Obermaiselstein offers different reasons to plan a trip around your own interests: local legends, hiking trails and seasonal experiences. The village is located in and on the edge of Nagelfluhkette Nature Park. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether stories, a hike or the Viehscheid should shape your stay. The following information outlines these options and shows which factors play a role in planning.

The Legends Trail and local tales

The Legends Trail in Obermaiselstein is available in both analogue and digital formats. If you would like to use the digital version, check what is currently available before your trip. This lets you plan your walk in the format that suits you best.

Local tales are also associated with the Sturmannshöhle cave near Obermaiselstein: the legends tell of a dragon and a hidden treasure of gold. The Legends Trail and the cave legends offer different points of interest for anyone interested in the village’s folklore.

Hikes and winter activities

The Besler loop trail follows a hiking route up to the summit plateau of Besler, Obermaiselstein’s local mountain. If you are looking for a clear hiking destination, this trail leads to a named summit. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

A winter hiking trail in the surrounding area leads to the Mittelalpe near Obermaiselstein. It offers views, cake and activities for young visitors too. Alongside the hike up Besler, this is a winter option with a different focus.

Tobogganing is possible at the Idealhanglift; the lift also offers children and beginners a practice lift as an introduction to winter sports. When snow conditions are suitable, the toboggan run is groomed. The Idealhanglift was closed in the 2025/26 season. If you are planning a later winter season, check its current operating status.

Viehscheid and when to visit

The Viehscheid in Obermaiselstein marks the end of the alpine summer: around 1,300 cattle from 11 alpine pastures are returned to their owners. The festival features cattle wearing polished bells, alpine herders and locals in traditional dress, music and food. The Viehscheid is a cultural event in its own right; dates and specific details may vary from year to year. So be sure to check the date for the year of your trip.

The different seasonal aspects can help you choose when to visit: the Viehscheid centres on the end of the alpine summer and a festival, while the toboggan run depends on suitable snow conditions. For hikes, you should also take current trail conditions into account.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

A scheduled bus runs from Obermaiselstein along the Riedberg Pass towards Balderschwang, stopping at Herzbergalpe. If you would like to use this service, check the current timetable for your travel date. It is a specific option for trips towards Herzbergalpe.

When looking for a hotel in Obermaiselstein, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: the Legends Trail and cave legends, a hike up Besler, a winter walk or the Viehscheid appeal to different interests. Your travel dates and current conditions are also part of the planning.

More destinations in Oberallgäu

Those looking beyond Obermaiselstein to the wider Oberallgäu destination will find other topics to explore. Oberstdorf has 200 kilometres of hiking trails and nature trails. Visitors can also tour the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill there; a tower lift takes them to the viewing platform on the jump tower. Hiking and nature trails offer a different focus from a visit to a sports structure with a viewing point.

The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Centre in Immenstadt-Bühl is located right by Lake Alpsee. A free-admission interactive exhibition explores animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area. In Immenstadt-Diepolz, the Allgäu Mountain Farming Museum documents the life of Allgäu mountain farmers in historic buildings as an interactive open-air museum; opening is seasonal.

Discover more destinations: Lauben, Haldenwang, Weitnau, Hörnergruppe, Waltenhofen, Wiggensbach, Fischen im Allgäu, Oberstaufen

Back to the wider travel overview: Oberallgäu.