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Suggested hikes In the valley

Frühling rund um den Christlessee, Luftaufnahme

Oberstdorf’s valleys

are characterised by glacial drift from the latest ice age, which has been ongoing for 2.5 million years and has included both cold and warm periods. During the coldest of these, the glaciers in the Upper Allgäu reached heights of up to 2,000 metres, with only the highest summits in the Allgäu Alps protruding from the ice.

The valley glaciers from Oberstdorf’s large side valleys gradually crept south, forming the terrain that is visible today (for example the Stillachtal Valley). Smaller side glaciers were unable to embed themselves as deeply and so created many little side valleys at a slightly higher altitude (for example the Dietersbachtal Valley). As the glaciers receded, emergent watercourses at their intersections formed deep canyons and ravines, like the present-day Hölltobel Ravine. At the end of the valleys, you will find impressive traces of the former valley glacier: steep, semi-circular trough heads, many of which tower to several hundred metres in height.

Suggested walks

From lake "Moorweiher" to Trettachtal Valley

Length: 6.6 km Elevation gain/loss: 136 m
Duration: 2 hours Healing air hiking map: M

This diverse circular route starts and ends at the Mühlenbrücke bridge near the Nebelhornbahn valley station. The shaded climb through the forest above the Trettach is particularly pleasant on hot summer days. You will quickly gain altitude and reach the picturesque plateau with lake "Moorweiher". On reaching Oberstdorf’s historic Moorbad swimming pool, we recommend taking the path to the right around the picturesque lake as this is sunnier and offers better views. The surrounding mountain peaks are often reflected in the Moorweiher’s peaceful water. This little gem is a great place to visit at any time of year! On the northern edge of the lake, a path that is largely pleasantly shaded leads past the Dienersberg to the Oberstdorf golf course. Here, the route follows the valley path for a short stretch to the Zwingbrücke bridge.

In the sunny south

Length: 5 km Elevation gain/loss: 57 m
Duration: 2 hours

There are many hiking trails that lead to the sunny meadows in the south of Oberstdorf. Head along Haldenweg near the Nebelhornbahn cable car, Gertrud-von-le-Fort-Weg or Heuweg and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the centre to trails with spectacular views. In the south-west, the causeways along the Stillach River form the borders of the southern lowlands area. Useful info: The entire hiking route network in the meadows around Oberstdorf is ideal for both short and long walks with a pushchair.

This route description is not shown on the map as a specific suggested hike as many different versions are possible

Four rivers route

Length: 5 km Elevation gain/loss: 36m
Duration: 2 hours

The four rivers circular hike takes you off the beaten path and along the banks of Oberstdorf’s three mountain rivers – the Breitach, Stilllach and Trettach – as well as past their confluence at the source of the Iller. From the roundabout at the entrance to town, a short stretch of road takes you to Karweidach. The Trettach runs alongside the road as the wildest of the three mountain rivers. A short causeway leads to the source of the Iller. Here, the mountain rivers that surround Oberstdorf come together to form the most powerful body of flowing water in the Oberallgäu region.

Route: Circular route to Rubi

Length: 6,7 km Elevation gain/loss: 36m
Duration: 2,5 hours

A scenic walk to the nearby district of Rubi takes you through shady forests, along raging rivers and across sunny meadows.

To the source of the Iller
Follow the wild Trettach’s riverside trail through the forest from the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge at the north-eastern edge of Oberstdorf and across the Karweidachbrücke bridge to the source of the Iller. Here, three mountain streams, the Trettach, Stillach and Breitach, converge to form the Iller, which flows to the Danube and on to the Black Sea. The name “Iller” essentially means “in a hurry” and comes from the Celtic word “ilara”. The river is also known by the Latin name “Hilaria” meaning “cheerful”.

Into tranquil Rubi
Follow the riverside trail from the confluence of the three mountain rivers to Rubi. In the Allgäu, the Iller’s natural environment is regarded as a defining feature of the landscape. It is also an important habitat for many birds and thus worthy of protection. As you move away from the Iller and the Rubinger Steg bridge and arrive in the tranquil district of Rubi, cosy eateries invite you to rest your legs a while as you enjoy some Allgäu specialities.

A sunny return with glorious views

From the district of Hessenwinkel in the south-eastern part of Rubi, follow the path south below the Rubihorn across wide, beautiful meadows. With the sun on your face and the spectacular mountain scenery in your sights, this last section to the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge is one of the highlights of the walk.

Excursion to the poets´s house - heading for Kornau

Length: 3 km Elevation gain/loss: 158 m
Duration: 1.5 hours

The tranquil village of Kornau, the location of the Haus Bonatz (Bonatz House), which showcases Swabian architecture and poetry, is well worth a visit. The signposted Arthur-Maximilian-Miller trail leads from the edge of Oberstdorf to the Walserbrücke Bridge and up to the Jauchenkreuz Cross. On reaching Reute, a short stretch along the B19 takes you to the entrance of Kornau.

This peaceful and charming village sits on a sunny terrace above Oberstdorf. These were probably among the reasons why Arthur-Maximilian Miller decided to make Kornau his temporary home. The route follows a small country lane past the 16th century village chapel of St. Fabian and St.Sebastian, from where it’s just a few metres to the Swabian writer’s place of work.
Arthur-Maximilian Miller was one of the most important popular German writers of recent times. Even during his lifetime, his works, which are known for their impressive intellectual content, especially with regard to the eternal questions of humankind, and for their great literary quality, brought fame to the poet well beyond the borders of Swabia. The collection of poems in the Haus Bonatz has been almost fully preserved. Miller’s most famous works include “Die schwäbische Weihnacht” (“A Swabian Christmas”). After his death on 18 February 1992, the district of Swabia took over his estate. Today, you can visit his home and place of work, which have been almost perfectly preserved.

Special hiking suggestions for families

To the Reichenbach forest playground

Length: 8 km Elevation gain/loss: 121 m
Duration: 2.5 hours (3.5 hours via the viewpoint)

A fun-filled and varied family hike through the Oberstdorf districts

The circular hike starts at the "Dummelsmoosbrücke" bridge in the north-east of Oberstdorf. From here, the Trettach causeway leads to the source of the Iller, where all three of Oberstdorf’s wild mountain streams meet and continue on their way to the Danube as the river called "Iller".

The route then follows the causeway for a short distance to Rubi. After a short detour to the Illersteg footbridge, the trail continues to the middle of the idyllic district. Following a short stretch along the main road, you have the choice: follow the route to the left, passing the village chapel and up a steep climb to the top of a hill. The short but sharp climb is rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Oberstdorf Basin and the Allgäu Alps. After following the ridge for a short distance, the path bears off to the right back down a short but extremely steep section towards Reichenbach. Follow the signs and you will soon reach the forest playground.
The second (more pushchair-friendly) option takes you off to the right in Rubi, along the meadow path to Reichenbach. You essentially pass your destination for the day on route. The forest playground itself offers a variety of beautifully created and natural play stations from the double-decker bus and Formula 1 car made from tree trunks to a forest bowling alley and an Indian tepee. Mums and dads can enjoy pleasantly shaded seats. The return route leads through Rubi (for people with pushchairs who reached the forest playground via the meadow path, initially retrace your footsteps) and along the sunny meadow path with its lovely views back to the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge at the edge of Oberstdorf.