Waltenhofen offers a range of options for a trip: water activities on Lake Niedersonthofen, routes for walking, cycling or winter activities, as well as churches and living traditions. Which themes you combine depends on whether you want to focus on nature, active pursuits or architectural heritage.
Around Lake Niedersonthofen
Lake Niedersonthofen in Waltenhofen invites visitors to swim, row, sail, surf and fish. The circular route around the lake offers views of lakes and mountains and is suitable for walks, Nordic walking and jogging. In addition to activities on the water, it also offers a way to experience the lake’s surroundings on a loop. The different activities appeal to different interests, without requiring you to commit to just one way of being active.
A cycling loop from Waltenhofen also leads into the countryside: the Waltenhofen Lake Loop starts in the village, crosses the hills of the western uplands to a lake district, and returns to its starting point along the banks of the Iller.
Winter trails and seasonal activities
Waltenhofen has more than 60 kilometers of expertly groomed cross-country ski trails and well-maintained winter hiking trails. There is also a two-kilometer toboggan run. The ski trails and winter hiking trails are subject to seasonal conditions; the toboggan run’s availability also depends on winter conditions. Check current conditions before planning, rather than assuming these activities are available regardless of the season.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are also available, but only seasonally. Cross-country skiing, winter hiking, tobogganing and sleigh rides together offer different ways to spend a winter stay. They vary according to whether you prefer a ski trail, hiking trail, toboggan run or horse-drawn sleigh ride. Seasonal availability and local conditions determine which option is suitable.
Churches and local traditions
The parish church of St. Martin in Waltenhofen is a late Baroque building dating from 1770. The church of St. Alexander and George stands in the center of the village of Niedersonthofen. It is considered probably the most significant late Gothic church in the district. The two churches thus represent different periods in architectural history: St. Martin for the late Baroque, and St. Alexander and George for the late Gothic.
Customs and traditions play an important role in the districts of Waltenhofen, Martinszell, Memhölz, Niedersonthofen, Hegge, Lanzen, Oberdorf and Rauns. The cultural picture therefore extends beyond the churches to local traditions in several parts of the municipality. If you are interested in both architectural history and regional customs, you can consider both themes when deciding what to focus on during your visit.
Cycling loop and nearby excursion destination
Nearby, the ruins of the residential tower of the once-large Langenegg Castle complex make a popular excursion destination in the Oberallgäu and offer a glimpse of the Middle Ages. The ruins complement the churches as another point of historical interest, while remaining a separate excursion destination in the surrounding area.
The Oberallgäu as a wider regional context
The wider Oberallgäu travel region has other destinations in their own right. Oberstdorf offers 200 kilometers of hiking trails and nature trails. Visitors can also see the Heini Klopfer Ski Flying Hill there; a tower lift takes visitors to the observation platform on the ski jump tower. This information describes attractions in Oberstdorf, not in Waltenhofen.
The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Center is located in Immenstadt-Bühl, right beside Lake Alpsee. Its free-to-access interactive exhibition covers animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area; opening arrangements may vary. From Immenstadt railway station, the center can be reached on foot in 30 minutes via the “Achis Wasserweg” themed trail. In bad weather, bus routes 39, 11 and 81 go there. Check bus availability and the stated walking time before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Hegge, Haldenwang, Wertach, Altusried, Bad Hindelang, Weitnau, Kempten, Oy-Mittelberg.
Back to the regional travel overview: Oberallgäu.
