is the only surviving city gate in Biberach and was built in the mid-14th century as part of the city's expansion. It was first documented in 1365 as the Spitaltor (Spital Gate). The name derives from its direction toward Ulm, an important trading center at the time. The approximately 26-meter-high tower consists of a main gate and a smaller outer gate. In 1820, a freestanding bell tower was added. Its bell, known as the "Gausappel" (Gazapple), was used to ring the geese in the evening.

The White Tower, a striking landmark of Biberach, was completed in 1484 after eight years of construction as a late Gothic brick building. With a height of 41 meters and a diameter of 10 meters, it still dominates the cityscape today. The walls, which are up to 2.80 meters thick and taper towards the top, testify to its original function as a defense and watchtower. As a status symbol of the wealthy imperial city of Biberach, the tower received its characteristic white paint job. It formed the end of the medieval city fortifications, which once included 24 small turrets and four city gates. Together with the Gigelturm, it is one of the last remaining towers of the former city fortifications. As part of the "Historical City Tour", you have the opportunity to climb the White Tower every Saturday afternoon and enjoy the incomparable view of the city. Biberach's City Garden was created in 1977 based on designs by the landscape architects Mien Ruys (1904-1999) from Amsterdam and Jo Hagel from Biberach. In summer, the lower level of the garden transforms into a sea of flowers. Among the flowers, shrubs, and a small pond, one can relax on one of the many seating areas. Located slightly higher up and carved into the mountain is the City Garden Rondell, where concerts are held during the summer holidays. The White Tower overlooks the City Garden. Several paths lead up to Gigelberg, past the White Tower and Gigelturm, and over the Hirschgraben.

The city's most famous son is Christoph Martin Wieland. His "History of the Abderites", in which the ancient Schildbürgers conduct a trial over the shadow of a donkey, is considered a plea for civil peace and is a parable for the loss of democratic virtues through discord. In 2000, a donkey sculpture designed by Peter Lenk was inaugurated. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biberach_an_der_Ri%C3%9F#Der_Schatten_des_Esels

Biberach has a small city park next to the town hall, next to it a beautiful market square, and historical buildings that have been beautifully renovated. Unfortunately, there is little greenery in the city center, almost everything is open to car traffic and therefore there are cars everywhere, parked or driving... so it can be stressful to explore the city center by bike. It's a real shame and a missed opportunity for Biberach's city center.

Wonderful view from the Wolfental valley of Biberach and its church towers, probably even more beautiful when the sun is shining.