The Wildbachtobel Route

Difficulty: moderate (a few alpine sections)
Walking time: approx. 1–1.5 hours one way

This trail is truly beautiful: on one side you walk alongside the mountain stream, on the other side rises the gorge with its partly towering rock walls. A real nature experience. Take your time, dip your feet into the refreshing cold water and enjoy the changing light beneath the trees.

If you are staying at the Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad, your hike starts directly at your wellness hotel in Bad Hindelang.* From the hotel, walk across the parking area onto Andreas-Gross-Straße. Take the first small path uphill on the right-hand side (before the bridge). Follow this trail until you reach a paved road. Turn right there and continue all the way to the Ochsenalpe mountain hut. Here you can relax, enjoy the scenery and stop for refreshments.

For the return route, we recommend taking the same paved road back down. Do not re-enter the Wildbachtobel on the descent, as it is much more demanding downhill. Instead, continue until you reach another paved road (the old Joch road) and turn left downhill. Follow it until you return to Andreas-Gross-Straße.

We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes.

The Short Route

Difficulty: easy
Walking time: approx. 30 minutes one way

A beautiful and relaxing walk through traditional alpine meadows with mountain views and later panoramic views over Bad Hindelang and beyond. At the end, you are rewarded with a delicious snack at the Ochsenalpe.

From the hotel, drive straight ahead onto Andreas-Gross-Straße and turn right at the top onto the B308 towards Oberjoch. Follow the road, which is also popular with motorcyclists because of its many curves, until you reach Oberjoch. Park at the first large public parking area on the right-hand side.

Walk back to the beginning of the parking lot. At the information board, continue straight onto Moorstraße and follow it. Turn right into Paßstraße and shortly afterwards left into Salzgasse. At the end of the lane, follow the small path to the left around the restaurant (Kanzel-Ring-Weg). This leads onto a well-developed walking path. Continue until you reach a paved road and turn left uphill. Follow the road to the Ochsenalpe.

We have already done this walk with a stroller/buggy and with guests with limited mobility, and both worked well. The return route follows the same path back.

Quick Facts about the Ochsenalpe

The Ochsenalpe was demolished and completely rebuilt. Today, the dining room is larger, very cozy and beautifully designed. The terrace is sunny in summer and offers wonderful mountain views. The hut is run by a young family who are known for being warm-hearted and highly dedicated hosts.

More about the Ochsenalpe

*Please only park in the hotel parking area if you are staying at the hotel.

Quick Information about the Hike to the Ochsenalpe

• Region: Bad Hindelang / Oberjoch, Allgäu
• Destination: Ochsenalpe
• Wildbachtobel starting point: Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad, Bad Oberdorf
• Alternative route: Oberjoch
• Walking time via Wildbachtobel: approx. 1–1.5 hours one way
• Walking time short route: approx. 30 minutes one way
• Difficulty Wildbachtobel: moderate, partly alpine sections
• Difficulty short route: easy
• Suitable for strollers: yes, via the short route from Oberjoch
• Refreshments available: Ochsenalpe mountain hut
• Views: Ostrachtal valley, Allgäu Alps, mountain stream and gorge
• Recommendation: sturdy hiking shoes for the Wildbachtobel trail
• Highlights: magical light in the gorge, mountain stream, peaceful nature

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ochsenalpe Hike & the Wildbachtobel Gorge

Is the Wildbachtobel trail in Bad Hindelang difficult?

The Wildbachtobel trail is considered a moderately difficult hike. Some sections are slightly alpine and require sure-footedness. The descent is especially more demanding. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended.

How long does the hike to the Ochsenalpe take?

Via the Wildbachtobel gorge, the hike takes around 1 to 1.5 hours one way. The easier route from Oberjoch takes approximately 30 minutes one way.

Can you reach the Ochsenalpe with a stroller?

Yes. The easy route from Oberjoch is suitable in many parts for strollers and buggies. Guests with limited mobility have also completed this route successfully.

Where does the Wildbachtobel trail start?

The hiking trail starts directly at the Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad in Bad Oberdorf near Bad Hindelang. From there, the route first follows Andreas-Gross-Straße towards the Wildbachtobel gorge.

What shoes are recommended for the Wildbachtobel trail?

Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the Wildbachtobel hike, as the trail includes rocky and partly alpine sections.

Is the hike to the Ochsenalpe family-friendly?

Yes. Especially the shorter route from Oberjoch is ideal for families, leisurely walks and a relaxed stop at the Ochsenalpe.

Is there a place to eat along the route?

Yes. The Ochsenalpe is a popular destination with a cozy terrace and beautiful mountain views. The young host family is well known for their warm hospitality.

Where can you park for the hike to the Ochsenalpe?

Hotel guests can start directly from the Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad. Day visitors will find public parking in Oberjoch at the large parking area along the B308.

Is the Wildbachtobel trail suitable for beginners?

Partly. Hikers with little mountain experience should choose the easier route from Oberjoch. The Wildbachtobel itself contains a few more demanding sections. We recommend hiking uphill through the gorge and descending via the old Joch road.

What views can you expect on the hike to the Ochsenalpe?

The hike offers wonderful views of the Allgäu Alps, traditional mountain meadows, the mountain stream, rock faces and later beautiful panoramic views over Bad Hindelang.