Excursion tips for Allgäu

Enjoy the magic of this very special time of year and let yourself be pampered all around. In addition to culinary highlights and a Christmas party, you can expect festive music evenings and concerts, torchlight hikes, and much more. During the day, our sports guides offer you additional activities such as toboggan excursions, snowshoe hikes, or farm visits. The evening starts at a mulled wine hut. With a Champagne reception, gala dinner, live music in the Panoramahalle bar, dancing in the Stießbergstüble dance bar, and a midnight snack, we celebrate New Year’s Eve together with you.

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The Oberstaufen ski region with the ski areas Hündle, Imberg, Hochgrat, and Sinswang is known far beyond its borders – and great for both beginners and real pros. You can brush up or improve your skiing technique at the various ski schools in the area. Numerous rentals offer you the right equipment if you don’t want to bring your own. And if you prefer to sit on a toboggan, the Imberg and Hochgrat ski areas will delight you with their fine selection of runs.

Distance: from 4.5 kilometres

The approximately 70 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in and around Oberstaufen are incredibly varied. The Kalzhofen trail is not only a great choice for beginners, but also a wonderful location for biathlon taster courses with laser rifles. We recommend cross-country skiing under floodlight, which is offered daily from 5.30 to 8.30 p.m. The high-altitude cross-country ski trails at 1,200 to 1,300m above sea level of Alpenarena Hochhäderich can be reached in about 25 minutes. Cross-country lessons are offered as part of our sports programme.

Distance: from 3 kilometres

Explore the unspoilt snowy landscape around Hotel Allgäu Sonne on a snowshoe hike through the deep snow. Our sports guides are always happy to show you our surroundings – but you are also welcome to set out on your own. Those who prefer to walk without snowshoes and want to take it a little easier can choose from the numerous cleared and gritted winter hiking trails. From Monday to Saturday, we offer a guided hike every day. On Thursdays, the hike is followed by mulled wine.

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Ski tours are perfect for exploring the wintry landscapes far away from the ski slopes. Mt Nagelfluhkette and especially Mt Hochgrat are a great choice for experienced ski tourers. If you are a beginner or looking for a shorter tour, we recommend the route from Mt Mittag across Mt Bärenköpfle to Mt Steineberg.

Distance: from 3 kilometres

What could be better than enjoying a nice drink by the crackling fireplace in the evening after a day out in the fresh air?

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A tradition from the Allgäu region is called “Bärbele and Klausentreiben” and is celebrated around St. Nicholas’ Day on 6 December. Young, unmarried men (called: Klausen) and women (called: Bärbele) parade through the villages in eerie guise to drive away the winter spirits. The custom is also celebrated in Oberstaufen.

Distance: from 2 kilometres

One of the most romantic Christmas markets is definitely Hafenweihnacht (“Harbour Christmas”) in Lindau: It is easy to reach by train from Oberstaufen, as the island railway station is right opposite the market. A special event is the Erlebnis Christmas Market in Bad Hindelang. Immerse yourself in a world of legends and fairy tales. Every Friday and Sunday, a beautiful fairy-tale procession passes through the mountain village. The daily highlight: The flying angel that can be watched at 6.30 p.m. at Isny Castle. One of the biggest Christmas markets in the Allgäu region is the one in Kempten – with stage for concerts and readings.

Distance: from 29 kilometres

Between Steibis and Buchenegg, roaring water rushes down the Buchenegg waterfalls. They are located in a protected natural forest reserve and are easily accessible along several hiking trails. We recommend starting your hike at the Imbergbahn lift in Steibis. From there, two paths lead to the waterfalls: one takes you across Alpe Neugreuth pasture, the other offers fantastic views of the Allgäu mountains.

Distance: 8 kilometres

The 540-metre tree-top walk is located around 25 metres above the forest floor. If you are looking for forest action with view of the Allgäu mountains and Lake Constance, there is a separate section for climbing enthusiasts at the end. Skywalk Allgäu also includes other forest experiences such as an adventure playground, a petting zoo, a barefoot path, and much more.

