- Kempten was the site of the first 'double city' in the Holy Roman Empire, where the Protestant Imperial City and the Catholic Prince-Abbey coexisted as separate jurisdictions until the early 19th century.
- The city's Roman name, Cambodunum, is widely cited by historians as one of the oldest recorded city names in Germany.
- During the Middle Ages, the city's development was dictated by a strict territorial wall that separated the abbey's domains from the town's merchant quarters.
- The region is a focal point for the Alpine dairy industry, heavily influencing local culinary traditions and the surrounding agricultural landscape.
About Kempten
Kempten, located in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, ranks among Germany’s oldest cities, tracing its origins to the Roman settlement of Cambodunum. Its historical identity is defined by a unique centuries-long divide between the secular imperial city and the ecclesiastical prince-abbey, remnants of which are visible in the architecture of the Basilika St. Lorenz. The city serves as an economic hub for the surrounding Alpine foothills and maintains a deep connection to its Roman heritage through the Archaeological Park Cambodunum. Visitors can navigate the intersection of ancient history at the Kempten-Museum im Zumsteinhaus and contemporary urban life in the city center.
Highlights of Kempten
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore the extensive foundations and reconstructed segments of a major Roman provincial capital.
Temples
Admire the ornate Baroque interior and monumental double-tower facade of this former abbey church.
Museums
View historical artifacts documenting the city's complex transition from Roman outpost to modern commercial center.
Museums
Descend into the underground archaeological site of a medieval chapel discovered beneath the city square.
Museums
Visit the prince-abbey's former carriage house, now repurposed for cultural exhibitions.
Parks
Walk through this central green space that provides a recreational connection between the historic town areas.
Museums
Examine the preserved remnants of the ancient Roman thermal bathing facilities at the site of Cambodunum.
Places of interest
Cross this bridge for a primary vantage point overlooking the river and the city's architectural profile.
Top things to do in Kempten
The 91 highest-rated places in Kempten, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Amusement parks
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Venues
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Beaches and ponds
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Temples
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Kempten on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kempten
May to September, as these months offer the most favorable weather for exploring the expansive open-air ruins and parks.
2-3 days to thoroughly cover the historical sites and the surrounding Allgäu landscape.
The city center is compact and highly walkable, while the wider Allgäu region is accessible via regional bus networks and local rail connections.
The city center (Altstadt) is ideal for historical proximity, while areas near the Iller river provide quieter surroundings with easy access to transit.
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, most accommodations and dining align with standard Bavarian mid-market pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 91 curated attractions in and around Kempten, ranked by traveller ratings.
Allgäuer Freilichtbühne Altusried is the highest-rated place to visit in Kempten right now.
The largest category is temples, with 35 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
