The air tastes of meadow herbs, cowbells tinkle somewhere and the horizon is dotted with peaks like a postcard. No traffic noise, no time pressure - just you, your rucksack and a path that winds its way through lush green Alpine foothills to crystal-clear mountain lakes.
The Allgäu is a promise: of freedom, far-reaching views and nature experiences that feel like little adventures. Whether you are traveling with your family, conquering a summit or just want to clear your head. In this article, we show you the most beautiful routes, real insider tips, family-friendly tours and give you tips on how to plan your hiking adventure in the Allgäu perfectly - at any time of year.
Table of contents
Why is the Allgäu a paradise for hikers?
What are the most beautiful hikes in the Allgäu?
How do I plan a hike with children in the Allgäu?
What makes the Allgäu hiking trilogy so special?
Which hiking tours lead to the most beautiful Alps and peaks?
Which hikes are suitable for every season?
How do I best prepare for a hike in the Allgäu?
Conclusion: The Allgäu - a hiking dream for all the senses
Why is the Allgäu a paradise for hikers?
Sometimes it doesn't take much to be happy - just a pair of well-laced hiking boots and a path that leads you to the Allgäu. Between rolling hills and rugged peaks, through moors, forests and past sparkling blue mountain lakes, a landscape unfolds here that is made for explorers.
What makes it so special? The diversity. In the Allgäu, you will encounter lush Alpine foothills with wide valleys and lush meadows, as well as rocky high-altitude trails with spectacular views - and everything in between. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mountain goat, a walk or a summit assault: the region offers hiking trails at all levels of difficulty.
And then there are the little things that make every hike in the Allgäu an experience: the quiet gurgling of a ravine, the smell of wet moss, the silence on a lonely path in the early morning. The Allgäu is not a glossy Instagram location. It is real. And that's exactly why it's a nature experience that lingers for a long time.
What are the most beautiful hikes in the Allgäu?
The Allgäu is like a hiking buffet: you can choose whether you prefer to stroll along the lakeshore in a relaxed manner or climb a summit with burning calves. To help you keep track of all the options, here are a few of the most beautiful hikes - for every level, every mood and every desire for scenery.
Classics with a wow effect
Around the Großer Alpsee near Immenstadt
Sure, the Alpsee is no longer an insider tip - but it's rightly a classic. The trail takes you around 11 kilometers through forests, across meadows and repeatedly to the shores of the largest natural lake in the Allgäu. Perfect for beginners, families or simply a leisurely day trip with a wonderful view of the water.
Panorama trail near Oberstdorf
Do you want to get up high, but without a via ferrata adventure? Then the panorama trail above Oberstdorf is ideal. With a view of the Stillachtal valley, you hike along easily accessible paths, peppered with viewpoints that will take your breath away - in the best sense of the word.
Challenging tours for summiteers
To the Nebelhorn (2,224 m)
The hike to the Nebelhorn is a classic for anyone who wants to get up high. It usually starts in Oberstdorf, and those who want to go all the way can do so on foot - over 1,400 meters of altitude, rugged paths and spectacular views. Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can take the Nebelhornbahn to the middle station and start from there.
Over the Grünten - the "Guardian of the Allgäu"
The Grünten is not the highest mountain in the region, but it is one of the most striking. The summit tour offers steep climbs, expansive views and - with a bit of luck - a sunset panorama that will leave you speechless. Sure-footedness and fitness are a must here.
Insider tips for those seeking peace and quiet
Hike through the Eistobel gorge near Maierhöfen
The Eistobel is a real natural wonder: white water, moss-covered rocks, small waterfalls - and a path that leads you right through the middle of this hidden paradise. A wonderfully cool tour away from the crowds, especially in summer.
Moorland hike near Bad Wurzach
Less spectacular but no less fascinating is the Wurzacher Ried - one of the largest contiguous raised bogs in Europe. The hike is easy, but the landscape is incredibly exciting: quiet paths, bizarre tree formations and an atmosphere that somehow seems magical.
How do I plan a hike with children in the Allgäu?
Hiking with children is like a surprise egg: you never know exactly what's inside - but with the right route, exciting intermediate destinations and a touch of adventure, it becomes an unforgettable family outing. And the Allgäu? It's made for it.
Easy, exciting, suitable for children
The numerous easy hiking trails in the foothills of the Alps are particularly suitable for families with children. Circular tours without too many meters in altitude are ideal, where there is always something to discover along the way - such as the adventure trail at Niedersonthofener See, where little naturalists can learn more about the surroundings in a playful way. Or the circular hike to Alpe Obere Kalle near Balderschwang - a child-friendly trail with refreshments and a petting zoo included.
