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  • Hiking in Oberstdorf
    Hiking in Oberstdorf Photo: Daniel Llorente, @danillorente / unsplash.com

Hikes in Oberstdorf

Bavaria,Germany

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The network of hiking trails in Oberstdorf is spread over three heights. In the valley, leisurely walks through the idyllic villages await you. Hikes in the middle altitudes of Oberstdorf take you to the Stillachtal valley, to the mountain village of Gerstruben or to the highest bathing lake in the Allgäu. Another level up, you'll find yourself in alpine terrain, enjoying indescribable views - or you can venture out on an impressive multi-day tour around Oberstdorf.

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The 10 most beautiful hikes in Oberstdorf

Unterer Gaisalpsee
Hiking Trail · Allgäu
Tour of the week: Unterer & Oberer Gaisalpsee
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate
2
9.9 km
4:35 h
929 m
929 m
Varied mountain tour via the Tobelweg to the Lower and Upper Gaisalpsee - including waterfalls, Allgäu mountain panorama, crystal-clear mountain lakes and cozy refreshment stops
Outdooractive Editors
View back towards Oberstdorf
Hiking Trail · Allgäuer Hochalpen
From Alpe Eschbach to the Rappensee hut
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate
18.2 km
7:11 h
1,142 m
1,142 m
From Alpe Eschbach via Enzian- and Rappenseehütte (possible overnight stay) back via Eselsweg to Schwarzhütte and back to Alpe Eschbach.
Outdooractive Editors
Hiking Trail · Allgäuer Hochalpen
Bike & Hike zum Haldenwanger Eck in den Allgäuer Alpen
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
50 km
8:15 h
1,900 m
1,900 m
Der südlichste Punkt DeutschlandsDas Haldenwanger Eck ist das ideale Ziel für ein Bike & Hike. Wer die Einkehr zwischendurch nicht missen oder eine Übernachtung mit Bergblick einplanen will, sollte unbedingt auf der Mindelheimer Hütte Quartier beziehen.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
From the Oytal to the Hahnenköpfle
Hiking Trail · Allgäu
From Oberstdorf through the Oytal valley over the Hahnenköpfle
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
4
19 km
6:30 h
927 m
927 m
This scenic mountain tour leads from Oberstdorf through the Oytal valley and then back to the starting point on a sporty route via the Hahnenköpfle.
AKU - trekking & outdoor footwear
on the way to the Schnippenkopf
Hiking Trail · Allgäu
Crossing the Sonnenköpfe from the Sonnenklause
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
2
9.7 km
4:00 h
896 m
896 m
Panoramic ridge hike with crossing of three peaks.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Panoramic view over Oberstdorf
Hiking Trail · Oberstdorf
Panoramaweg am Oberstdorfer Ortsrand
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 easy
3
4.5 km
1:15 h
90 m
90 m
Relaxed circular route with beautiful views over Oberstdorf
Outdooractive Editors
The Rappensee, the Rappenseehütte, and the Rappenseekopf
Hiking Trail · Allgäu Alps
Hike to the Rappenseekopf in the Allgäu Alps
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
18.5 km
8:15 h
1,500 m
1,500 m
Viewpoint at the Hut Summit The Rappenseekopf above the hut of the same name crowns the day stage with a scenic destination.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
Packraft test at the summit of the Großer Krottenkopf
Hiking Trail · Allgäu Alps
Hike to the Großer Krottenkopf in the Allgäu Alps
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
1
20.5 km
8:30 h
1,820 m
1,820 m
The Großer Krottenkopf is the highest mountain in the Allgäu High Alps.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
Descent to Hochleite Alpe
Hiking Trail · Allgäu Alps
From Söllereck to the Freibergsee
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
3
8.7 km
4:00 h
171 m
500 m
The Söllereck is (apart from the summit itself) a heavily developed Allgäu mountain with tourist facilities.
alpenvereinaktiv
View from Gehren to Warth
Hiking Trail · Bregenzerwald
Green circular route from Warth
Toprecommended route Difficulty T3 moderate
1
11.1 km
3:55 h
479 m
479 m
From Warth over to Germany and back to Warth.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
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With the mountain railways up to the mountains of Oberstdorf

From Oberstdorf, which borders directly on Kleinwalsertal, there are numerous beautiful hikes on which you can explore the Allgäu Alps. In the mountains around Oberstdorf you will find hiking trails that range from easy to moderate to difficult. The various mountain railways will take you to the mountain stations from where you can start your hiking tours in the Allgäu mountains. No matter whether you want to go for a round on the Nebelhorn, the Fellhorn or the Kanzelwand - the mountain railways will take you safely to your (intermediate) destination.