Distance: 26 kilometres

Starting point is the hikers’ car park in the Winkel district of Sonthofen. From there, a path leads into the wild gorge of the Starzlach river, which is classified as a natural monument. Especially in spring after the snow melts or after heavy rainfall, the white water rushes through the gorge, but even in calm conditions the sight of the unspoilt river course in the rock will leave you speechless.

Distance: 29 kilometres

Breitachklamm gorge is a natural jewel near Oberstdorf. The deepest rock gorge in Central Europe is a real highlight, especially in winter, when ice and snow cover the rocks. At this time of year, you can explore the gorge on a torchlight hike. In summer, lush green nature covers the area and the roaring water provides refreshment.

Distance: 40 kilometres

Well-known and always worth a visit: the famous fairy-tale castle of Ludwig II of Bavaria, which is hard to beat in terms of splendour. With this magnificent building, built in the style of a knight’s castle from the Middle Ages, Ludwig II created himself an eternal monument. Tragically, however, he drowned in Lake Starnberg shortly before its completion. The idyllic surrounding landscape completes the enchanting view of Neuschwanstein Castle – rightly a crowd puller.

Distance: 77 kilometres

A visit to the Bregenz Festival is an unforgettable experience in summer. Year after year in July and August, the world’s largest lake stage attracts cultural enthusiasts from all over the world to Bregenz on Lake Constance. And with good reason: The perfect stagings in this unique natural setting are absolutely impressive. From Hotel Allgäu Sonne, you can reach Bregenz Festival in less than 40 minutes.

Distance: 37 kilometres

Use your holiday at Allgäu Sonne for a few moments of relaxation, because spending time in nature has a special effect on our brain: It relaxes, reduces stress, and sets the groundwork for well-being and great ideas. Enjoy the view from our four sunny terraces or from our outdoor pool. You don’t always have to climb the mountains – sometimes, looking at them while relaxing is enough.

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Mt Hündle, Mt Imberg, Mt Hochgrat: The mountains around Oberstaufen delight with great hikes for all levels of difficulty. Those who fear the ascent but don’t want to miss out on being on top of the world can reach new heights thanks to the many mountain lifts. And leisurely circular trails are always waiting near the mountain stations. Have a look at our hiking tips!

Distance: from 4.5 kilometres

In the Allgäu region, biking fans are always looking forward to spring: When the snow has melted and the temperatures start rising, they can finally hop on their bikes again. With us, you’re always (no matter the season) welcome to join our bike guides on guided tours around once a week or set out on your own. Our partner shop Sport Hauber offers a wide range of e-bikes for rental [LINK E-Biking].

Distance: 2 kilometres

Germany’s longest year-round toboggan run, Alpsee Coaster, is a special highlight.

• Length: over 2.8 kilometres
• Speed: up to 40km/h
• More than 100 curves, waves, and jumps
• Passengers from 3 years and at least 0.95m in height
• Drivers from 8 years and at least 1.40m in height
• Speed regulated by the driver
• Thanks to rails, tipping over is impossible

Distance: 11 kilometres

There are many ways to spend a beautiful day at Lake Constance, one of the largest lakes in Europe. For example, it is worth travelling along the German lakeshore, through beautiful landscapes and little towns such as Lindau, Nonnenhorn, Wasserburg or Meersburg. Or you can set off from Bregenz by boat in the direction of the flower island of Mainau. In Bregenz, for example, you can visit the impressive lake stage of the Bregenz Festival.

There are also many bathing opportunities on Lake Constance, such as the Aquamarin lido in Wasserburg or the Kressbronn lido.

Distance to Lindau: approx. 40 kilometres

A beautiful bathing lake in the Allgäu region is Lake Niedersonthofener. Via Immenstadt and Martinszell or Oberdorf, you can reach the lake in about 30 minutes. Park your car at Landgasthof Seehof inn and head straight to the inn’s sunbathing lawn. The leisurely 2-hour walk along the shore is suitable for prams and strollers.

Distance: 30 kilometres

Viehscheid is the annual highlight in the farming calendar and a real favourite of visitors in the Allgäu region. Our location in the heart of the Allgäu region offers various possibilities for you to attend the Viehscheid in September. Make sure to be part of the festivities during your stay with us.