Winter hiking

Length: 8 km Elevation gain/loss: 291 m
Duration: 3.5 hours Location: mid-altitude

At the west edge of Oberstdorf, the route heads over the Schlechtenbrücke Bridge to the Waldesruhe area, where you can visit the world’s first scientifically investigated energy site. The Bergkristallweg and Edmund-Probst-Weg trails then lead up to the Freibergsee Lake. At the top, a circular trail takes you all the way around the lake. If you want to extend the hike slightly or visit the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill, you should now follow the route to the right. By taking the left-hand option, it is not long before you enjoy a lovely view of the lake. This is one of the highlights of the hike. The return route takes you through the forest on the north side of the Freibergsee. Here, a short, slightly steeper section leads downhill to the lower Renksteg. After crossing the Stillach River, we return to a sunny stretch on the meadows to the south of Oberstdorf.

Tip:
You can avoid the ascent and descent by taking the bus to the Söllereckbahn valley station. The route can also be shortened by using the lift at the ski flying hill and Renksteg stops in the Stillachtal Valley.

Length: 11 km Elevation gain/loss: 345 m
Duration: 4 hours Location: mid-altitude

From the Mühlenbrücke Bridge in Oberstdorf, a causeway follows the Trettach River into the picturesque side valley. The trail continues through the idyllic winter landscape to Dietersberg. Here, the ascent to Gerstruben up a steep Alpine road is the most demanding part of the hike. Nowadays, the mountain village with its historical buildings and small chapel are under heritage protection. Framed by the picturesque winter landscape, this is one of the Allgäu’s most beautiful sights! The descent starts by retracing the initial route. On reaching Dietersberg again, we recommend taking a different return route and crossing
the Zwingbrücke bridge and the golf course, continuing past the idyllic Moorweiher to the Mühlenbrücke Bridge and Oberstdorf.

Tip:
Puzzle lovers should take a slightly closer look at the south side of the hunting lodge (first building on the right).

Length: 3 km Elevation gain/loss: 64 m
Duration: 1 hour Location: valley

From Reichenbach’s southern entrance, the hiking trail
heads across the meadows in the west of the district,
offering plenty of stunning views along the way. After
climbing the “Herrenholz”, the trail continues with a
slightly steeper uphill section through heavily snow-covered forests. On reaching the ridge, you are treated to one of the finest views of Oberstdorf’s white valley basin and the surrounding mountains. Returning to the circular trail, we now follow the ridge across wintry glades with idyllic views of Reichenbach. A forest trail gradually heads to Widum at the foot of the small mountain, from where the village road leads back to Reichenbach.

Tip:
There are two worthwhile little detours! Heading from Widum up to the Schöllang mountain church is very much recommended due to the beautiful view and the remarkable village chapel. After climbing to the Herrenholz, you should on no account miss the spectacular view of the Allgäu Alps.

Length: 4 km Elevation gain/loss: 187 m
Duration: 2.5 hours Location: valley

Starting in Tiefenbach, the winter hiking trail heads through the entrance of the Breitachklamm Ravine and straight into its depths. This is the deepest and, without a doubt, one of the most impressive rocky gorges in Central Europe. It is also one of the most beautiful natural geotopes in Bavaria, especially in winter when the frozen ice formations along the well-developed hiking trail that snakes it way through the ravine are an extraordinary natural sight. Close to the upper entrance is the only bridge across the Breitachklamm Ravine. Known as the “Zwingsteg”, this is definitely not to be missed! The views down into the thundering depths of the gorge are simply staggering. On the opposite side, a short climb leads up towards the Engenkopf. At the top, the route continues past the Alpe Dornach back to Tiefenbach. Alternatively, on reaching the Breitachklamm Ravine’s upper entrance, there are also other options for extending the winter hike into the Kleinwalsertal Valley. Regular buses return to Oberstdorf from the Walserschanze, the nearby border crossing.

