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Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm

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City
—°273
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Take advantage of the free city bus (Stadtbus) which comfortably connects all main sights without needing a car.
  • The region is the world's largest hop-planting area; late summer is the best time to see the towering hop fields in their prime.
  • Parking directly on the Hauptplatz can be challenging. It's best to use the larger car parks on the edge of the city center.
  • Check out the colorful, modern architecture of the local authorities building (Landratsamt), a bold contrast to the historic old town.

🍽 Food

🍽
Hopfen-Spargel (Hop Shoots)

A rare, mild spring delicacy made from hop shoots, available in traditional Bavarian restaurants.

🍽
Local Beer

Taste the freshly poured brews from historic local breweries in the pubs right on the main square.

🍽
Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)

The hearty Bavarian classic, best enjoyed with dumplings in a cozy tavern in the center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Market

Visit the lively market on the Hauptplatz (Tuesdays and Saturdays) for fresh regional produce from the Hallertau.

🛍
Hop Products

Look for specialty stores in the side streets selling hop tea, hop schnapps, and hop-based cosmetics.

🧘
Bürgerpark

A beautifully landscaped riverside park along the Ilm, permanently created for the 2017 garden exhibition.

🧘
Ilminsel

A small, carefully designed island in the river Ilm, well-suited for relaxing right next to the town center.

Highlights of 2026

2

Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm is a prestigious town in Upper Bavaria, ideally located between Munich and Ingolstadt. It gained international acclaim in 2011 when it was awarded the title of the 'World's Most Liveable Small City' in the LivCom competition, reflecting its high environmental standards and community spirit. The town's focal point is the expansive Hauptplatz, considered one of Bavaria's most beautiful town squares, featuring animated facades and a striking neo-Gothic town hall. Economically, Pfaffenhofen is home to the global headquarters of Hipp, the famous organic baby food manufacturer, which has significantly influenced the town's commitment to sustainability. As the gateway to the Hallertau, the world's largest hop-growing region, the town is deeply connected to Germany's brewing culture. The Ilm river meanders through the city, providing lush green spaces and parks that were showcased during the 2017 State Garden Show. Pfaffenhofen successfully blends traditional Bavarian customs with a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, making it an exceptional place for both business and leisure.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10491317191814940
Rain mm63475351969610010066605459

Geography

Population
23,192
Coordinates
48.52980, 11.50380

Facts

  • Total area: 92.39 km²
  • Highest point: 521 m
  • St. John the Baptist Church tower stands 78 m tall
  • Host of the 2017 Bavarian State Garden Show
  • Excellent access to the A9 motorway
  • Founded as a town in the 12th century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm (7)

Parish Church of St. John the Baptist⛪ church

The city's landmark features a 78-meter high tower and a magnificent altar within its Gothic interior.

Town Hall

A striking Neo-Gothic building on the main square, often cited as one of Upper Bavaria's most beautiful town halls.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-12:00, Mo 13:00-16:00, Th 13:00-17:00

Hungerturm🗼 tower

A historic fortification tower from the old city walls that now serves as a gallery for local artists.

Dichtermuseum Joseph Maria Lutz🏛 museum

This museum in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm is dedicated to the life and work of the poet Joseph Maria Lutz.

Schaukeln👨‍👩‍👧 family

The Schaukeln playground in Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm guarantees children lots of swing and joy.

"Eine Wiese mitten in der Stadt"👨‍👩‍👧 family

The 'Eine Wiese mitten in der Stadt' playground in Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm has a green play oasis for families.

Städtische Kindertagesstätte Burzlbaam👨‍👩‍👧 family

The play area of the Städtische Kindertagesstätte Burzlbaam in Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm is a lovingly designed place for the youngest.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm?
Pfaffenhofen has been awarded several times for its sustainability and quality of life, including as the most livable small town.
What is grown in the Hallertau region?
The region is the world's largest contiguous hop-growing area, supplying breweries worldwide.
What can you visit in the city center?
The spacious main square with the town hall and the parish church of St. Johannes Baptist is the heart of the city.
Are there typical Bavarian specialties?
Local inns offer Bavarian classics like roast pork, served with fresh Hallertau beer.
How long does the train take to Munich?
Regional trains connect Pfaffenhofen to Munich central station in just 30 to 40 minutes.
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm: where is it located?
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, Town Hall, Hungerturm.
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm: why is it worth visiting?
Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm is a prestigious town in Upper Bavaria, ideally located between Munich and Ingolstadt.
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