Our Allgäu
Insider tips for your vacation in Bavaria
*As many alpine huts close down in wintertime, please check their opening times before starting your hike.
Our 5 Top Highlights:
The Perfect Destination for Your Bavarian Vacation
Our place is located perfectly to combine the convenience of staying at on spot for a couple of days with day trips to see the most important sights in Bavaria like the kings castles, Munich, Zugspitze and many more.
Our thought:
See Neuschwanstein from outside and Hohenschwangau from inside.
We admit: Neuschwanstein castle (the original of Disney’s Cinderella castle) is very impressive, from inside and outside. And we do understand if you like to see it no matter what. But it can be very crowded, especially at rainy days. So if you really would like to visit it, please book tickets in advance. You need to do so weeks in advance. Personally we recommend to visit Hohenschwangau Castle from the inside and Neuschwanstein from the outside. Hohenschwangau was built by Max II based on original plans to replace a broken castle named „Schwanstein“. He built it neo-Gothic. Ludwig II was raised here and used it later on during summertime and added his own taste later on. It offers a stunning view on Neuschwanstein castle. You can book tickets at the same link (see above) or even use the combi ticket for both castles.
If you are up for a walk, do the little hike (uphill) to "Marienbrücke". You will have the most amazing view of the castle from there.
How to get there:
It is about 1 hour to Füssen, where both castles are (at least close to): Turn right at B308/Jochstraße and follow the signs to „Füssen“ (310, OA8, 209, 310). Drive throuqh Füssen in the direction of Schwangau „Schloss Hohenschwangau“ or follow the signs to „Schloss Neuschwanstein“.
By the way:
Füssen itself is a nice town with old center. There is a lake „Hopfensee“ which offers nice views on Neuschwanstein. But like the castle itself it is quite crowded.
Castle Linderhof
Is not located right next to the other two castles. It is a 1 1/2 hour drive from our hotel or a 50 minutes drive (including the "Plansee" mentioned above) from the castles.
Linderhof is considered the favorite palace of the "Fairy Tale King," where he spent by far the most time. It is the smallest of King Ludwig II's three palaces and the only one to be completed during his lifetime. After his death, it was opened to the public for viewing. If you don´t make it, here is a little movie to give you an impression.
Munich
A 2 hours drive to the capital of bavaria
I’m not a professional tour guide, so my brief overview of Munich’s attractions is largely based on personal preferences. We lived in this beautiful city for many years, so we naturally have our favorite spots. Since this isn’t a “summer article,” I’ll skip beer gardens and lakes and focus on other activities instead.
1. From Karlsplatz to Marienplatz
Personally, I’m not a big fan of the pedestrian zone stretching from Karlsplatz (Stachus) to Marienplatz, as it mostly features big retail chains and is often very crowded. However, the area is worth seeing for first-time visitors. The Stachus with its old gate is charming, and from there, you can stroll to Marienplatz.
At Marienplatz, the highlights are:
- The Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel (daily at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and from March to October at 5 p.m.)
- The Frauenkirche, a Gothic church with two towers, a landmark of the city
- Old Peter, which offers a beautiful view over the old town right at Marienplatz
Not far from there is the famous Hofbräuhaus, a popular spot among tourists but avoided by locals like me.
Getting there: From the main train station, it’s just a short walk to Karlsplatz. There are extensive subway and S-Bahn connections. Driving is possible, but parking is a challenge.
2. The Residenz
This impressive city palace is one of Germany’s most magnificent and served as the government seat for Prince Regent Luitpold. Located within walking distance of Marienplatz, the Residenz showcases a mix of architectural styles, primarily from the Rococo and Baroque periods. Its 600-year history has led to constant expansions, reflecting various eras.
3. Deutsches Museum
The largest science and technology museum in the world, located on the Museum Island near the Isartor station, attracts 1.5 million visitors annually. It features a wonderful children’s section that makes exploring science entertaining. Highlights include the planetarium’s star shows and artificial lightning displays.
Note: If you’re looking for dinosaur bones, you won’t find them here. Instead, visit the Paleontological Museum Munich, which is free but only open on weekdays.
4. Nymphenburg Palace and Park
Built in 1664 for Elector Ferdinand Maria, this palace is beautiful and worth a visit. However, I’m personally even more enchanted by the park. It’s vast, with canals running through it, and you can easily spend an entire day there if the weather is nice.
