Villa Ampere
Wißmannstraße 9, Leipheim, Germany, 89340
Hidden away in the western Bavarian town of Leipheim, Villa Ampere is part historic landmark, part renovation project. Dating back to 1954, this former electrical transformer tower was saved from demolition by a local family in the early 2010s. The villa underwent restoration in 2014 and has been operating as lodging, an event space, and a tourist attraction ever since.
The basics
Whether you’re taking a detour from Bavaria’s Romantic Road, heading to nearby Günzburg, or stopping here during a cycling tour of the Danube, the Villa Ampere makes a memorable addition to any itinerary. It’s possible to visit the villa or rent it out for meetings, parties, and other small events. The tower's three floors are connected by ladder-like staircases, and the 100-square-foot (30-square-meter) rooms include a sofa bed and a meeting space for up to eight people.
Things to know before you go
Fans of architecture and home makeovers won’t want to miss the Villa Ampere—it’s an impressive example of how a small space can be repurposed.
The tower has lighting and electricity, but there is no restroom, running water, TV, or telephone.
Although the ground floor is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, the tower’s upper floors can only be reached by steep stairs.
How to get there
Villa Ampere is located at Wissmannstrasse 9 in Leipheim. Most travelers visit on a day trip from Augsburg, about a 40-minute drive, or Stuttgart, just over an hour away by car. Trains also run to Leipheim from both cities; the villa is about a 2-minute walk from Leipheim train station.
When to get there
Visiting the Villa Ampere is by advance reservation only, and bookings are possible all year round. The most popular time to visit is from April through October to coincide with the annual opening of nearby LEGOLAND® and to avoid Bavaria’s chilly winter weather.
Things to do in Leipheim
Along with the Villa Ampere, the small town of Leipheim is best known for its proximity to the popular LEGOLAND Germany theme park, about a 10-minute drive away in neighboring Günzburg. During your trip to Leipheim, you can also visit the Fohlenhaus cave, walk or cycle along the Danube River, and explore the medieval market town of Günzburg.
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