The coveted vessel on the horizon
Sail away on an urban adventure, that's the vibe of the newly revamped Kahnfahrt near Augsburg's Old City Moat. Instead of being powered by sails, this oasis unfurls its vibrant canopy of colorful umbrellas, offering dappled shade to the lucky visitors. A flotilla of rowboats already nestles in the Kahnfahrt harbor, waiting patiently for its troves of explorers.
Intrigued by the breathtaking revamp, visitors like Sebastian Priller (Brauerei Riegele), Duanne and Christine Moeser (Augsburg Panthers), Johannes Hintersberger (former city councilor), Margarete Heinrich (city councilor), Bernd Kränzle (third mayor), and numerous other guests gather to marvel at Kahnfahrt's transformation. The Mediterranean charm, ala Lake Garda, is evident everywhere, enticing one and all. After a leisurely boat tour, guests are in for a gastronomic treat, thanks to the culinary masterminds Ute and Christian Leib, who have honed their skills at their wildly popular eatery, John Benton. Head chef Peter Mayer will also be wielding his magic spoon on Kahnfahrt. Ute Leib, beaming at the bustling terrace, sums it up, "We couldn't wait any longer to set sail."
Goetz Beck (Bremer Touristik), sans compass, helms Regio Augsburg Tourismus GmbH, and alongside the architect Ulrich Rumstadt, has larger maritime aspirations. For them, Augsburg needs a port! A beautiful gastro-terrace with an idyllic boat dock is in the works, adding more space for guests. A ship, a practical and aesthetic addition to the dock, would provide a cover for visitors, enabling weather-proof events. The elusive idea: a sightseeing vessel akin to those on many rivers and lakes, could be the key to the city's aspirations. As they gaze at the horizon, all one can hear are whispers of "ship ahoy" echoing through their minds.
The Regio Augsburg Tourismus GmbH's maritime feats aren't limited to the Kahnfahrt's revamp, as the duo has other hidden treasures up their sleeves. Two fairytale-like towers, the Fïnffingerlesturm and the Lower St. Jacob's Water Tower, await discovery on the eastern side of the historic city center. These towers, once restricted, will soon open their doors, offering a unique glimpse into Augsburg's rich history. The walk to the towers also passes by the life stations of the Augsburg poet Bert Brecht, promising an enchanting excursion for locals and travelers alike.
Ute and Christian Leib, the dynamic duo behind John Benton, discovered their second location in Kahnfahrt. The timing is serendipitous, as the John Benton building will undergo a radical renovation this year. In March 2026, it will reopen in a fresh, yet nostalgic John Benton design, boasting a lovely courtyard and more space on two floors for guests. A new menu featuring Mediterranean delights will join the perennially popular steaks and baked potatoes. Until the reopening, the Leibs will focus solely on Kahnfahrt, offering visitors a chance to unwind at the Oblatterwall.
At Kahnfahrt, Leib and Mayer meticulously source quality ingredients for the diverse menu. The Altstetter farm butchery provides the finest meat and sausage products, and Hoch'Alp from Buching offers a delectable cheese selection. From 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, there's a hearty white sausage breakfast. A substantial selection of cakes, classic dishes like roast pork, cheese noodles, or fresh pasta, mouthwatering drinks, and irresistible ice cream will keep you coming back for more.
Augsburg's Kahnfahrt, a tiny haven nestled within the city, has enchanted many, including Brecht. Today, it serves as a serene hideaway for countless others. With a twinkle in her eye, Ute Leib confides, "When the birds are chirping in the morning and I open Kahnfahrt, I feel like I'm in a small town on a Mediterranean lake." A dreamy tryst, sans the vineyard in France.
Exploring the revamped Kahnfahrt, one might stumble upon Ute and Christian Leib's second venture, entwining the worlds of food-and-drink and home-and-garden. As the Leibs continue to charm visitors with their diverse menu and vibrant ambiance at Kahnfahrt, they eagerly anticipate the lifestyle transformation of their original eatery, John Benton, slated for a radical renovation in 2026. Once completed, their Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will offer a unique blend of food-and-drink and home-and-garden experiences, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a new lifestyle.