In front of the palace is a decorative garden with sculptures, though they are covered in winter. The English Garden is more famous and also lovely, featuring beer gardens and plenty of leisure activities, but in winter, I’d recommend the Nymphenburg Park instead. There are parking spaces at the palace and bus connections available.
5. Olympiapark
In addition to the famous Olympic Stadium, which you can tour (even the roof), the Olympic Tower is a highlight. On clear days, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Munich and the Alps. For €7 per person, it’s well worth it. In summer, there are often long queues, but during other seasons, you can walk right in.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can dine at the Panorama Restaurant. We did this years ago and were quite satisfied, though we can’t vouch for the current quality or prices.
Right next to the tower is Sealife, which is enjoyable for children. The highlight there is a small glass tunnel in the large shark tank. However, we found the experience to be somewhat short for the price, as we were done in about an hour.
Additional Attractions
Of course, Munich has plenty more to offer, from Hellabrunn Zoo and various art museums to the Viktualienmarkt. I’ll cover these in more detail another time.
Tips for Your Visit
You likely won’t manage to see everything in one day. If that’s the case, I recommend focusing on the city center, including a visit to the Residenz, and then deciding which park appeals to you more.
Enjoy your trip!
The hightest mountain in Germany - Zugspitze
One hour drive to Zugspitzbahn Tyrol
The Zugspitze stands at an impressive 2,962 meters, making it the highest mountain in Germany. There are two cable cars that take visitors to the summit; for us, the one from Ehrwald, Tyrol, is the closest. This modern gondola lift takes about 10 minutes to reach the top. It runs at wider intervals, meaning you might have to wait a little. However, we didn’t have to queue at all around 10 a.m., which was a pleasant surprise compared to our experiences with other lifts like the Nebelhorn.
At the summit, several observation platforms await, though they are quite busy. Adventurous visitors can climb to the summit from there, but we decided against it as the line was rather long. Instead, we went down one level (marked "Alpine Hazards") where the paragliders were launching. We had a picnic there, away from the crowds, and enjoyed watching them take off. This spot also serves as the arrival point for the hardy hikers who have climbed all the way up or trekked to the glacier and back.
We chose not to attempt this either. The glacier is visible from above, nestled in a rocky expanse, and no longer pristine white. The landscape above the treeline is impressive, but the most beautiful views are of the surrounding mountain ranges. At one point, the view opens up to include the Allgäu mountains, which we personally enjoyed the most.
There are also dining options at the top, including a summit restaurant and more casual fare like a sausage grill with beer garden seating.
Standing on Germany’s highest mountain even once in a lifetime is, of course, priceless.
Once back down, you can also visit the museum.
Detour to Plansee:
As the weather was so beautiful, we were more drawn to the lake. Since we were already in the area, we headed to Plansee. At the beginning of the lake, there’s a grassy area for sunbathing, which looked nice. However, we couldn’t find parking there and drove halfway around the lake. Cars were parked along the roadside, and people were swimming in small coves. It looked picturesque but wasn’t ideal for us with kids. At the other end of the lake, there’s another swimming area with a kiosk and all the amenities you’d need. The lake itself isn’t warm but wonderfully refreshing and shimmers in a stunning turquoise hue that photos don’t quite capture accurately.
Directions to Zugspitze: About 1 ¼ hours
Drive over Jochpass toward the Tannheimer Valley. Continue past Haldensee and head toward Reutte, then on toward Ehrwald. You’ll pass Ehrenberg Castle and go under the Highline 179 bridge. In Ehrwald, follow the signs for the Zugspitzbahn.
Directions to Plansee from Zugspitzbahn: About 30 minutes
Return toward Reutte and turn right shortly before reaching it onto the L255 toward Plansee. The detour adds only about 15 minutes to your journey.
The Most Beautiful Way to the Schrecksee
Our insider tip for anyone looking to hike to Bavaria's most spectacular lake.
We’ve taken the classic route to the Schrecksee several times, so this time, we wanted to try something new. This alternative route is longer but, in our opinion, much more enjoyable.
Route: From Tannheimer Tal – Neunerköpfle – Landsberger Hütte to Schrecksee, returning via Hinterstein.
