Kempten, Bavaria

Kempten, Germany
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blick_auf_KE.jpg
Author: michaelXXLF


Kempten is a small city at the foot of the Allgäu Alps in Bavaria, Germany. Located in southwestern Bavaria, Kempten covers 63.29 sq km (24.44 sq mi) and has a population of 62,000 (2011 estimate). It is at an elevation of 674 m (2,211 ft). As with the rest of Germany, Kempten is an hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1), and two hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in summer.

The history of Kempten goes back to Celtic time, when it was established around 50 BC. Its first mention during that period makes it the oldest written reference of any German cities. However, the written record has not been backed up with any archaeological evidence.

Kempten Town Hall
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathaus_kempten.jpg
Author: michaelXXLF


The Celtic settlement was conquered and destroyed by the Romans in 15 BC under Nero Claudius Drusus and his brother Tiberius. The Romans erected their own city in the area, where they added baths, forum and Roman temples. The city was destroyed again in AD 233 by the Alemanni tribe. By AD 488, the last of the Roman troops have abandoned the city.

In AD 747, Irish monks evangelized in the area. This led to the creation of Kempten Abbey, which received royal patronage from Hildegard, the wife of Charlemagne. The position of the abbots were further enhanced in 1213, when they were granted the right to the title of Duke. Then in 1289, King Rudolf of Habsburg made Kempten an Imperial City.

Kloster Heilig Kreuz, Kempten
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heiligkreuz1.jpg
Author: Richard Mayer


Kempten came under Bavarian rule during the Napoleonic Wars (1802-03). During the Second World War, it had a concentration camp, a subcamp of the one in Dachau.

Visiting Kempten, Germany

You can reach Kempten by train from Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg or Lindau. The journey from Munich takes between one to two hours, depending on the route and service selected.

Freitreppe, Kempten
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FreitreppeKempten2011_%283%29.JPG
Author: Alofok

Places of Interest in Kempten, Germany

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