rundgang

Rundgang is a German noun that denotes a walk around a place or a circuit through a place, and more specifically a guided or self-guided tour of a building, exhibition, or area. The term implies a defined route or sequence of stops and can refer to both a physical walking activity and a planned program.

In museums and galleries, a Rundgang describes a particular route through an exhibition, guiding visitors from one work to the next in a chosen order. It may be self-guided, with informative signs or audio guides, or led by curators, guides, or docents. In educational contexts, especially at art schools and universities, a Rundgang often marks a public exhibition or presentation event at the end of a term, where students showcase their projects along a walkable route through studios and display spaces.

In urban and architectural usage, a Rundgang can be a city or district walking tour designed to highlight landmarks, historic sites, or architectural features. Municipalities and tourism providers publish Rundgänge as themed itineraries, sometimes accompanied by maps or mobile apps, to offer residents and visitors a structured experience of a locale.

Etymology: Rundgang derives from Rund- meaning “round” and Gang meaning “walk” or “passage.”

See also: Stadtrundgang (city tour) and Führungen (guided tours). The term is widely used across German-speaking countries and has plural form Rundgänge.