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
The Start
We didn’t start particularly early, catching the bus just before 8:30 a.m. at the stop near the hotel (Bad Oberdorf/Luitpoldbad) heading towards Oberjoch Iselerbahn. From there, we transferred to a bus to Tannheim. Conveniently, this ride is included with the Hindelang guest card.
Once in Tannheim, we took the cable car up to Neunerköpfle, saving ourselves a grueling ascent. From there, we followed the signs to the Landsberger Hütte, which we reached after about two hours. The path is surrounded by stunning wildflower meadows in full bloom.
We also made a short detour to the Schochenspitze. The view of the surrounding lakes from there is absolutely breathtaking. Although there are a few climbs along the way, they are manageable.
Landsberger Hütte
At the Landsberger Hütte, we took a well-deserved break and enjoyed the delicious food. We particularly appreciated the wide variety of offerings, including both hearty snacks and warm meals.
Feeling refreshed, we continued toward the Schrecksee (another two hours). The trail passes behind the hut’s terrace and is well-marked. There are occasional ascents, but nothing too difficult. The mountain scenery here is impressive, and the views are breathtaking. The best part? The trail is wonderfully quiet, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
The Schrecksee
When you reach the ridge and catch your first glimpse of the Schrecksee, it’s truly magical. Nestled among the mountains, it’s a picture-perfect sight. It’s easy to see why the Schrecksee is so popular.
We, of course, snapped some obligatory photos and descended to the lake. Admittedly, it was much busier at the lake itself, with people speaking various languages. It’s only here that you realize how famous the Schrecksee really is.
We walked partway around the lake and couldn’t resist taking a refreshing dip. The water was delightfully cool but not icy, even in late July. My husband even managed to swim to the small island in the lake.
The Descent
We didn’t linger too long, as we wanted to catch the second-to-last Giebelhaus bus, not the very last one. The signs indicated a 3 ¾-hour hike back to Hinterstein, which initially shocked us. However, we managed the descent in under two hours (though we didn’t go all the way to Hinterstein but instead descended to Auele).
Personally, I don’t enjoy this descent. It’s long and involves a lot of walking over scree and rocks, which I find monotonous and somewhat taxing due to the need for concentration at our pace. Depending on your experience, fitness, and equipment, the descent could take significantly longer.
We even had some time to rest and reflect before catching the bus around 5:15 p.m. This took us to Hinterstein, where we transferred to the regional bus back to Bad Oberdorf/Ortsmitte. From there, it was just a five-minute walk back to the hotel—not much to complain about at that point!
Relaxation at the Hotel
Back at the hotel, we headed straight to the outdoor pool to relax. A sauna session afterward left us feeling almost brand new. And the best part? No major muscle soreness the next day—though I make no guarantees for others!
Final Thoughts
In our (admittedly biased) opinion, the Hotel Prinz-Luitpold-Bad is an excellent base for the hike to the Schrecksee. It’s especially ideal if you want to reward yourself with some wellness afterward. And if you post a photo with the hashtag #hotelprinzluitpoldbad, you even get a free drink (Alpsider) as a bonus!
Our Tips:
- Start early enough
- Bring trekking poles (the descent is much harder without them)
- Carry enough water
- Keep an eye on the bus schedule
- Bring enough cash, as the Giebelhaus bus is not included in the Hindelang guest card
Enjoy the hike!
July 23, 2024 - Written by Sabine Gross
Four Countries in one Day
We (Germany) - Lake constance (Austria) - Switzerland - Liechtenstein
Austria
It is an 1 hour drive to Bregenz at Lake constance. The old city itself is beautiful. You can strawl around, eat some icecream at the lake itself our do a boat trip. If you enjoy staying longer, visit the art museum Bregenz which hosts phenomenal artwork enbedded in amazing architecture. Or stay one summer night and enjoy wonderful operas on the open-air-stage of Bregenzer Festspiele.
It´s a very short drive to Switzerland from Bregenz. If it´s just about adding another country to your list, you can enjoy coffee or icecream at the swiss part of lake constance. If you would like to see more, you can drive to St. Gallen (45 minutes) and strawl through the old town.
Liechtenstein
Vaduz (45 min) is the capital of Liechtenstein. We personally like the city and the Liechtenstein Art Museum very much. The castle of Vaduz is not open to public, but very picuresque.
