Großdorf can be explored through two very different themes: the difficult Stage 07 of the Himmelsstürmer Route passes through the village, and the town hall, which is around 500 years old, points to local history. Also featured are the family history associated with the Rettenberg Castle ruins and a Kneipp facility. When planning your stay, you can treat the long hike as a standalone activity and consider the cultural and historical traces separately.
The Himmelsstürmer Stage through Großdorf
Stage 07 of the Himmelsstürmer Route of the Allgäu Hiking Trilogy runs from Oy-Mittelberg to Rettenberg and through Großdorf. It is rated difficult, covers 23.75 km, and takes about 7.5 hours. After Großdorf, it follows a nature trail to Alpe Müllers Berg and continues to the Vorderburg Castle ruins. These figures describe a long hike in its own right. Both the difficult rating and the walking time are important for planning your day. If you want to limit the time you spend hiking, you can use these figures to check whether the stage fits your travel plans.
The Town Hall and the History of Rettenberg Castle
The historic town hall in Großdorf is around 500 years old. It once housed a notary’s office and served as a tavern. As a notary’s office and tavern, it fulfilled administrative and hospitality functions. Rettenberg Castle provides another historical connection: it was built around 1100 as the ancestral seat of the noblemen and barons of Rettenberg, who held extensive lands in the Allgäu. The family associated with the Rettenberg Castle ruins was highly significant to the history of the Oberallgäu and Ostallgäu, and is first mentioned in 1130 as Adelprecht de Rotinberch. The construction date and first mention are different historical dates: around 1100 refers to the castle, while 1130 refers to the family’s first recorded mention.
Kneipp Facility and the Path to the Castle
The Kneipp facility in Großdorf offers a chance to refresh your feet and recharge. It offers a different experience from the long stage. As the condition of the facility may change, check local conditions before visiting.
For Rettenberg Castle, a route description updated on September 19, 2021, gives directions by car from Engelpolz via Emmereis to Vorderburg, where you can park, followed by a signposted footpath to the castle, about a 20-minute walk. Check local conditions before setting out. This route description concerns Rettenberg Castle; by contrast, the Himmelsstürmer Stage continues to the Vorderburg Castle ruins.
More options in the wider destination of Rettenberg
Rettenberg lies in the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park at the foot of Grünten. For comparison with a hike of a different duration, the Bier-Genusswanderweg Tour 3 runs from Rettenberg to Alpe Kalkhöf. It is described as a tour for experienced hikers; the stated figures are about 3 hours 15 minutes, around 8.6 km, and 500 meters of elevation gain. Compared with the 23.75-km stage through Großdorf, this is a considerably shorter duration and distance, while the difficulty ratings differ.
Along the five Bier-Genusswanderwege, innkeepers, alpine establishments, and mountain huts offer ProBiererle: a local specialty paired with a Rettenberg beer selected to complement it. Kässpatzen evenings and other culinary events, including beer-and-cheese evenings, are also held regularly in Rettenberg. You can check specific dates before your trip.
For the wider travel overview: Rettenberg.
