Kelheim - Mariä Himmelfahrt

Kelheim is situated at the confluence of the rivers Altmühl and Danube. Kelheim was first mentioned in the 9th century when it was the seat of a count. 200 years later it was owned by the House of Wittelsbach. Duke Ludwig I (aka "Ludwig der Kelheimer") made Kelheim to one of his favourite residences. After his murder on the bridge in Kehlheim in 1231, the Wittelsbachers moved the residence to Landshut. The crime was never cleared up since the murderer was immediately lynched, though many suspected Emperor Frederick II to be behind the deed.

The support of the House of Wittelsbach continued as Kelheim was an important Danube crossing. It developed into an important trading point for wine, salt, fish, cattle, stones and wood.

The first parish church existed probably around 1000 when the Kelheim was granted market rights.

The erection of the current parish church started in 1420. Around 1460, the choir was built, while the aisles were probably not completed until 1520.

The nave was expanded end of the 19th century. The interior of the church, which had previously been baroque, was largely removed and replaced by neo-Gothic pieces. Some remains of the original Gothic furnishings have been preserved.