Germany
The drive back to our hotels can be done in less than 2 hours.
Amazing, isn´t it?
Our tip:
Buy your ticket for the "Autobahn" in Austria and the one in Switzerland online.
Hikes and strawls
Our tips for moderate hikes. We did a lot more. If you are more advanced please check out our tips at the info corner or ask our front desk team.
There are many different ways available from beginners up to hiking pros – all offering spectacular views into the Alps. Drive to B308/Jochstraße and turn right. After you passed the sign “Oberjoch” you will shortly see the chairlift “Iselerbahn”. Take this to the top station. (There is also a bus operating from near the hotel to Oberjoch)
Short course:
Duration: 50 min by foot (one way), level: easy to moderate
Starting at the top station there is a very idyllic hiking path to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the stunning view (there are about 400 mountain peeks to be seen).
Nice start into hiking season
Duration: 3 hours by foot, level: moderate
Starting point not finishing point (public transportation available) You are starting at top station in the direction of the top of the mountain. Not far beneath the peek, about 50 m after the sign “Startpunkt Standard Abfahrtslauf” there is a path (direction Zipfelsalpe) on the right hand side. (about 1 ½ h). Take this until you reach “Zipfelsalp” (alpine hut). Relax and enjoy food and something to drink. After that you take the serpentines to Hinterstein (1-2 h). In Hinterstein you can take the bus to Bad Hindelang (switch at final station). Then switch to the bus “Bad Hindelang – Oberjoch” (stop: Iselerbahn). This is the place you parked your car (if you did!)
It is possible to walk from Hinterstein to the hotel, if you still have energy left. Basically you walk at the bottom of Iseler. Take the small street at the church “Sangenweg”, follow it to “Bärenweg” which will lead to “Pfad der Liebe/Vaterlandsweg” which leads all the way back to the hotel. (1-1 ½ h). Please always take a map with you.
Uphill there are two alternative routes:
a) Walk along the hotel area in the direction of the outdoor pool and follow the path uphill (“Liebespfad”). Turn left at the small bridge (to “Schleierfall”). You can follow the path to end and see a nice waterfall or take the first branch left on the “Bergwachtweg” in the direction of the “Gailenberg”. Cross the little canyon named “Hirschbachtobel” and follow the path. Above Hindelang, before reaching Gailenberg, take the uphill path to “Steinköpfle” in the direction of “Hirschberg”.
b) Leave the hotel through the main entrance and follow the path on the righthand side (some metres behind our parking lot) along the “Hirschbachtobel” to the “Hirschberg”. This is a stunning trail, but you should have a good head for heights and be sure-footed. Do not take this path in case of rain or shortly afterwards - in the winter months this path is closed.
Downhill there are also two alternative routes:
c) Duration: 4 hours (up and down), level: moderate (partly very steep)
Walk route a) backwards or take the nice path from Hirschberg to the mountain hut “Hirschalpe”. From here a steep road leads in the direction of Bad Oberdorf.
d) Duration: 5 to 6 hours (up and down), level: moderate
Walk from “Hirschberg” to “Klankalpe” which offers excellent cakes and hearty snacks. From here you can take the path directly down to Bad Hindelang - either return via the path „Kellerwandweg“ to „Hirschbachtobel“, or a little lower via „Luitpoldhöhe“ and the panoramic „Cafe Polite“. At „Klankalpe“, if you did not get enough yet, you can continue the path to Hirschalpe and continue as in „c“.
Both descents are quite steep and hiking poles are a blessing for you knees.
Duration: 2 hours by foot starting in Hinterstein. Level: easy
This is a perfect walk to experience our flowery meadows, our mountains and our wild nature.
Drive to Hinterstein and park your car at the parking lot at the end of town. There is a small path downhill (coming from Hinterstein town it is to the right hand side). You will cross a street „Im Schlauchen“ and turn right. After a few meters you will see - on the left hand side - a little path into a meadow (there is a little kiosk as well). Follow this path until its end and turn left. The walk follows the river „Ostrach“ upstream. Please cross this river at the first bridge „Vorsäßbrücke“ you reach. Follow the signs in the direction of „Hölle Rundweg“. This leads you uphill, the path is becoming steeper later on. There is a small creek alongside you on the way up. You will reach the very idyllic place called the „Eckbacktobel“. Steep metallic stairs take you on the bridge to cross the stream. At this point you can see lady’s-slipper (an orchid) in May or June. Looking back you will see the face of a devil in the stony wall: “Hölle” means hell after all. Follow the path out of the ravine. Now you are walking through a forest and passing an old massive landslide. The way leads you back to the Eckbach and to Hinterstein.
