Siebentisch Forest
Escape into the lush expanse of Siebentisch Forest, Augsburg's expansive green lung, where nature and history intertwine. This sprawling woodland, covering 660 hectares, is not just a beloved recreational haven for locals and visitors alike, but also a crucial source of the city's pristine drinking water. Wander along its winding paths, discover the tranquil Stempflesee, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere that has captivated generations. The forest holds an intriguing past, from the origin of its unique name, linked to a historic guesthouse, to its role in shaping Augsburg's environmental consciousness. It's a place where you can truly connect with the natural world right on the city's doorstep.
Videos
History of Siebentisch Forest
The story of Siebentisch Forest is deeply rooted in Augsburg's past, forming the vital northern section of the city's extensive municipal woodland. Its unique name, "Siebentisch," emerged in the 19th century from a popular guesthouse nestled within its bounds, famously said to possess only seven tables. This establishment became a cherished destination for day-trippers, reflecting the forest's early appeal as a recreational escape. Tragically, the beloved guesthouse met its end during the ferocious Allied air raids on Augsburg in 1944. Severely damaged, it was subsequently demolished, marking the close of a chapter in the forest's social history. Before this, in 1927, a tram line had even extended nearby, allowing easy access for event-goers at local sports facilities, though this too was dismantled after the war, its materials repurposed to rebuild the city's damaged central network. Today, Siebentisch Forest continues its critical role, primarily serving as a vital watershed. The city's water utility operates numerous wells here, drawing pristine groundwater for Augsburg's residents, underscoring its environmental significance. Amidst its trees, a discreet war memorial dedicated to Austrian Archduke Charles, dating back to 1802, stands as a quiet historical marker, restored in 2003. In a thoughtful nod to its namesake, seven commemorative tables were installed in 2005 at the very spot where the original guesthouse once welcomed visitors, inviting new generations to pause and reflect on the forest's enduring legacy.
events spanning 180 years
Fun Facts
10- 01
A small bridge over the Lochbach, once part of the former tram route, has been repurposed into a pedestrian path, offering a glimpse into the forest's transit past.
- 02
An early tram line, which extended to Haunstetten in 1927 and included a loop near the forest, was dismantled after World War II, its tracks and infrastructure salvaged to repair damaged lines in the city centre.
- 03
Hidden amidst the trees, just metres from Spickelanstrasse, stands an 1802 war memorial dedicated to the Austrian Archduke Charles, which underwent restoration in 2003.
- 04
In a poignant tribute, seven distinct tables were placed at the intersection of Ilsung- and Siebentischstrasse in 2005, marking the exact spot where the historic guesthouse once stood.
- 05
It serves as Augsburg's primary source of drinking water, with several wells operated by the city's utility extracting pristine groundwater from beneath its leafy canopy.
- 06
Records from 1831 show that Siebentisch Forest was already facing bark beetle infestations, prompting early efforts in forestry management to address the problem.
- 07
Siebentisch Forest spans an impressive 660 hectares, forming a substantial part of Augsburg's expansive city woodland.
- 08
The forest's distinctive name, "Siebentisch," originated from a popular 19th-century guesthouse, which was famously said to have featured just seven tables.
- 09
The local TC Augsburg tennis club, which proudly carries the designation "TC Augsburg Siebentisch," reflects the deep connection and identity the forest holds within the community.
- 10
The original Siebentisch guesthouse, a beloved local excursion spot, was so extensively damaged during the Allied air raids on Augsburg in 1944 that it was later torn down.
Siebentisch Forest Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Siebentisch Forest. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Siebentisch Forest FAQ
The name "Siebentischwald," meaning "Seven Tables Forest," originates from a popular guesthouse that once stood within the forest in the 19th century. Lore suggests it earned its name because it only had seven tables.
Absolutely. Siebentisch Forest is crucial for Augsburg's drinking water. The city's utility operates numerous wells within the forest to extract high-quality groundwater, making it a protected watershed area.
The Siebentisch Forest is ideal for various outdoor activities, including walking, jogging, and cycling on its extensive network of paths. You can also visit the picturesque Stempflesee for relaxation or explore the area around the historic guesthouse's former site.
Yes, the forest is home to a war memorial dedicated to the Austrian Archduke Charles, erected in 1802 and restored in 2003. Additionally, at the site of the former "Siebentisch" guesthouse, seven commemorative tables have been installed as a nod to its history.