Motivation, snacks & mini-adventures
To keep your spirits up along the way, it's worth doing some preparation.
A few tips:
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Choose paths with highlights - e.g. waterfalls, suspension bridges or playgrounds.
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Pack enough provisions - muesli bars, fruit and a special picnic can work wonders.
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Let the children lead the way - with their own hiking map or compass, they'll feel like real explorers.
- Not too long tours - rather short stages with lots of breaks than an hour-long forced march.
You can find even more inspiration in our guide to outdoor equipment or in the article Hiking with children.
Stop off, marvel, play
What makes a family hike unforgettable are the little highlights along the way. How about a break at the Sennalpe Derb in Gunzesried, where you can enjoy fresh buttermilk and homemade cheese? Or a detour to the adventure playground at Alpsee - perfect for letting off steam after the tour.
For real water rats, a combination of hiking and splashing around is ideal, for example at Rottachsee or Forggensee - perfect for warm days and tired feet.
What makes the Allgäu hiking trilogy so special?
Imagine a hike that doesn't start somewhere and end somewhere, but tells a story. About the Allgäu, its landscapes, its people. This is exactly the idea behind the Allgäu Hiking Trilogy - a long-distance hiking trail network with over 876 kilometers that takes you on three routes through very different natural and cultural areas.
Sounds like a lot? It is - but don't worry: you can choose the stages that suit you. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through green meadow valleys or a sporty climb up to lofty heights - everyone will find their own personal route through the Allgäu.
Three routes - three characters
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The Wiesengänger route takes you through gentle hilly landscapes, past small villages, lush meadows and cozy Alps. Perfect for connoisseurs and anyone who likes to travel light.
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The Water Strider Route connects lakes, moors and river landscapes - and sometimes takes you over a suspension bridge or through a cool gorge. Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy the tranquillity of the water.
- The Himmelsstürmer route lives up to its name: it takes you up into the mountains, along challenging paths, with spectacular views as a reward. Just right for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and an appetite for altitude.
Stages, accommodation & planning
Of course, you don't have to hike the trilogy in one go. Each route is divided into individual stages that you can flexibly adapt to your time and fitness level.
You will find plenty of hospitable accommodation along the way, from rustic mountain huts to wellness hotels. Many places are also easily accessible by bus or train - ideal for choosing specific stages or taking shortcuts.
If you don't want to set off on your own, you can also join guided tours - this way you will not only get to know the region better in terms of its landscape, but also its history and culture.
Which hiking tours lead to the most beautiful Alps and peaks?
Some paths not only take you to the top, but also far beyond everyday life. In the Allgäu, it is precisely these tours where, after a few meters in altitude, you suddenly look out over an entire valley, stop off at an alpine hut and later - with tired legs and a full stomach - sit on a summit and simply marvel.
Summit tours with panoramic views
Nebelhorn (2,224 m) - A real Allgäu highlight. The tour starts in Oberstdorf and can either be started on foot or in a more relaxed way with the support of the mountain railroad. An incredible panoramic view awaits at the top - even as far as the Zugspitze on a clear day. And if you're lucky, you might spot an ibex along the way.
Summit tour to the Hochgrat (1,834 m) - The highest mountain in the Nagelfluhkette offers a steep but rewarding ascent - either from the valley station of the Hochgratbahn cable car or from one of the Alps. A ridge path awaits you at the top, giving you a bit of an alpine feeling.
Grünten (1,738 m) - The "Guardian of the Allgäu" is striking and easy to reach. The hike is particularly varied: from shady forests and open meadow slopes to the summit cross with its far-reaching views - ideal for a sporty half-day tour.
Hiking with a stop for refreshments - pure Alpine idyll
To Alpe Gund near Hinterstein - a leisurely tour with one of the most rustic places to stop for refreshments. Kässpatzen, fresh milk, homemade cake - and all with a view of lush meadows and grazing cows. It doesn't get much more Allgäu than this.
Alpe Gschwenderberg am Alpsee - This hike is particularly family-friendly, leading you through mixed forest and along forest paths to the farmed alpine pasture. At the top there are hearty snacks and a fantastic view over the Alpsee.
Hut hikes for multi-day tours
Willersalpe & Schrecksee - If you like it a little wilder, start at the Willersalpe and continue from there to the legendary Schrecksee - a turquoise-blue mountain lake at over 1,600 m above sea level, which lies like a hidden gem in the landscape. The Willersalpe is managed and ideal for an overnight stay in a hut with guaranteed sunrise.