An idyllic trail passing a ridge with blue berries and moorlands. There are capercaillies and black grouses around. Feels like far away from civilization. Enjoy the mountain view and relax.
Duration: 2-5 hours, level: easy to moderate.
Depending on planned route you might not end up at your starting point.
Drive in the direction of Bad Hindelang/Sonthofen. Turn right at Tiefenbacher Straße (signs to Reckenberg/Tiefenbach) and follow this streeton the lefthand side. The road goes steadily uphill. On the way there is a machine to collect your „Maut“ (fee to pass the rest of the street, looks like a parking machine). Collect a ticket an put it behind your front shield and follow the street further uphill. Park your car at the parking space (there is a sign showing you that you are not allowed to drive any further).
Now you can hike uphill the paved road (1/2 h) or take the little path through the forest (no sign available). This is starting at the left-hand side of the parking lot and is visible from there. Both ways take you through a forest up to „Tiefenbacher Eck“. Take a rest there and enjoy the nature around you. There is a way down to „Hirschalpe“ via „Steinpassattel „to „Unterjoch“, which we do not recommend. Take the same way back (which brings you to your car) or turn north in the direction of „Wertacher Hörnle (which is a small mountain). This way is not signed but mostly visible. 50 minutes later you can take a shortcut down to Unterjoch passing alpine meadows (sign saying „Unterjoch“). We like the latter way best, which brings you the whole way to Wertacher Hörnle (40 min), because it offers a stunning view. Follow the path downhill passing alpine meadows and follow it further on when it turns to a gravel path. At the end there is a steep road to Unterjoch „Buchelalpe“ (approx. 1 h). If your hike takes you to Unterjoch: We recommend to take a cab to Breiten (at the beginning) or have a second car at the hotel (to pick up the first one at Breiten). This way you can take the bus from Unterjoch to Sonthofen or Bad Hindelang (stop: DAV Jubi which is close to the hotel). Please take the bus timetable and a map with you.
This short and romantic walk, starting directly at the end of our outdoor spa area will lead you to an impressive waterfall called „Schleierfall“. We like it best during or after a rainy day.
Waterfall (both ways)
Duration:: ¾ -1 hour, level: beginner
Start at our outside gate (after the outdoor pool) and follow the path. After a while there is a brigde, turn left here. In case of doubt there are signs showing the way.
Waterfall and „Hirschbachtobel“ (ravine)
Duration: 2 ½ hours , level: moderate
To get to the waterfall follow the instructions above. Afterwards walk the same way back until you see a path on the right hand side. Follow this in the direction of Cafe Polite. You will reach the Wildbachtobel and follow the path streight on across the bridge. In order to get to the Hirschbachtobel you need to cross a street (Jochstraße). After a while you reach Hirschbachtobel and follow the path downhill. Now you have to read the signs. We recommend visiting Cafe Polite and returning to the hotel through the Hirschbachtobel (downhill) afterwards. The easiest way to do so is to turn left when you reach another street and follow it until you see our sign. The nicer way is walking through Bad Oberdorf.
Please take good care especially after rainfalls the path might by slippery.
A nice hike to a plateau – passing a highmoor, walking by several mountains. In the end you will be rewarded by an inviting terrasse, Bavarian bread and cheese/sausages or something to drink.
Short route for beginners
Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hour by foot (both ways), level: easy
Drive by car from Bad Hindelang in the direction of Sonthofen (B308). Before Sonthofen there is a branch off to „Imberg“ on the left hand side. Take this and follow the street. You will have to pay some Euro to follow it further on (Mautstraße). There is a blue machine to pay the fare on the right hand side. Close to the end of the road you see one building uphill and one parking place downhill. Take the branch off (right hand side) downhill and park your car. From there it is an approx. ½ hour walk on a street (without cars). The last 300 metres it is more stony an slightly uphill to Straußbergalpe. Apart from these last meters the trail is suitable for baby buggys as well.
