Sonthofen lies on the edge of the Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve, in the upper Iller Valley, where the Iller and Ostrach rivers meet. Cultural attractions, an ecological spa park, an adventure trail and local traditions give you a range of options when planning your trip to the town.
Cultural attractions and the town's history
Sonthofen’s KulturViertel brings together the AlpenStadtMuseum, StadtHausGalerie and StadtBibliothek, offering a wide range of cultural activities in historic buildings. The three institutions are within easy walking distance of one another, forming a compact cultural hub. Since 1930, the AlpenStadtMuseum has housed Sonthofen’s local history collection in an old farmhouse dating from the 18th century. The age of the building and the collection’s long history give the museum a distinct historical setting.
Another point of interest in the town’s history is the Catholic parish church of St. Michael. It is located in Sonthofen’s oldest district, at the foot of Kalvarienberg. A private collection in Sonthofen displays umbrellas dating from 1840 to the present day, adding a distinctive element to the town’s cultural offerings.
Kalvarienberg and the adventure trail
The ecological spa park extends around the summit of Kalvarienberg and at the foot of the hill by Götzfried's pond. Its features include ponds, wetland habitats, flower-rich, extensively managed meadows, trees and wooded areas, as well as walking paths and benches. You’ll find a variety of landscape features and paths here, within a clearly defined local area.
Some of the Alpenstadt adventure trail’s stations are located on Kalvarienberg. The trail connects the urban area with an alpine nature reserve. Its three interconnected sections can each be explored independently. Alongside play and adventure features, the information boards include a children’s corner. The route therefore offers a different way to experience nature than the walking paths in the spa park, even though some of the stations are on the same Kalvarienberg hill.
Sonthofen’s southernmost districts are also starting points for hikes, for example to the Hinanger waterfalls. The waterfalls are one possible hiking destination; the town identifies its southernmost districts as starting points.
Traditions and activities with special conditions
The Egga-Spiel is an old carnival tradition with pre-Christian origins. Heimatdienst Sonthofen revived it in 1955; since then, it has taken place in Sonthofen every three years on Carnival Sunday. If you’re planning your trip around the Egga-Spiel, check the specific event date in advance.
During the holiday adventure weeks at Biberhof, children aged 6 to 12 experience nature. Activities include building bridges and shelters, whittling, cooking over an open fire and making jewelry. Check the current packages before your trip. Biberhof also has benches, barbecue areas and play areas.
Leisure facilities and getting around town
The Altstädten leisure complex covers 12,000 m² and includes a natural swimming area, sunbathing and open spaces, and a multi-purpose sports field; it also has a kiosk. Opening hours may vary seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check them before visiting.
At the Radl-Bahnhof, right by the town hall, the town of Sonthofen offers free rental bikes with shopping baskets for use around town. Sonthofen residents and visitors with the Allgäu-Walser-Card from the Alpsee-Grünten holiday region can borrow them. Availability may change, so it’s best to confirm it locally before including this option in your plans.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bolsterlang, Rettenberg, Lauben, Betzigau, Durach, Oy-Mittelberg, Wiggensbach, Bad Hindelang.
Back to the main travel guide: Oberallgäu.