Kemptner Hütte - One of the most popular starting points for multi-day mountain tours in the Allgäu Alps. It is spectacularly situated at 1,846 m and is an excellent stopover on the way to the Mädelegabel or on the Himmelsstürmer route of the hiking trilogy.
Which hikes are suitable for every season?
Hiking has no season in the Allgäu - here the whole year is the stage for nature, exercise and inner reflection. Spring, summer, fall and winter each give the landscape its own magic. And you? All you need is the right clothing, a little flexibility - and the desire to embrace every mood.
Spring: when the moor awakens
When the last patches of snow melt and the first crocuses peek cautiously through the grass, the Allgäu awakens from hibernation. Particularly beautiful: moorland hikes in the Wurzacher Ried or in the Tuffenmoos near Oberstaufen. Here it is quiet and wide, the light is soft and with a bit of luck you will hear cranes or frogs in the reeds.
Summer: mountain lakes & ravines to cool off in
When it gets hot, many hikers are drawn to the heights - and rightly so! In the warm season, any tour that ends at a lake or leads through a ravine - i.e. a rocky, often watery gorge - is worthwhile. Particularly beautiful: the Eistobel ravine near Maierhöfen, the Hinanger waterfall or the mystical Breitachklamm gorge near Oberstdorf. Don't forget: Pack your swimming trunks for a refreshing dip in the Alpsee, Forggensee or Rottachsee lakes.
Autumn: blaze of color & panoramic views
When the leaves turn golden and the foehn wind ensures clear views, hiking in the Allgäu is almost meditative. The high-altitude trails are particularly enjoyable now - for example on the high-altitude trail between Immenstadt and Missen or around the Grünten, which looks almost a little melancholy in the warm autumn light. The Herbsttobel near Rettenberg is also an insider tip now.
Winter: Silence, snow & clear air
Think winter is the end of hiking? Not at all! Especially in the cold season, the Allgäu shows its quiet, almost fairytale-like side. Many paths are cleared and are ideal for winter hikes, e.g. around Balderschwang, through the Gunzesrieder Tal valley or the panorama trail near Pfronten.
The most important things now are warm, functional clothing and sturdy shoes. Here you will find everything you need for your tour in the Petromax outdoor clothing collection.
How do I best prepare for a hike in the Allgäu?
You have your destination in mind but no plan yet? No problem - with a little preparation, your hike in the Allgäu will not only be beautiful, but really well-rounded. And: even spontaneity sometimes needs structure.
Planning is half the view
Before you set off, it's worth taking a look at the hiking map - digital or classic paper version. Find out about the route length, altitude, refreshment stops and whether the path is currently passable. A weather check is a must, especially for alpine tours - otherwise sudden fog or a summer thunderstorm can quickly become a danger.
Our article on interpreting weather signs correctly will help you here.
The right equipment - less is more (but not too little)
Good hiking boots, weatherproof clothing and a comfortable rucksack are the basics. Plus: plenty of water, snacks, sun or rain protection, a small emergency first-aid kit and, depending on the tour, a headlamp or power bank. If you want to be on the safe side, it's better to pack more - but do so consciously. Anything you don't need will only drag you down.
By the way: If you're just starting out with hiking or want to prepare yourself specifically, take a look at our guide to training for hiking.
Mountain lifts & guided tours: comfort is not a betrayal
You don't have to do everything on your own. There are numerous cable cars in the Allgäu that will take the first few meters of altitude off your hands - leaving you with more energy for the summit. Guided hikes are also a great way to get out and about safely and with exciting information about nature and the region. For those who prefer to hike freely, the dense network of trails around Oberstdorf, Sonthofen and Bad Hindelang offers many well-marked tours for individual planning.
Hiking & wellness - why not do both?
After the tour is before the relaxation. The Allgäu is not only hiking country, but also known for its wellness offers. So why not plan a few hours at the spa, a massage or a visit to the thermal baths? Especially in places like Oberstdorf, Füssen or Bad Wörishofen, active vacations can be perfectly combined with relaxation.
Conclusion: The Allgäu - a hiking dream for all the senses
Whether you are strolling through flowering meadows, balancing on narrow ridge paths or discovering an easy circular trail with your family - hiking in the Allgäu is more than just exercise. It is an immersion in a landscape that grounds you, challenges you and surprises you time and time again.
Here you will find trails for every level, in every season and at every pace. You can storm summits, sneak through moors, walk barefoot along the lakeshore or unwind with Kässpatzen on an alpine pasture. The Allgäu hiking trilogy even offers adventures lasting several days - perfect for those who don't just want to get there, but really want to be on the move.