Longer route, more advanced
Duration: 2-3 hours by foot, level: easy to a bit advanced.
Drive from the Hotel in the direction of Bad Hindelang and further on until the roundabout. Take the 4th exit in the direction of Hinterstein. Shortly afterwards you will see the „Hornbahn“ (cable car). Park your car there and take the cable car up the mountain „Imberger Horn“. The cable car is a 30 minutes walk from the hotel so you do not need the car, really. There is a hiking path which brings you to Straußbergalpe (very nice hut in the middle of nature, between the mountains.) If you take a detour up to Imberger Horn the trip will take up to three hours.
*Please check opening hours and timetable of Hornbahn in advance (expecially important to not miss the last cable car back to Bad Hindelang).
Take a short walk to one of the most beautiful alpine huts with a sunny terrasse which is offering Bavarian specialties like bread, cheese, butter, milk and cake, all home made (they do have their own cows).
Duration 45 minutes, level: easy to moderate.
It is possible to park at the alpine hut directly (2 minutes walk) Drive via Bad Hindelang to Sonthofen and follow the signs to „Gunzesried“ from there. Park your car at the parking lot at the beginning of Gunzesried. Pass the little gate that seems to lead nowhere and cross the meadow to the very nice path along the Aubach and its ravine in the direction of „Stausee“- water reservoir. After that take the branch off to „Alpe Derb“. It is the same way to return (takes longer!) or you take the street in the direction of Gunzesried (not a lot of traffic).
Ideal for familys with small kids or nature lovers with special needs (parking lot at hut available).
Wintertime
Most certainly Bad Hindelang and the Allgaeu offer various skiing opportunities e.g. at the Oberjoch (15 min drive), Oberstdorf (25 min drive), Ofterschwang (20 min drive) and more. We want to show you that there are many activities except skiing. Especially during the holidays we are the perfect spot. Here´s our holiday programme (2nd page in English).
Duration: 1 ½ h or 3-5 h on foot, level: moderate
Nice tour to enjoy winter feelings and as a reward some sledding. Start at the parking space at Hinterstein and drive by bus to Giebelhaus . First thing at Giebelhaus: enjoy the view. It is amazing. Afterwards walk uphill following the signs to “Schwarzenberghütte”. You can rent a sledge their, we recommend to take it from our hotel. And then: take your sledge and drive downhill. This is really fun.
How to get there: 10 min drive
Turn left at the end of the parking space (Luitpold-Str.). Follow this street until „Kurze Gasse“. Turn left there. Follow it until its end and turn left on„Hintersteiner Str.“. Follow this street until its end and turn left in the direction of Hinterstein. Drive through Hinterstein and park you car at the big parking space “Auf der Höhe”. Walk or take the bus from there to Giebelhaus. Signs will show you the way.
For all who love sledding. It is offering 3km sledding paths on 3 different routes, which makes it a lot fun. We do have some sledges to let (free of charge). There are some at the cable car sation as well (with charge).
Our tip:
Especially during German school holidays it might get crowded. It makes sense to be quite early to reduce waiting time. But do not worry: The cable car is quite efficient. Usually even long lines are not too bad.
Hot to get there (5 min by car)
Drive Andreas-Gross-Str uphill and turn left to B308. Drive through Bad Hindelang and take the 4th exit at the roundabout (sign to Hinterstein). Follow this road until you see the cable car station on the right hand side).
It is a beautiful low cost sledding trip (you only buy the bus ticket). The “old Jochstraße” which is parallel to the new B308/Jochstraße is a very popular sledding road for locals (no cars aloud). It offers amazing nature and a lot of fun. The end of the sledding road is very close to the hotel (at Andreas-Gross-Str. close to the little bridge).
If you feel like more exercise: Certainly you can walk the same way uphill (which you will drive downhill later on). Walk from the hotel on Andreas-Gross-Str. cross the little bridge, walk about 100m and take the road on the right hand side uphill. Our hotel has some sledges for you free of charge. Just ask at the reception.
How to get there: (15 min drive by bus)
Take the regular bus to Oberjoch which starts at the end of Andreas-Gross-Str. (where it meets B308/Jochstraße, 5 min walk). Buy a ticket from the driver. Our reception team will gladly give you advice on timings. Get of at the station “Oberjoch” and walk back some metres along the street until you see a little path. Take this path and the sledding fun will start soon afterwards. Please ask for snow conditions before departing.