Söllereckbahn: The Söllereckbahn takes you up to the mountain station of the family mountain Söllereck. Due to the toboggan run Allgäu-Coaster, Germany's highest climbing forest and the adventure playground, the Söllereck is particularly suitable for an excursion with the whole family. Hiking trails lead you back to Oberstdorf, Kleinwalsertal or to the Freibergsee, the highest bathing lake in the Allgäu. In addition, a ridge trail leads you to the Söllerkopf. This difficult tour, however, requires surefootedness and a good level of fitness.

Allgäu
Recommended route From Söllereck via the Kühgundalp to the Fiderepass Hut (stage 1 of the great Allgäu crossing, standard variant)
Allgäu
Recommended route Söllereck and Freibergsee

Nebenhornbahn: From Oberstdorf you can take the Nebelhornbahn to the Seealpe station, from where numerous hiking trails start. The themed trails Uff d’r Alp and Höfatsweg are particularly suitable for hiking with the family. At the mountain station at an altitude of over 2200 metres, the Nebelhorn summit restaurant invites you to take a break on Oberstdorf's local mountain, the Nebelhorn. From there, a unique view of the impressive mountain world awaits you: the 400-summit view. On the 100m-long north face climb of the Nebelhorn north face, a steel construction leads you around the summit area of the Nebelhorn. From there you can experience a wonderful view of the Allgäu.

Allgäu
Recommended route Nebelhorn summit round
Allgäu
Recommended route Nebelhorn - Hindelanger via ferrata - Giebelhaus

Fellhornbahn: If you take the Fellhornbahn to the mountain station, a hiking experience awaits you on the border between Germany and Austria, the Allgäu and Kleinwalsertal. There are numerous hiking tours to choose from here. The Fellhorn is a 2037 m high mountain, which lies to the north of the Kanzelwand. The Fellhorn adventure trail offers you knowledge about the Allgäu mountains and leads past the Schlappoldsee lake and back to the station at the summit. Easy, moderately difficult or a challenging tour - there is something for everyone here!

Oberallgäu
Recommended route Fellhorn-Erlebnisweg und Gipfel
Kleinwalsertal
Recommended route Circular route to the Kanzelwand via Fellhorn and back. Cable car ascent and descent

Discover Oberstdorf by the water

When hiking in Oberstdorf, the Breitachklamm gorge is a popular destination. Rushing, raging masses of water flow along the deep rock gorge – a unique natural spectacle! The Breitachklamm is also an impressive experience in winter. The huge icicles and frozen waterfalls make you feel like you're in a winter wonderland. On a torchlight hike you can walk along the Breitachklamm gorge in a magical atmosphere. You don't need to be in particularly good shape to hike through the gorge - but you can also extend your hike to the surrounding mountains of Oberstdorf.

Hiking Trail · Allgäu Alps
Breitachklamm gorge - circular route through the gorge and on the panorama trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 10.1 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 221 m
Descent 250 m

Extensive circular hike on good paths with several places to stop for refreshments; great views on the way back

28
from Siegfried Garnweidner,   alpenvereinaktiv.com

Besides the Breitachklamm gorge, there are many hiking trails in Oberstdorf that will take you to beautiful lakes.

Seealpsee

The idyllic mountain lake is located at an altitude of almost 1700 m on the southeast slope of the Schattenberg. It lies above the Oytal valley. From the lake you get a view of numerous peaks. From the mountain station of the Nebelhorn cable car, you can take a hike to Seealpsee.

