HIKING
IN THE ALLGÄU
Best time to travel
Spring and autumn
Tours
half-day and multi-day
Hiking trails
with children
Signage
Hiking trail network
OUR FAVOURITE HIKING TRAILS
In the Allgäu region, there is no lack of hiking trails and trekking tours! There is an almost infinite number of exciting routes. Thanks to the different landscapes, there is plenty of variety. In the upper and east Allgäu region (Oberallgäu and Ostallgäu), hiking lovers can enjoy a beautiful alpine landscape. In the western Allgäu region, you can be thrilled by the hilly landscape of the foothills of the Alps, whereas in the lower Allgäu region (Unterallgäu) you can admire the flatter hilly landscape. You can choose between half-day trips and hiking trips lasting several days. Even families with children can choose between many different easy mountain tours. Here you can find an overview of our favourites.
GUARDIAN OF THE ALLGÄUS
THE GRÜNTEN
Route: 9,2 km
Duration: 4 h
Altitude metres: 1.738 hm
The local mountain of the holiday region “Alpsee-Grünten” offers a breathtaking panoramic view from a height of 1738 metres. The hiking trail leads through the forest and across meadows and rocks and also has a few challenging steeper sections. You will be rewarded for your effort with a view of the Allgäu mountains and lakes. Especially in the summer, the mountain is perfect for hiking, cycling and stopping for a bite to eat.
The identifying feature of “Grünten” is the transmission mast. It has an impressive height of 94.5 metres, belongs to the broadcaster “Bayerischer Rundfunk” and provides the “Oberallgäu” region with public-law programmes. Apart from the transmission mast, the monument to the mountain troopers fallen during World War I is another known feature of the mountain.
The shortest hike to the top is via “Kranzegg” and the alp “Alpe Kammeregg”. On average, it takes about 2.5 hours.
Route: 17 km
Duration: 7 h
Altitude metres: 1.241 hm
The probably most beautiful alpine lake in Germany is a popular destination for hikers. However, you will need to work for the view first. The hike starts in the village of “Hinterstein”, which in and of itself is already worth visiting. Once you have arrived at the “Konstanzer Jägerhaus”, you need to make a turn at the power station to get to the trail leading up. The lake is easy to find thanks to the good signage. After about 3.5 hours, you will reach the picturesque alpine lake, framed in by rock faces and green meadows.
Even in the summer, the lake is cold as ice–a perfect refreshment after the long hike. Please note that the lake is located on a nature reserve, which is why activities such as barbecuing and using a drone are prohibited, as is leaving behind waste. There are not any restaurants on this hike, so be sure to take plenty of water and snacks with you.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LAKE
THE SCHRECKSEE
BETWEEN THE CANYONS
THE BREITACHKLAMM
Route: 10,1 km
Duration: 4 h
Altitude metres: 550 hm
The ravine “Breitachklamm” between Oberstdorf and the “Kleinwalsertal” valley in Austria is the deepest and one of the most beautiful ravines in Central Europe and connects Germany with Austria.
The water of the Breitach river roars through the narrow gorge with vertical and overhanging walls, in some places over 100 metres high, thunders over high rocky banks, gushes through deep pools and leaves behind a spray of fine droplets reflecting the light.
The “Breitachklamm” is an experience during any season and in every weather. Even on rainy summer days, the ravine is worth a visit: The well-secured hiking trail through the deep gorge provides good protection against wind and weather. On hot summer days, the ravine is a welcome change of scenery.
In the winter, when the stormy river forges bizarre ice formations and imposing curtains of ice, and the stately cliffs are covered by huge icicles, you can see a very special spectacle of nature.
Starting point: Tiefenbach, Oberstdorf/alternatively: Kleinwalsertal
Route: 4,2 km
Duration: 2 h
Altitude metres: 1.780 hm
Hiking up the “Riedberger Horn” promises an unforgettable adventure in the midst of the breathtaking beauty of the Allgäu alps. The starting point is the large parking lot of the ski area “Grasgehren”. From there, follow the well-marked path to the peak of the “Riedberger Horn”.
The hike is not very challenging. It leads through the forest and across meadows, but is not very steep. You will take about 1.5 hours for the roughly four kilometres. The mountain is perfect for hiking with children, or for a quick hike after work. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view.
RIEDBERGER HORN
TWO-COUNTRY REGION
FELLHORN & KANZELWAND
Route: 2,5 km
Duration: 1,5 h
Altitude metres: 2.034 hm
Two countries, one region: The Allgäu! You can travel very special borders between Germany and Austria. The peaks of the mountains “Fellhorn” and “Kanzelwand” connect the “Kleinwalsertal” valley in Austria with the “Allgäu” region in Germany. And all that with no border control.
The “Fellhorn/Kanzelwand” hike leads you across meadows with alpine flowers, flowing creeks and clear alpine lakes.
There are two options for the two-country round hike. One of them starts at the mountain station “Kanzelwandbahn”. Via the upper alp “Obere Bierenwangalpe”, the trail leads to the halfway station of the cableway “Fellhornbahn”. The hike leads past the lake “Riezler Alpsee”. To reach the summit station of the cableway “Fellhornbahn”, you can use the cableway. From there, you can reach the summit of the “Fellhorn”. Then, via a nature discovery trail, the levelled hiking trail leads you to an observation platform with a beautiful view of the “Kleinwalsertal” valley. The trail then leads back to the mountain station “Kanzelwand”.
Route: 6 km
Duration: 2,5 h
Altitude metres: 902 hm
The popular Buchenegger waterfalls (“Buchenegger Wasserfälle”) are located between Lake Constance and the “Illertal” in Oberstaufen. The “Wildbad” at the foot of the waterfall is part of the geotope “Allgäuer Geopark” and is located between Buchenegg and Steibis. The area entices both visitors who want to stay dry while they enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, as well as those who want to refresh themselves by swimming in the cool water. It is also very popular among extreme athletes who jump into the water from the cliffs. At the highest point, brave visitors can jump from a height of about 30 metres.
The round trail from Steibis in the upper Allgäu region leads you along the Buchenegger waterfalls and past cliff jumpers. The trail in the Allgäu alps runs through a forest nature trail and the alp “Neugschwend”.
BUCHENEGGER WATERFALLS