Drive towards Unterjoch from Oberjoch. Shortly after the „Spieserlifte“, you will find a small hiking parking lot on the left side. That's where our excursion begins.
Take a leisurely walk of about 40 minutes along the gentle switchbacks towards Buchelalpe. Beneath the snow, there's a road that you'll later sled down. Don't worry, the route is moderate, both uphill and when sledding. For those who prefer not to pull sleds, there are shortcuts through the forest marked by little elves that can lift your spirits, especially the ones of the smaller participants.
Upon reaching the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Enjoy the sustainable and delicious food on the sun terrace. Our personal highlight is the vegan curry, but of course, the choice is yours.
And then, it's time to head back down!
Our recommendation:
Be there early or in the late afternoon. Parking can be challenging as early as 10 AM. You can borrow sleds for free from us.
Opening hours, please check in advance
Nov/De/Mar/Apr: Sat/Sun, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
26the Dec – Mid March: Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Lake Alpsee, near Bühl, Germany
Discover the Gschwenderberg-Alpe, a 350-year-old Alpine dairy farm. Experience the rustic charm of an alpine hut and a scenic hike in the beautiful Lake Alpsee area.
Getting There:
Start from Bühl am Alpsee and head towards Rieder/Gschwend. You'll find ample parking at the base.
Choose between two routes:
Follow the signs, and we recommend the latter route.
Begin by passing some buildings along the road, then take a left onto a snowy trail. The path is manageable, with occasional icy patches, making it an enjoyable walk through woods and meadows with glimpses of Lake Alpsee. After about 40 minutes, you'll reach your destination.
Our tip:
This hut is quite popular with a limited amount of seats. So please arrive early or after the midday-rush.
Opening hours:
11 a.m – 5 p.m, Saturday and Sunday
In the Allgäu region, there are not only many ski slopes but also wonderful cross-country skiing trails. We find cross-country skiing from the valley of Bad Hindelang to Hinterstein (in the Allgäuer Hochalpen Nature Park) to be particularly scenic.
In the high-altitude area of Oberjoch, you have access to the Allgäu-Tirol Ski Trail with 90 km of freestyle and double-track trails.
Our recommendation:
Cross-country skiing at the Hornbahn Hindelang. They now have artificial snow and evening illumination, allowing you to pursue your hobby at unconventional times.
You can receive a printed overview map of the surrounding cross-country skiing trails from the reception at our hotel. We are also happy to help you find a provider for rental equipment.
The Moor Loop, including the additional "Kögls Hütte" loop, is also open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.
Every Thursday: Night skiing at the Iselerbahn and Idealhanglift from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Wet weather
The Allgaeu is a wonderful place even if its rainy weather. Some acitivites are even more impressive if there is a lot of water. Check it out yourself.
Walk into the ravine (well prepared, secure path) and see waterfalls, deep canyons and stony walls around you. It is most impressive during or after rain. But beware: it might be slippery.
There are different ways to get back:
- take the same way downhill
- we like roundtrips best i.e. we take the path to “Dornachalpe” at the top of the ravine. There you can eat and drinks something and enjoy the nice view. From there it is a short trip downhill back to your car. Do not forget water resistant clothing and hiking shoes.
How to get there (30 min by car):
Drive up the Andreas-Gross-Str. and turn left to B308, in the direction of Bad Hindelang/Sonthofen. Follow this street until you see signs to B19 Oberstdorf and follow them until close to Oberstdorf. Just before the Mc Donalds there is a street (right hand side) in the direction of “Tiefenbach”. Follow this street and follow the signs to “Breitachklamm”.
Our tip: Be early on rainy days because it will be quite crowded. Please check opening hours and prices before leaving the hotel.
Built in 1937/1938 to replace the original church which had to be torn down. There are several impressive works of art to be seen: a Madonna with child (1493) painted by famous Hans Holbein, an altar carved by also famous Jörg Lederer (1519) and a six-foot statue of Christ on a donkey (in a local tradition this statue is towed from one village to another on Palm Sunday while the locals wafe "palm leaves" - arrangements of spruce branches, hazel branches and willow catkin).
