Bihlerdorf is a district of Blaichach on the left bank of the Iller, near Sonthofen. Two cycling routes offer different points of reference: the Illertal Loop starts at the Iller bridge in Bihlerdorf and returns there along the Iller; the Allgäu Cycling Loop continues from Blaichach along the river to Bihlerdorf. The area’s history also has several points of reference, from a hillfort with a clearly visible neck ditch to a vanished castle site. The picture is completed by the traditional raising of the maypole, where muscle power counts instead of mechanical aids.

Cycling routes: start, return and route

The Iller bridge is the starting point for the Illertal Loop. The route returns to Bihlerdorf along the Iller, so both the start and return are in the district. By contrast, the Allgäu Cycling Loop continues from Blaichach along the Iller to Bihlerdorf. When choosing where to stay, you can distinguish between the loop that starts and finishes in Bihlerdorf and the route from Blaichach to Bihlerdorf. If you are choosing a place to stay based on these routes, it helps to distinguish between the circular route and the described route from Blaichach to Bihlerdorf.

To reach the Illertal Loop, follow the B19 or B308 to Sonthofen, then take Illerstraße to Bihlerdorf.

Hillfort and castle site

The Bihlerdorf hillfort is about 150 m southwest of Bihlerdorf’s southwesternmost house, directly above the “Im Bachtl” stream ravine. Its topographical features include a still clearly visible, though eroded, neck ditch separating the spur from the slope, which rises further to the west.

The Bihlerdorf-Oberzollbrücke castle is a separate site. It stood on a wooded rise between the districts of Bihlerdorf and Oberzollbrücke, west of and above the Iller. The name refers to a vanished castle site, not a surviving castle structure. The two historical points of reference therefore differ in status as well: the hillfort is described through a terrain feature, while the castle is a former site.

The traditional raising of the maypole

During Bihlerdorf’s traditional maypole raising, the men of the village raise the maypole using only muscle power, without mechanical aids such as a winch or tractor. Alongside the archaeological traces in the landscape, this offers another way to explore local history: the focus here is on a specific practice.

Blaichach in a wider context

Blaichach is part of the cross-border Nagelfluhkette Nature Park. Visitors to the nature park can experience rivers and streams, gorges, ravines and forests, as well as explore moors, wet meadows and the biodiversity of alpine pastures. This adds nature-related themes to the broader travel destination of Blaichach.

Cultural sites and events are also part of the wider Blaichach area. In the Blaichach district of Altmummen stands the Catholic Chapel of St. Florian, dating from the 18th century and featuring a magnificent altarpiece. Since 1652, Blaichach has held its annual Martinus procession with a blessing of the horses. The Blaichach Advent market is also held every year, on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent, in the paved forecourt of the church and town hall. The Catholic Church of St. Martin is located in Blaichach.

For the broader travel overview: Blaichach.