Görisried lies in a landscape of forests and moorland lakes, with views of the Allgäu Alps. There are very different routes to choose from when planning a trip: the Hohenberg circular route takes about an hour, while other hiking trails take several hours. The three cycling routes described also differ in length and elevation gain. There are also village churches, a natural swimming pool, and seasonal leisure activities.
Moorland and trails through forests and meadows
Görisried has a landscape conservation area with extensive moorland reserves and wetlands. Rare orchid species, flowers, herbs, and butterflies can be found there. The Moor Circular Route starts in the village center and passes through woodland and moorland close to the village. It returns via meadows with panoramic views of the Alps. Another loop, the Kempter Forest route, also starts in the village center, runs through the forest, and returns to Görisried via the Beilstein alpine pasture.
Those interested in the landscape and its legends can find the large Nagelfluh rock formation, Dengelstein, in the nearby Kempter Forest; local legends and myths are associated with it. The hiking trails also differ in what they emphasize along the way: stretches through forests and moorland, streams, or viewpoints. The Mühlhalde circular route starts at the church square in the village center, follows the Waldbach and Mühlbach past the outdoor pool, and goes straight through the Görisried nature trail.
Hikes by duration and route profile
For a shorter hike, try the Hohenberg circular route: it is about 3 kilometers long and takes about an hour. From the viewpoint, you can see Görisried, the districts of Staig and Hasenmahd, and the mountains. The hike to Kälberschächele is about 7 kilometers long and takes about 2¼ hours. On the hilltop, there is a wayside cross and a bench; on a clear day, you can see the Alpine chain. There is also a hiking parking area there.
The Wildberger-Hof circular route is 10 kilometers long and takes about 2¾ hours. It follows a gravel forest track to a viewpoint near Wildberg. At 12 kilometers and about 3½ hours, the Neuwald-Buchwald circular route is the longest hike described here. Its forest tracks pass through woods, along small streams, and over flower meadows. The approximate walking times make it easier to compare the routes; their length and descriptions also give you an idea of the kind of landscape to expect.
Another destination is the suspension footbridge over the Wertach. The hike starts at St. Ursula Chapel on the edge of the village, in the direction of Stadels and Wildberg; there is also a parking area there. The path descends through the Wertach Valley and crosses a small bridge to the suspension footbridge, which sways freely above the Wertach.
Cycling routes and winter trails
All three cycling routes described start and end in Görisried. The Northern Kempter Forest Route is 24.8 kilometers long and has 330 meters of elevation gain. The Northern Wertach Valley Route covers 25.9 kilometers and has 270 meters of elevation gain. At 34 kilometers and 450 meters of elevation gain, the Southern Wertach Valley Route is the longest and has the most elevation gain. In direct comparison, the Northern Wertach Valley Route is slightly longer than the Kempter Forest Route, but has less elevation gain.
There are two cross-country ski trails for winter, each described differently. The Hasenmahd trail is an easy, classically groomed loop of about 2 kilometers with no significant climbs. It runs through Weihermoos and the district of Hasenmahd. The Neuwald trail south of Görisried is about 5.5 kilometers long and offers both a classic track and a skating trail. It runs across Schlegelmoos in the direction of Stadels; the route has moderate climbs and descents.
Village history and leisure at the outdoor pool
The present-day building of the parish church of St. Oswald was built in Neo-Gothic style in 1848/49, after the older church was destroyed in the great fire of 1823. The church in the village center is also the starting point for the Görisried Chapel Trail, a day hike. St. Ursula Chapel, with its plague cemetery, was built in 1681 and features a painted wood-paneled ceiling; it is the starting point for the hike to the suspension footbridge.
The natural swimming pool is fed by spring water, uses no chlorine, and is free of charge. Changing rooms and restroom facilities are available. As operating details may change seasonally, check the latest information before your visit. Right next to the pool, there is a free beach volleyball court and a public table tennis table. The nature trail is behind the pool in a wooded area; at several stations, you can learn about the forest and nature.
The ice and skating area on Waldbachstraße also offers different activities depending on the season. Opposite the multipurpose hall, the ice rink can be used depending on the weather from December or January. In summer, ramps and small goals for street hockey and ice hockey are available.
For the regional travel overview: Unterthingau.