Tip:
Night hikes through the Breitachklamm Ravine are offered twice a week in winter. Seeing the frozen ice formations by torch light is an extraordinary, almost mystical experience!
For further information, please visit www.breitachklamm.com

Length: 10 km Elevation gain/loss: 187 m
Duration: 4 hours Location: valley

From the Mühlenbrücke bridge at the south-east edge of Oberstdorf, the winter hiking trail follows the icy Trettach River over diverse terrain to the bridge over the Oybach River. Before reaching the bridge, the snow-covered Dr.-Hohenadel-Weg runs parallel to the wild and often frozen river up to the Oytal Valley.

The wintry Alpine Road (which is closed to public transport) now passes along quaint, narrow streets and through the idyllic, snowy winter landscape to the Oytalhaus. This is where the network of safe, cleared winter hiking trails ends in winter.

The white silhouette of the mountains in the rear section of the Oytal Valley and the rugged, vertically climbing, frozen rock faces of the Seewände Mountains are equally as impressive as the gentle, snow-covered and enchanting winter landscape along the valley floor. The route back to Oberstdorf initially retraces its footprints before heading back down the well-maintained Alpine road out of the valley. Passing the picturesquely located Kühberg and the Audi ski jumping arena, the trail returns to this circular hike’s starting point.

Tip:
If you plan to visit the Oytal Valley during your holiday and the current conditions make the winter hike there possible, you shouldn't wait for too long before setting off. It’s far from rare for all of the trails into the Oytal to be temporarily closed in winter due to the risk of avalanches. Anyone who delays their visit for too long runs the risk of snowfall and potential avalanches forcing them to rethink their plans. The hike is suitable for the whole family.

Length: 14 km Elevation gain/loss: 99 m
Duration: 4.5 hours Location: valley

Start at the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge and enjoy the views as you head north across the sunny plains of the Rubinger Oy. In the district of Schöllang, the winter hike takes you along Widum and up to the Schöllang castle church.

Thanks to the elevation, particularly spectacular views can be admired from by the chapel. After returning to Widum, the winter hiking trail climbs back up to the ridge through snow-covered forests. At the southern end, you are rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of the valley basin around Oberstdorf and the glistening white Allgäu Alps. 

After descending to Rubi, the winter hike returns to Oberstdorf past the source of the Iller. Along the causeway and the banks of the Trettach, you return to where you started in Dummelsmoos.

Length: 2 km Elevation gain/loss: 100 m
Duration: 1 hour Location: mid-altitude

The Zeigersattel is without a doubt one of the most riveting viewpoints to be found on winter hikes in the Allgäu! From the exit of the Höfatsblick summit Station on the Nebelhorn, follow the Zeigersattel signs to the right. Depending on the level of snowfall, the groomed winter hiking trail can vary slightly from year to year. We therefore recommend that you look for a sign right at the start of your hike. After leaving the Edmund-Probst-Haus behind you, the trail initially descends towards two Alpine huts. Just before reaching these, it veers to the left and leaves the ski area. After a short, gentle climb, we reach the Zeigersattel – and a fantastic view of the heavily snow-covered landscape of the majestic Allgäu Alps. The Höfats, also known as the queen of the mountains in the Allgäu Alps, is just one of the countless impressive mountain peaks! To return, simply retrace your footsteps to the Nebelhornbahn cable car station.

Tip:
Note the avalanche warnings in our winter sports report. The trail may have to be closed temporarily in the case of a high avalanche risk.

Length: 13 km Elevation gain/loss: 211 m
Duration: 4.5 hours Location: valley

This winter hike passes the remarkable St. Loretto chapels on the southern edge of Oberstdorf and heads up the Burgstall climb to the Trettachtal Valley. After passing Germany’s southernmost golf course, glorious views open up as you head to lake "Christlessee". Even in winter, the mysterious, crystal-clear mountain lake with a cobalt-blue shimmer never freezes. This is because innumerable springs on its floor prevent ice from forming. The hike continues along the old Spielmannsauer Straße and over the Truppersoybrücke Bridge to Spielmannsau. To the south, you can enjoy impressive views of the snow-capped peak of the mountain Trettachspitze! In summer, this is the start of the popular Alpine stage of the E5 long-distance hiking route from Oberstdorf to Merano in Italy. In winter, only the return trail remains. Following the Trettach River, the trail continues to the bridge at Gottenried.

