Our Allgäu
Insider tips for your vacation in the Allgaeu
*As many alpine huts close down in wintertime, please check their opening times before starting your hike.
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).
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.
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 2 days in advance (3pm): https://www.hohenschwangau.de/765.0.html 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.
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.
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
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.
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.