Welden () is a community in the Augsburg district of Bavaria, in Germany, and is the seat of the commune of Welden. Since the local government reform in 1978 it comprises Welden, Reutern and Ehgatten.
Geography Welden lies at the centre of the Holzwinkel landscape in Augsburg-West forestry natural park.
Welden and Ehgatten are situated on the Laugna which supplies the Zusam. Reutern is on a hill between the Zusam and Laugna vallies.
History Welden was first mentioned in 1156. It was seat of the Lords of Welden who took their fief from the marquesses of Burgau. In 1402 the village became a "market". In 1597 the Fugger family acquired the estate which remained in the hand of the Fugger-Wellenburg branch until it extinguished in 1764, followed by the counts and princes of Fugger-Babenhausen. In 1806 Welden became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The monastery is still owned by the Fugger family foundation.
During the local government reform of 1978, the commune of Reutern was added to Welden as was Ehgatten, which belonged to the commune of Streitheim (now belonging to Zusmarshausen community). Before 1978, Ehgatten's parish and school was governed by Welden.
Politics
Mayor Mayors since the local government reform of 1978: Year Mayor Candidate2026Stefan ScheiderFWV 2020 Stefan Scheider FWV/WiR 2014Peter BergmeirSPD/FWV2008Peter BergmeirSPD/FWV 2002 Peter Bergmeir SPD/FWV 1996 Peter Bergmeir SPD 1990 Peter Bergmeir SPD 1984 Hermann Schmid CSU 1978 Hermann Schmid CSU/SPD
Since 2020, Günter Lewentat (Bürgergemeinschaft) has been the deputy mayor.
Local Council Local council elections since the 1978 reform: Year SPD CSU Bürgergemeinschaft Free voters REP Liste WiRÖDPAFD Total2026 -454 -21 -162020 -543 -2111620145443 - - - -162008 5 4 3 4 - - - - 16 2002 5 4 4 3 - - - - 16 1996 4 4 5 3 - - - - 16 1990 4 6 3 2 1 - - - 16 1984 3 5 3 3 - - - - 14 1978 2 6 2 4 - - - - 14
Culture and Places of Interest
St. Thekla church Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary contains early frescoes by 18th century painter Matthäus Günther In addition to its historic churches, Welden features several cultural attractions dedicated to the prominent author Ludwig Ganghofer, who spent part of his childhood in the town. These include the Ganghofer-Stätte (a dedicated memorial site) and Ganghofers Lausbubenweg, a themed adventure trail designed for families and hikers. The town is also known for its open-air stage (Freilichtbühne Welden), which hosts local theatrical productions and community events.
Notable citizens The author Ludwig Ganghofer spent a significant part of his childhood (1859–1865) in Welden.
References