In Oberallgäu, different ways of discovering the region sit side by side: hiking trails and nature trails in Oberstdorf, secured paths through a gorge, exhibitions at Lake Alpsee and guided insights into historic mining. The mix of physical activity and themed visits makes for an interesting selection. You can then decide whether your trip should focus on walking routes, nature, the lives of mountain farmers or the history of miners.
Explore on foot: hiking trails and gorges
Oberstdorf has 200 kilometers of hiking trails and nature trails. You can spend time on foot and choose between hiking trails and paths focused on nature. The Heini-Klopfer Ski Flying Hill offers a different perspective on Oberstdorf: visitors can tour it, and the tower elevator takes them to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower.
You can also explore the Breitach Gorge on foot along well-maintained, secured paths. Trail conditions may vary seasonally, so check the latest information before your visit. An information exhibition at the entrance provides an additional point of orientation for your visit to the gorge.
The Starzlach Gorge between Burgberg and Sonthofen is a starting point for hiking and canyoning. This distinguishes the two gorge experiences as described: the focus at Breitach Gorge is on the paths through the gorge, while Starzlach Gorge offers two possible activities. This can help you decide whether you mainly want to explore a gorge on secured paths or set out from there on a hike or canyoning trip.
Nature and mountain farming life at Lake Alpsee
The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Center is in Immenstadt-Bühl, right on Lake Alpsee. It has a free interactive exhibition about animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area. It connects a visit to Lake Alpsee with an introduction to the nature of the protected area. From Immenstadt railway station, the center is a 30-minute walk along the Achis Wasserweg themed trail; in bad weather, bus routes 39, 11 and 81 go there. If you plan to take the bus, check the connection in advance.
The Allgäu Mountain Farming Museum in Immenstadt-Diepolz focuses on something different. This interactive open-air museum documents the lives of Allgäu mountain farmers in historic buildings. While the exhibition at Lake Alpsee focuses on animals, plants and habitats, the museum offers an insight into regional life and working history. The mountain farming museum is open seasonally, so take this into account when planning your visit.
Winter sports and mining history
The Nordic Zentrum Oberstdorf/Allgäu has a World Championships cross-country ski trail network with more than 30 different route options. One specific example is a 6.25-kilometer loop with the steep Burgstall climb. The distance and climb describe this loop, not the entire network. Since the trails are available seasonally, check before your visit which routes are suitable for your travel dates.
The Erzgruben Erlebniswelt at Grünten takes you back to the history of mining: a guided hike leads to old mine tunnels and offers insights into the work of miners of the time. Here, the journey on foot and the historical account go hand in hand. This makes the experience different from an unguided walk or a visit to an exhibition: the group follows a tour focused on mining.
Cycling and regional specialties
Cycling in Oberallgäu can be leisurely or sporty. This broad range adds another way to enjoy the outdoors alongside hiking, without prescribing a particular route. Stopping for a meal can also be part of the travel experience: rustic mountain huts serve regional specialties. Since individual huts may not always be available, it is worth checking your planned stop in advance.
Discover more destinations: Altusried, Bad Hindelang, Balderschwang, Bolsterlang, Buchenberg, Dietmannsried, Fischen Im Allgäu, Blaichach, Obermaiselstein, Oberstaufen, Oberstdorf, Rettenberg, Sonthofen, Waltenhofen, Weitnau, Immenstadt Im Allgäu, Oy-Mittelberg, Burgberg Im Allgäu, Sulzberg, Wertach, Wiggensbach, Durach, Lauben, Wildpoldsried, Hörnergruppe, Betzigau, Haldenwang, Kempten.
See the regional travel overview: Bavaria.
