Car hire Memmingen

A small town at heart, without the high volumes of traffic sometimes found in larger cities, Memmingen is easy to drive around once you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road. Plus, there are two major routes (the A7 and the A96) which cross just north of the centre, providing easy access to other Bavarian treasures.

From Memmingen, the vibrant city of Munich is only 90 minutes or so away to the east, via the A96, while the medieval city of Ulm is just under an hour’s drive and around 60km away along the A7 north. You can also reach one of Germany’s oldest cities, Augsburg, in a little more than an hour by joining the A7 and merging onto the B17 north.

For those wanting to stay closer to the town, the Bavarian countryside is on the doorstep.DiscoverSchlossKronburg or immerse yourself in the district’s cultureonaSwabian farm, both only 15 minutes or so from the town centre.

There’s an abundance of parking lots to be found in Memmingen – just look out for the blue P signs. In Germany you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Seatbelts are also mandatory for all and the driver should ensure they have their licence and passport with them.

When accessing the motorways, the maximum speed limit is typically 130km/h. On the autobahn, there are famously sections without a limit too, though a 130km/h maximum speed is still advised on these, and drivers are urged to bear the road and weather conditions in mind.

Main roads outside of Memmingen generally have a limit of 100km/h, while in towns and cities it is usually 50km/h unless otherwise signed.

From skiing in the mountains to delving deep into hidden caves – and enjoying delicious local food, of course – there’s no end to the wonders awaiting you in Bavaria.

With car hire in Memmingen, you’re perfectly placed to explore the fascinating history of the town before setting off on an epic day trip across the region and beyond.

Historic heart

Before you venture into the wider landscape, take some time to capture the charms of Memmingen itself. With centuries of history perfectly preserved, and more than 100 bars, restaurants and eateries in the town, Memmingen is arguably the hidden gem of Bavaria. 

MEWO Kunsthalle is a modern art gallery beside the train station, aimed at promoting local, contemporary art and visual culture through engaging exhibitions. As well as this, the gallery also has a permanent collection, featuring pieces from the likes of German artist Josef Madlener and Munich painter Max Unold.

The Antoniter and Strigel Museum combines two unique museums inside the old hospital of Memmingen. The Antoniter-Museum depicts the fascinating history of the 15^th-century hospital, while the Strigel Museum displays the paintings and sculptures of local artist Bernhard Strigel.

 Castles in the sky

Just outside the town sits Schloss Kronburg, a beautiful display of Renaissance splendour which overlooks the village below. It’s privately owned, but sections of the castle are open to the public through a guided tour. Each November the gates open for the romantic Christmas Market.

Further south of this wonder sits the High Castle at Bad Grönenbach, situated on a steep boulder, constructed from local rocks and surrounded by a serene lake. The building is owned by the market town below and features an array of concerts, tours, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.

The real treasure-trove of Bavarian castles, however, is the stunning and iconic Neuschwanstein castle, around 50 minutes away from Memmingen. Sitting atop a rugged hilltop, with its towering white turrets and looming spires the palace looks like something plucked from a fairy tale.

Originally restored for King Ludwig II, who wanted somewhere to retreat away from the outside world, the castle is now open to the public.

Cave exploration

Just a 40-minute drive north of Memmingen is the medieval town of Ulm. It’s beautiful city to explore on its own, but the wide collection of caves, rivers and lakes surrounding it also offer the perfect opportunity for adventure.

The Blautopf spring east of the city is strikingly blue, giving off an aura of mystery and magic. Legend tells of a sad mermaid banished to the Blautopf, until her laughter rippled through the spring and broke the curse. Adrenaline seekers can also be spotted diving beneath the glistening waters to reach the Blau cave system.

On drier land, the Hohle Fels cave is home to a number of archaeological finds and open to the public on certain days, apart from in the winter when the cave is closed to protect the resident bats. There’s also a variety of special events throughout the year, including cave concerts.

With a hire car from Memmingen, your dream destination is never too far away. Explore ancient castles, meander along historic streets and discover mystical wonders when you plan your trip.