The original Siebentisch guesthouse, which gave the forest its name, was severely damaged during the air raids on Augsburg in 1944 and was subsequently demolished, though its memory lives on through the forest's name and the commemorative tables.
The closest place to visit near Siebentisch Forest is Olympic Whitewater Course, around 1.3 km away. Other things to do near Siebentisch Forest include Augsburg Zoo (1.5 km), Augsburg Botanical Garden (1.8 km) and River Lech (2.6 km). All of these are within roughly 2.6 km of Siebentisch Forest.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.
Places near Siebentisch Forest
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
1347mOlympic Whitewater Course
A violent, artificial river carved out of concrete specifically for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. It holds the title of the absolute first highly controlled artificial whitewater slalom course in the world. Even when no competitions are running, the sheer volume and speed of the turquoise water are deeply hypnotic to watch. Local professionals and aggressive amateurs frequently battle the fierce drops and eddies here. You can walk the steep grassy banks and stand literally inches away from the rushing current.
highlight view
1519mAugsburg Zoo
Step into the wild heart of Augsburg at its fantastic zoo, a sprawling 22-hectare green oasis nestled alongside the Siebentischwald. It's not just a collection of animals; it's a vibrant hub for global conservation, actively nurturing endangered species through European breeding programmes. Wander through diverse habitats, from the sprawling Africa Panorama where giraffes and rhinos roam, to the immersive Lechhaus showcasing local aquatic life like beavers and otters. This zoo beautifully balances entertainment with education, offering engaging encounters and insights into the animal kingdom, making it a compelling visit for animal lovers of all ages looking for adventure. You'll find a delightful blend of playful moments, such as the captivating seal feedings, and profound connections with wildlife, all set within a beautifully maintained, family-friendly environment.
park & nature view
1799mAugsburg Botanical Garden
More than a million bulbs push up through the beds here each spring, and the tulips are only the opening act. Across about ten hectares beside the Siebentischwald, a Kyoto inspired pond garden sits on 400 tonnes of Fichtelgebirge granite, while the glasshouse grows cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon in tropical humidity. Roses fill the beds around a small music pavilion, and a tiny apothecary garden labels what each herb has traditionally been used for. Between late February and early April tropical butterflies flutter loose in the old Victoria regia house, and in the weeks before Christmas an oriental landscape nativity takes over its lily pool. Only the Dr. Ziegenspeck path separates the garden from Augsburg Zoo next door.
park & nature view
2648mRiver Lech
The Lech starts as snowmelt near the Formarinsee in Vorarlberg and covers 256 kilometres before it joins the Danube at Marxheim, changing character more often than most rivers manage in twice the distance. In Tyrol it still braids across wide gravel bars like a river from another century, while around Augsburg it is split into weirs, canals and a 1972 Olympic slalom course. The water runs a clear blue green thanks to dissolved limestone, and at about 14°C in summer it keeps most swimmers to a quick paddle. Walkers can follow the Lechweg through the upper valley, and cyclists can ride almost the full length on the Lechradweg, opened in 2022. Even the name remains a friendly argument among scholars, who read it as 'the stony one', 'the bent one' or 'the moistener of the land'. In Augsburg the best place to watch it is the Hochablass weir, where the river divides and the old raft harbour still sits on the west bank.
park & nature view
Featured on These Itineraries and Routes
3 Days in Augsburg
A well-paced exploration that successfully balances the aggressive architectural grandeur of the centre with the deep natural elements surrounding it. You will dedicate time to highly ornate art collections before retreating into the heavy shade of the urban forests. It allows you to actually understand the historical water systems rather than just glancing at a canal.
view itinerary
5 Days in Augsburg
A deeply comprehensive, highly exhaustive deep dive into every facet of the city's complex identity. You will transition from Roman foundations to massive industrial machinery, tracking the complete evolution of a major European powerhouse. It prevents museum fatigue by heavily incorporating long stretches of nature and unscripted time in eccentric local pubs.
view itinerary
Olympic Whitewater Banks
A focused, linear stroll entirely dictated by the aggressive flow of an artificial river. You walk directly alongside churning, turquoise water designed to test the world's best kayakers. The path is flat and heavily shaded by tall trees lining the concrete channel. It provides a constant, loud soundtrack of crashing water.
view walking route
See all nature & parks in Augsburg
Including Augsburg Botanical Garden, River Lech, Wittelsbacher Park, and more
