St. Johannes Baptist auf dem Bussen

St. Johannes Baptist auf dem Bussen is a pilgrimage church perched on a mountain above Uttenweiler that combines multiple architectural layers. The Gothic bell tower dates from 1516, while the nave was built in the 1960s, and the elevated choir displays late Gothic net vaulting.

An early Christian sanctuary appeared on the mountain around 805 when local counts donated the land to Saint Gall Abbey. The long presence at this location led the church to develop into a pilgrimage destination that attracted visitors across generations.

The church serves as a place of devotion where visitors find a 16th-century Pietà sculpture, colored windows showing saints, and an altar crafted by sculptor Josef Henselmann. These artworks shape the interior space and demonstrate how religious art has been nurtured here across the centuries.

The hilltop location requires visitors to walk up or drive, and the elevation makes the effort worthwhile. Dressing for changeable weather is wise, especially if you plan to enjoy the views from the plateau.

From the church plateau, visitors can see as far as Ulm Cathedral on clear days and a vast mountain panorama stretching from the Alps to the Säntis. This expansive view makes the location a favored destination for those wanting to survey the region.