Allgau: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Lovely mountain landscapes, royal castles, and living traditions characterize the Allgäu in southern Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Bavarian King Ludwig II, attracts visitors from all over the world, as does the winter sports resort of Oberstdorf. While hiking, you can explore the idyllic mountains or visit the Breitachklamm, the deepest gorge in Central Europe.

Table of contents

Allgau - The most beautiful cities
Allgau - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Allgau - Climate

Allgau - The most beautiful cities

Füssen

Exactly where the German Alpine Road and the Via Claudia Augusta meet, lies Füssen. The city, characterized by medieval streets, looks back on a history of more than 2,000 years. If you're in the mood for relaxation, retreat to the baroque garden of the Franciscan monastery. Around Füssen, a hiking paradise awaits you. One of the most beautiful tours leads to the Falkenstein ruins. For the ascent, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city. You can also experience active recreation in winter: on cleared winter hiking trails or snowshoe tours through untouched nature.

Kempten

If you are interested in history, the Archaeological Park Cambodunum is worth a visit. Information about the city's history is provided by an exhibition in the Erasmus Chapel. The Basilica of St. Lawrence, with its impressive onion domes, can be seen from afar. A visit to the state rooms of the Residence, which belongs to the Prince Abbey, is worthwhile. A hiking trail leads directly from the town hall square in Kempten to the 915-meter-high Mariaberg. A bike tour along the Iller is fun for the whole family. Guests with children can learn at lovingly designed stations on the Zumstein Path how the city palace of the same name was built. The activity path invites participation.

Oberstdorf

Attention bathing beauties, in summer you can cool off at the natural swimming pool Freibergsee in Oberstdorf. A hike through the Breitachklamm is also refreshing, where waterfalls create a fine mist. Things get fast-paced on a ride with the Allgäu Coaster Söllereck. Speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour take you through loops and steep curves. From December to April, the cross-border ski area Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal attracts skiers. It includes 130 varied kilometers of slopes spread over seven mountains. Pure relaxation is promised by the 140 kilometers of groomed winter hiking trails that lead through untouched nature. Cross-country skiers will find their paradise on the trails groomed in classic or skating style.

Lindau

The highlight of Lindau is the old town island, which is connected to the newer part of the city by a bridge. The Maximilianstraße, lined with restaurants and cafés, runs through the old town, and nearby is the old town hall with its painted facade and characteristic stepped gable. Stroll through the picturesque streets and admire sights such as the Diebsturm and the Lindavia Fountain. A Lindau cult object that you must not miss is the Milchpilz. The fly agaric-shaped kiosk on Sina-Kinkelin-Platz dates back to the 1950s and is one of only eight existing examples.

Memmingen

At the marketplace of Memmingen, you will find many secular buildings. One of them is the town hall adorned with columns and towers in the Renaissance style. Notable is the elongated tax house with its arcades. Nearby stands another architectural jewel, the guild house, which is distinguished by its Renaissance gables. The Church of St. Martin is one of the oldest sacred buildings in Upper Swabia. Remarkable is the choir stalls, which date from the late Gothic period. The Red Path connects many sights in the center. Follow the markings and learn interesting facts about the landmarks on display boards. The Green Path passes the most beautiful green spaces.

Bad Wörishofen

Experience the soothing effect of cold water in Bad Wörishofen. With an original Kneipp cure, bring body and mind into harmony. A walk through the spa park also contributes to relaxation: In summer, the scent of more than 550 types of roses wafts through the natural paradise. Experience the Japanese tradition of forest bathing in the spa and healing forest. On the Kneipp forest path, 40 stations provide information about the life and teachings of Sebastian Kneipp. Terrain cure paths developed by experts with a route length of 5 km invite gentle training. The fitness trail with outdoor fitness equipment is challenging.

Pfronten

The picturesque Pfronten offers a wealth of attractions and excursion opportunities. The Tegelberg massif, with its cable car, is a paradise for hikers and offers spectacular panoramas. The Falkenstein castle ruins majestically overlook the town and tell of times past. The Allgäu Castle Museum in Pfronten brings the region's history to life. In winter, ski resorts like nearby Nesselwang attract visitors, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The "King's Castles" Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are also easily accessible and offer insights into royal splendor. Pfronten is a versatile destination for nature lovers and culture fans alike - ideal for the whole family.

Oberstaufen

Around 250 km of well-marked hiking trails invite you to actively explore the region around Oberstaufen. Climb the highest peaks and let your gaze wander to the Swiss Alps in clear weather. Adventure awaits in Bavaria's largest high ropes course, the Bärenfalle in Ratholz. The slopes around Oberstaufen offer 40 km of skiing fun. The small ski areas at Hündle, in Seibis, and in Sinswang are ideal for families due to the flat terrain. Ski tourers love the 6 km descent from Hochgrat. 100 kilometers of cross-country trails attract fans of Nordic skiing to Oberstaufen.

Allgau - 5 most beautiful natural sights

Allgäu Alps

No matter which holiday destination you choose in the Allgäu Alps, the well-developed network of hiking trails will delight you. There are family-friendly tours on flat terrain, routes over lush alpine pastures, and high-altitude tours in the Central Main Ridge or the Hornbach Chain. Clear waters like the Alatsee or the Great Alpsee are popular excursion destinations. During the cold season, the Allgäu Alps transform into a unique winter wonderland. The ski region of Oberstdorf with the Fellhorn, Nebelhorn, and Söllereck is among the popular travel destinations. You can gently glide through nature on the well-prepared cross-country ski trails in Balderschwang or in the Nagelfluhkette.

Breitach Gorge

With a length of 2.5 km and a depth of 150 m, the Breitachklamm is considered the deepest rock gorge in Central Europe. It is more than 8,000 years old and was formed during the last ice age when the Breitach River bored through the mighty rocks. Well-developed hiking trails lead you through the gorge. After rainfall, visitors can admire the waterfalls thundering down into the gorge. In the cold season, the Breitachklamm presents itself with its snow-covered rocks and ice curtains. The two entrances to the gorge can be conveniently reached by bus from Oberstdorf within 10 minutes.

Schwangau

Schwangau in the Ostallgäu, a picturesque typical Bavarian village, is nestled in the midst of the majestic Alps and is known for its breathtaking beauty and its proximity to the famous royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. These castles are the main attractions of the village and draw thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Schwangau offers not only cultural treasures but also a beautiful natural environment. The green forests, clear lakes, and rugged mountain peaks offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports. Cozy inns and restaurants invite you to enjoy Bavarian cuisine and hospitality.

Allgäu Mountains

The Allgäu in Germany is blessed with a variety of picturesque mountain lakes hidden amidst the breathtaking Alpine scenery. Notable lakes in the Allgäu include - besides the reservoir Forggensee - the Alpsee, the Grüntensee, the Schrecksee, and the Rottachsee. These clear mountain lakes offer a refreshing cool-down in the summer. The surrounding nature invites you to hike and picnic, and the reflections of the surrounding mountains on the water surface create an enchanting backdrop. In winter, some of these lakes freeze over, offering the opportunity for ice skating and curling.

Oberstdorf Ski Resort

Oberstdorf is a first-class ski resort in the Allgäu, located amidst the majestic Alps. This winter paradise attracts skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. With several top-notch ski areas, including the Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, and Söllereck, Oberstdorf offers a wide range of slopes for all difficulty levels. The modern lift systems ensure a comfortable ascent to the peaks, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered Alps. Oberstdorf also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. The charming town itself features cozy restaurants, cafes, and shops to perfectly round off your day.

Allgau - Climate

The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.