Tip:
The Trettachtal Valley offers plenty of cosy and welcoming places to stop for a break! Treat yourself to some Allgäu specialities!

Length: 5.5 km Elevation gain/loss: 52 m
Duration: 2 hours Location: valley

Starting in the small district of Hessenwinkel near Rubi, this varied hiking trail takes the meadow path in the direction of Oberstdorf. In the snow-covered meadows below the Rubihorn, winter hikers will frequently experience magical winter conditions while enjoying glorious sunshine and stunning panoramic views of the Oberstdorf mountain backdrop.

Arriving at the northern edge of Oberstdorf, the hike then takes a sharp right into the Rubinger Oy trail before the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge. Next, it passes through snow-covered spruce forests along the wild Trettach river and, via Karweidach, to the source of the Iller. The bracing cold that prevails alongside the wild mountain river ensures that hikers will experience extremely fresh and invigorating winter air. The Trettach, Stillach and Breitach, the three mountain rivers that flow around Oberstdorf, come together at the source of the Iller. The return route of this winter hike brings you a little further along the Iller causeway, before re-entering Oberstdorf’s smallest district at the level of the Rubinger Steg bridge.

Useful info:
As the causeways are frequently difficult to groom, icy stretches may occasionally be encountered along this trail. Good footwear is therefore essential for winter hiking. In certain cases, it may also be advisable to bring poles or ice cleats.

Length: 13 km Elevation gain/loss: 357 m
Duration: 3 hours Location: valley

With the sun in your face and the Allgäu’s main ridge in sight, a winter hike to the snow-covered Stillachtal Valley has many attractions for you to discover! Over the panoramic meadows in the south of Oberstdorf and along the icy Stillach river, this winter hiking trail leads you to the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill. The “leaning tower of Oberstdorf” is open to visitors all year long. But be warned that the hill’s magnificent view of the frozen Freibergsee Lake and snow-covered Stillachtal Valley is not for the faint-hearted!

From the ski flying hill, continue up the road towards Schwand and Ringang, an impressive plateau to the south of the Freibergsee Lake. From here, the sunny trail with its panoramic views heads back downhill, passing the Fellhornbahn valley station and Anatswald to Birgsau. If your legs aren’t too tired though, we recommend the climb through the mountain forests to Einödsbach.

The hamlet of Einödsbach, which has been inhabited since the 15th century, sits in a picturesque setting at a height of 1,114 metres, directly below the main massif of the Allgäu Alps with its impressive summits of the Trettach, Mädelegabel and Hochfrottspitze. From this point, simply retrace your steps back to Birgsau, from where a regular bus service will take you back to Oberstdorf.

Length: 6 km Elevation gain/loss: 271 m
Duration: 3.5 hours Location: mid-altitude

This unique circular trail is of moderate difficulty and brings you along a varied route to uncover hidden corners of Oberstdorf that you could otherwise easily miss! After the Walserbrücke bridge at the western edge of Oberstdorf village, a short, steep section brings you to “Alte Walserstraße”. Following this road, the route climbs to the edge of Kornau.
The tranquil and idyllic district of Kornau lies in a sunnyposition above Oberstdorf.

In addition to the 16th century village chapel of St. Fabian and Sebastian, it is home to the former workshop of the Swabian writer Arthur Maximilian Miller, whose most famous works include “Die schwäbische Weihnacht” (“A Swabian Christmas”). On reaching the end of the village, the trail briefly passes along a former cattle drive route, heading slightly steeper uphill to the valley station of the Söllereck cable car.

After a short while, the trail leads to the Bergkristall. Even in the 1920s, the mountain restaurant of the same name that stands here was a popular destination. Passing a pretty area where wild game are fed, the trail continues along the Bergkristallweg and the Waldesruhe back to Oberstdorf.

Tip:
The hiking distance can be almost halved by taking a bus to the Söllereck cable car station.