With a history that dates back to at least Roman times, Kempten is a fascinating town in the Allgäu region of southern Germany. It’s the oldest urban settlement in the country, with the ancient remains of Carbodunum still visible today and is home to a magnificent basilica that once formed part of the Benedictine Kempten Abbey.
Things to do in Kempten
In the heart of Kempten is the Saint Lorenz Basilica, a former abbey church constructed in the 17th century after the end of the Thirty Years’ War. Gaze up at its domed towers before stepping inside to explore the elaborate interior, which features beautifully painted ceilings and gilded statues. Across the street is the Kunsthalle Kempten, a contemporary art museum occupying a former grain storehouse.
Housed within a former caretaker’s residence of the Burghalde fortress is the Allgäuer Burgenmuseum, which explores the history of Allgäu's castles and life here during the Middle Ages. Learn about the military function of castles as you browse the recreated models and archaeological finds on display, then take a seat at the knight’s table or wander through the medicinal herb garden.
Just across the Iller River from central Kempten is the Archaeological Park Cambodunum, which preserves the 2,000-year-old ruins of what was once the administrative centre of Rhaetia. Explore the reconstructed forum, basilica and thermal baths in the multimedia displays while learning about life here during Roman times.
Getting around Kempten
Kempten im Allgau is around 30 minutes’ drive from Memmingen and 1.5 hours from Munich while Munich International Airport is just under two hours away. Kempten im Allgau is well-connected to towns and cities across the region by train and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Kempten im Allgau is compact enough to explore on foot.