Pforzen combines walks through the floodplain forests along the Wertach with a chapter of technological history at the Hammerschmiede. This gives you two different focuses when planning your trip: the landscape around the town and the history of the power station. The wider Ostallgäu travel destination offers further regional themes.
Paths and landscape in Pforzen
Floodplain forests along the Wertach shape the landscape around Pforzen. Footpaths and cycle paths run through these forests. You can explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike; both options take you through the local floodplain landscape. Nature and outdoor activity take centre stage here, while the Hammerschmiede appeals to a different interest.
The Wertachtal Archaeology Tour provides a distinct guide for planning your route: according to its published circular-route description, it starts and ends at the Wertachauen information point. The same place is therefore named as both the starting point and the finish. If you are looking for a circular route with a clearly stated start and finish, you can take this information into account. The footpaths and cycle paths through the floodplain forests offer a separate focus on the landscape.
The history of technology at the Hammerschmiede
The Hammerschmiede power station was extensively renovated and modernised in 1993. During this renovation, a new tubular turbine replaced the water turbines dating from 1910 and 1923. The old machines remained in their original locations as evidence of the site’s history. In this way, technological change sits alongside the preservation of the earlier machines. The dates distinguish the older turbine technology from the renovation and make the power station’s development easier to understand. For travellers interested in the history of technology, the Hammerschmiede offers a specific topic to explore in Pforzen.
The wider setting: Ostallgäu
The region’s history can also be considered in a broader context. The “Klosterspuren” working group, formed by the municipalities of Pforzen, Irsee and Rieden, explores the history of the area under Irsee Abbey’s rule in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the southwest, the mountains in the Ostallgäu district belong to the Vilser Gebirge range, and in the southeast to the Ammergebirge range. At 2,082 metres, Hochplatte is the highest mountain in Ostallgäu. The history of monastic rule and the regional landscape thus complement the topics that relate directly to Pforzen.
There are different types of routes for activities in Ostallgäu: 32 local routes invite you to hike and reveal special treasures in nature and in the towns and villages. The Ostallgäu Cycling Region comprises regional routes across the entire Ostallgäu. They are signposted throughout, each is 25 to 76 kilometres long and has its own theme. When comparing them, you can therefore consider the type of activity as well as the length and theme of the cycling route.
The castles are also part of the wider Ostallgäu travel destination. Since 12 July 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, the King’s House on Schachen and Herrenchiemsee Palace have jointly been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, the two royal castles, can only be visited on a guided tour. So if you plan to visit these castles, a guided tour is part of the experience. The region’s cultural and landscape themes complement Pforzen’s own highlights, but do not replace them.
When choosing where to stay, it helps to decide on your preferred focus first: walks through the Wertach floodplain forests, the history of technology at the Hammerschmiede, or other themes in Ostallgäu.
Discover more destinations: Irsee, Schwangau, Mauerstetten, Biessenhofen, Lechbruck Am See, Westendorf, Buchloe, Oberostendorf
See the wider travel overview: Ostallgäu.