Just walk down to Bad Oberdorf: follow the street downhill at the parking lot (Luitpoldstr.), turn right to follow Luitpoldstr., turn left do Dorfstr., right to Buchäckergasse and left to Richard –Mahn-Str. Or take any other way you like. You will find the church easily.
This is the only cave in the Allgaeu you can walk through – a real adventure. Over 300 steps bring you down to the inner chamber, where you can see very special stone formations, built in millions of years. There are many myths told about this place Guided tours available regularly. Temperature all year long about 4 degree Celsius.
How to get there (about 25 min):
Drive up the Andreas-Gross-Str. and turn left to B308, in the direction of Bad Hindelang/Sonthofen. Follow this street until you see signs to B19 Oberstdorf and follow them until Fischen. In Fischen you will see a sign to „Obermaiselstein“. Follow this sign until you reach „Obermaiselstein“ and park your car at „Haus des Gastes“ (left hand side). Walk back some meters to the fire departement. There you will see a sign, which leads you directly to „Sturmannshöhle“. Walking distance about 30 min. Or try to get a parking space (only few available) directly at the cave.
* Please check opening hours before departure.
Duration: 1-2 h walking time.
Beautiful walk through a forest (holds back some rain) with small waterfalls and idyllic nature.
How to get there:
Drive Andreas-Gross-Str. uphill and turn left at B308 in the direction of Bad Hindelang/Sonthofen. Drive through Sonthofen and Bihlerdorf and turn left at the sign which leads you to “Gunzesried”. Drive through Gunzesried and park at the big parking space shortly before “Gunzesried Säge”. Walk some metres on the street, cross the little bridge and turn left at the first street. You will see a little archway on the left hand side. This is the entrance to the ravine. Follow the path as long as you like and take the same way return or until “Buhls Alpe” and following the way there back to the parking space. Please take hiking shoes with you. It might be slippery.
There are many ways to enjoy a rainy day in Kempten. Especially the city centre offers some nice little corners and some interesting sights. The space around city hall and the pedestrian area invites you to stroll around and do some shopping.
The “Residence” is worth a visit.
Originally it was built by the Benedictines and destroyed during the war in the 17th century. 1652 it was rebuilt as one of the first monumental monastery buildings. The interior is magnificent and special due to its religious and non-religious elements. It can be visited during opening hours.*
If it is raining too much to stay outside you can visit the “Heimatmuseum” (museum of local history), which is situated in a nice baroque building.
Very special:
Kempten was founded 2000 years ago and might be the oldest German city (there is a friendly debate between Kempten and the much larger Trier which is the oldest German city – we know Kempten is older and so do you, now). “Cambodunum” is an archaeological park showing what is left from Roman times (partly open space, partly in buildings)
How to get there: 30 min
Drive Andreas-Gross-Str. uphill. Turn left in the direction of Bad Hindelang/Sonthofen. Follow this street until there is a right turn on B19 in the direction of Kempten. Stay on B19 and follow the signs to Kempten city center. Park your car at one of the parking spaces.
* Please check opening hours at the hotel reception.
Duration: 2 1/2 hours, Level: moderate with some alpine parts.
Walk to the entrance of our parking space and follow the road approx. 50 meters straight (do not turn left). There is a little path on the right hand side, just before a bridge. Follow it uphill, alongside the creek. Enjoy the green light breaking through the leaves and all the birds chirping. In order to not miss the path bringing you to the most beautiful part of the tour, please always follow the signs to "Wildbachtobel" which will impress you with its beautiful waterfalls. There are a couple of more alpine parts, so please mind your step. Once you reach the paved road, we recommend to use this to walk downhill back to our hotel. If you are still up for more hiking, there is a wonderful alpine hut "Ochsenalpe" just 20 Minutes uphill - to the right. Please do not walk the "Wildbachtobel" downhill as it is far more dangerous.
This modern (opened 2022) and very interesting museum is the perfect rainy weather alternative. It shows in an entertaining manner how life used to be in the Allgaeu in the past. Visit an old farmers house, learn more about "Die Burg" (the dark era of Sonthofen) and enjoy funny facts about inventions that changed the world.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a-m. - 6 p.m.
Address: Sonnenstraße 1 (Entrance Kirchstraße), 87527 Sonthofen (15 minutes drive by car)
All information without engagement