cross-country skiing
Nordic winter fairytale on 75 km of trails
Glide through the snow on cross-country skis while enjoying the spectacular winter landscape. Crystal-clear air, snow-covered pine trees and meadows and a bright blue sky – Oberstdorf’s cross-country skiing trails are a particularly magical way to enjoy winter.
75,000 metres of cross-country skiing trails around Oberstdorf. Ten brilliantly groomed trails in the modernised route network offer the best conditions
for exploring the area while also keeping fit. In addition to multi-lane cross-country skiing trails in the middle of the valley, you will also find more remote trails for exciting journeys of discovery with the family.
Tip:
Night-time cross-country skiing trail In the Ried cross-country skiing stadium, a floodlit facility offers cross-country skiing fun after dark.
The 2 km night-time trail is illuminated three times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) from sunset until 8 p.m.
Cross-country skiing – the perfect winter training
1. As a sport, cross-country skiing is particularly good for you as it uses many different muscle groups. It is kind on the joints and not only works the leg and core muscles but also the often neglected shoulders and arms.
2. By alternating between skating and classic style, you will activate even more muscle groups.
3. You furthermore stimulate your metabolism, strengthen your immune system and activate fat burning.
4. Cross-country skiing not only boosts your endurance but also requires good balance and helps to improve this.
5. Cross-country skiing is also great for your coordination. You learn to move dynamically and economically – while enjoying the exercise of course.
6. Exercising outdoors in the cold, in the natural winter landscape has great physiological benefits. Anyone who is stressed and yearns to relax and recuperate should try cross-country skiing. The constant movement rhythm through a peaceful wintry landscape calms the nerves and clears the head.
7. It helps the cardiovascular system. If you cross-country ski to a certain extent, you will also note an improvement in your strength and endurance.
"wintertime & more"
Special offer: book 7 nights - pay only for 6 or get a 15% discount on the regular winter price at all participating hosts!
Check the special offer weeks in January and March!
Benefit:
In the period of the special offer weeks you can additionally book some more offers of our exclusive partners at special prices, e.g. a horse-ride sleigh, a testing course for cross-country or a guided half-day walk.
Here we have selected 3 cross-country skiing trails for you in detailed description.
Otterrohr
Length: 3 km Altitude metres: 5 m
Location: valley location with low gradients
The Otterrohr circular trail is located at the north-western edge of Oberstdorf. In the north and west, the cross-country skiing trails run parallel to the present-day course of the Stillach River. Unlike many other cross-country skiing trails, these are largely protected from the wind thanks to the surrounding peaks. Their location also means that if the weather is good, plenty of sunshine is guaranteed on them. The largely flat cross-country skiing trails are particularly popular with beginners. In summer, the agricultural land is now primarily used for haymaking or as pastures. In past times, the originally marshy straw meadows along the Stillach River bend were used as arable land for many years. It is no longer possible to determine whether the area got its current name from its former owners or due to the otters that lived here.
Rohrmoos
Length: 10 km Altitude metres: 72 m
Location: medium-difficulty cross-country skiing trail with ascents and descents of up to 20 %
For about half of the circular trail, it is possible to return to the start via a shorter loop. The longer version takes a varied route through an untouched winter landscape and heavily snow-covered mountain forests to the "Aibele Alpe". Here, the trail cuts an idyllic arc around the alpine hut, which is located on the territory of the market community of Oberstdorf but managed from the neighbouring Bregenzerwald region. The return route runs along the opposite side of the valley, undulating as it goes and offering several beautiful views of the gentle mountain ridge of the "Piesenkopf" to the north. On returning to the Rohrmoos mountain restaurant, do not miss the chance for a brief look inside one of Germany’s oldest wooden chapels before you do the inevitable of rewarding yourself for all your hard work! In winter, the only way to get to the Rohrmoostal Valley is via a private toll road! There is no bus line.
You should therefore take approx. € 5.00 (in coins) with you for the toll charge.
Rubi – Reichenbach – Schöllang
Length: 14 km Altitude metres: 77 m
Location: flat to undulating terrain
In view of its long overall length, this cross-country skiing trail should not be underestimated. However, it can be shortened after a loop in the Rubinger Oy or when near to Reichenbach. With stunning scenery, options to stop for a break at cosy, nearby eateries and idyllic villages, the circular route is a true secret of the Oberstdorf trail network! Due to the exposed terrain, the minimum snow depth required for machine-based grooming is not always achieved. As a result, it is not always possible to use this cross-country skiing trail – including out of consideration of the farmers and land owners. After passing the “Widum”, the trail leads below the Schöllang mountain church and its Herrenholz hill back to Reichenbach. The subsequent descents to Rubi once again offer particularly spectacular views: all the way from the Oberstdorf Basin far into the Kleinwalsertal Valley. More athletic cross-country skiers will again be completely in their element here before the trail finishes with a flat section along the Rubinger Oy towards Oberstdorf. By taking the skiing trail in Karweidach, you can switch to the cross-country skiing trail in Otterrohr.
Want more cross-country skiing trails?
All of the trails in and around Oberstdorf can be found in digital format and as a GPS download at
Cross-country skiing taster courses
Tourismus Oberstdorf organizes a taster course in the
Ried cross-country skiing stadium twice a week from
about mid-December to early April, depending on
snow level. The taster course is run by the Oberstdorf
ski schools. The price includes equipment hire and
professional instruction.
Date:
Wednesday: classic
Friday: skating
Meeting point (on both days):
4.15 p.m., Ried cross-country skiing stadium,
Birgsauer Straße 35
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Cost: € 25 (available to guests with an Allgäu Walser
Premium Card and Oberstdorf locals)
Booking:
The course can only be booked while in Oberstdorf
(advance booking prior to arrival not possible).
Advance tickets:
Tourist Information Office
Oberstdorf Haus (Oberstdorf House)
Prinzregenten-Platz 1
87561 Oberstdorf
Booking deadline: 4.30 p.m. the previous day
Minimum group size: 4 people
Maximum group size: 15 people
Minimum age: 8
Public transport is available to and from the stadium!
Biathlon taster lesson
The taster lesson for visitors and locals. Shooting will occur using laser guns over a 10 m distance, from both a standing and a lying position. A realistic biathlon experience for all! The taster course is held once a week in the Ried cross-country skiing stadium from about mid-December to early April, depending on snow level. The price includes skating equipment and gun hire as well as professional instruction.
Date:
Tuesday
Meeting point:
4.15 p.m., Ried cross-country skiing stadium,
Birgsauer Straße 35
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Cost: € 25 (available to guests with an Allgäu Walser
Premium Card and Oberstdorf locals)
Booking:
The course can only be booked while in Oberstdorf
(advance booking prior to arrival not possible).
Advance tickets:
Tourist Information Office
Oberstdorf Haus
Prinzregenten-Platz 1
87561 Oberstdorf
Booking deadline: 4.30 p.m. the previous day
Minimum group size: 4 people
Maximum group size: 20 people
Minimum age: 8
Public transport is available to and from the stadium!
The perfect cross-country skiing day in Oberstdorf ..
