07.05.2025 Place of the Year 2025

This year, the Municipality of Reutte holds the title “Destination of the Year” along the Via Claudia Augusta – the ancient Roman road that, from 46 AD onwards, served as the most important connection between the Danube region and northern Italy. The award not only recognizes Reutte’s historical importance along this Alpine trade route but also highlights the town’s vibrant present. Today, Reutte presents itself as an attractive hub for cyclists, hikers, and culturally interested visitors traveling along the Via Claudia Augusta.

The section of the Via Claudia Augusta that runs through the Naturparkregion Reutte is considered one of the most impressive along the entire route. Coming from Füssen, it leads through Pinswang, over the Pass Kniepass, through the communities of Pflach and Reutte, past the historic Burgenwelt Ehrenberg Castle, and finally through the Zwischentoren valley up to the Pass Fernpass. The diverse landscape – ranging from wild river scenery and moorlands to a stunning mountain backdrop – makes the region a truly special place to experience the historic route and follow in the footsteps of the Romans.

Clearly visible from afar, the large portal next to the tourist office in front of the town park, bearing the inscription “Reutte – Destination of the Year 2025,” highlights the award and has already become a popular photo spot. Looking through the arch, visitors can see further features related to the Locum Anni, which are atmospherically illuminated at night:

• the Via Claudia Augusta fountain, whose spokes are formed by water jets

• a wooden Roman chariot with two rearing horses

• the exhibition panels “Four Maps Through the Millennia”

• the distinctive Reutte lettering

Throughout the year, a wide range of additional events will highlight the theme of the Via Claudia Augusta from different perspectives:

• Friday, May 9, 2025

Arrival of the large Via Claudia Augusta cycling relay at around 18:15:

Over a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers, cyclists from around 170 municipalities symbolically pass the baton from town to town – from the Danube across the Alps to the Adriatic and the Po Valley.

Everyone is warmly invited to join the cycling relay! You can join the Via Claudia Augusta relay at the following meeting points, ride along for a section, and support the group:

1. 16:30 Lech Bridge in Füssen
2. 17:04 Municipal Office in Pinswang
3. 17:42 Municipal Office in Pflach

The delegation is expected to arrive in Reutte in the early evening at approximately 18:15, where a small welcome celebration will be held for participants, locals, and guests.

At 19:00 the opening of the special exhibition at the museum "Museum im Grünen Haus" takes place:

The special exhibition “Archaeological Finds along the Via Claudia Augusta in the Außerfern” will be on display until the end of the year, Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00–17:00.

• Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 14:00:
  Guided hike along the Via Claudia Augusta with historian Klaus Wankmiller. Meeting point: Parish Church of Pinswang.

• Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 19:00:
  Lecture“Art of Ancient Rome” by Ernst Hornstein at the museum "Museum im Grünen Haus".
• Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 19:00:
  Concert by the Plansee Works Band as part of “Reutte 2025 – Locum Anni” at the Klause Arena, Burgenwelt Ehrenberg.

In addition, a Via Claudia Augusta Architecture Symposium will take place on October 24 and 25.

Detailed information about all events and dates can be found HERE.

In addition, information panels along the Via Claudia Augusta cycle path and the historic Ehrenberg Castle World – through whose narrow pass the Via Claudia once ran – make the theme visible in the townscape and part of everyday experience.

With LOCUM ANNI 2025, Reutte is making a strong statement about the importance of cultural roots, living traditions, and sustainable tourism offerings along historic routes.

Detailed information and the full event program for Reutte as Place of the Year 2025 can be found at www.reutte.com/vca.

We look forward to an exciting year and to your visit!

Written by:

Alexandra