Freibergsee

After a hike, the Freibergsee is perfect for a swim at an altitude of 930 metres. The crystal clear water of the lake shimmers green in the sun. You can stop off at the panorama restaurant directly on the lake or hire a rowing boat or pedalo from the boat hire service. A wonderful little excursion when you're in Oberstdorf!

Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Seealpsee
Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Freibergsee

Gaisalpsee

.

One of the most popular hikes in Oberstdorf is a tour to the Rubihorn. You will discover the two Gaisalp lakes. Below the Rubihorn you will find the Lower Gaisalpsee. You should be fit enough for an ascent to the lakes. Once you have reached the lower Gaisalpsee, you can take a break on the picturesque shores of the lake. The Upper Gaisalpsee is smaller, but also offers an idyllic view. On a hiking tour to the Rubihorn, you can stop at the Gaisalpe hut at an altitude of 1165 metres and enjoy delicious regional specialities.

Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Unterer Gaisalpsee
Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Christlessee

 Christlessee

.

The Christlessee is located southeast of Oberstdorf in the water conservation area in the middle of the Trettach valley. The beautiful mountain lake with its blue-green shimmering surface is at an altitude of 916 m. The lake is unique in that it is located in the middle of the Trettachtal valley. The lake is unique in that it is fed by several underground springs: It never freezes over. At all times of the year, summer and winter, Christlessee has a constant temperature of four to six degrees.

How long does it take to walk from Oberstdorf to the Christlessee?

.

For a leisurely circular hike from Oberstdorf to Christlessee and back again, you will be on your way for just under 3 hours. On the way there are various places to stop for a bite to eat. Bathing in the lake is strictly forbidden, however - at a temperature of around 5 degrees, even in high summer, this lake is not exactly pleasant for most swimmers anyway.

Allgäu
Recommended route From Nebelhorn to Lake Seealpsee
Oberstdorf
Recommended route Freibergsee – swimming in the mountains
Allgäu
Recommended route Mountain hike over the Gaisalpsee to Rubihorn
Allgäu
Recommended route From Oberstdorf to Christlessee

Alpine Crossing: Oberstdorf to Merano on the E5

Do you fancy a challenge in the mountains of Germany, Austria and Italy? You can hike from Oberstdorf to Merano on the E5 long-distance hiking trail. The hike is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. The varied multi-day tour takes you along wild ravine paths, mighty mountain peaks, lush flower meadows, green grasslands, mighty rocks and crystal-clear lakes. The highest point of the crossing is at an altitude of 3019 m at the Similaun hut on the Niederjoch. On your way you will follow in the footsteps of Ötzi, as this is where the Ötzi discovery site is located. Every day you will cover about 10 to 20 km and between 800 and 1200 metres of altitude. You can also do the Alpine crossing as a guided tour.

Long-Distance Hiking
Alps crossing on the E5 – From Oberstdorf to Meran
PremiumPremium content Difficulty difficult Multi-day route
Distance 173.9 km
Duration 36:00 h
Ascent 8,255 m
Descent 8,943 m

The classic Alps crossing: 6-day hike on the E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran through the Allgäu, Lechtal, and Ötztal Alps

58
from Julia Gebauer,   Outdooractive Premium

Where is the most beautiful place in Oberstdorf?

Oberstdorf in Allgäu is always worth a visit. Whether you enjoy a snack at the mountain station on the Nebelhorn with its unique 400-peak view, visit one of the region's bathing lakes surrounded by mountains or hike along the impressive Breitachklamm gorge – Oberstdorf is full of fantastic places and unforgettable excursion destinations.

Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Nebelhornbahn Talstation
Allgäu
Sightseeing highlight Breitachklamm
Explore our Travel Guide for Oberstdorf
places to eat and drink Accommodation Dog-friendly hiking Webcams Great places to visit with the family Accessibility huts Ideas for bad weather offers Ski resorts

Reviews

  2,767
Tour of the week: Unterer & Oberer Gaisalpsee by Phil
October 09, 2025 · Community
It was one of the greatest tours I have ever seen - thanks a lot
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Route done on October 03, 2025
Comment
From Hinterhornbach to Kanzberg and Hornbachjoch by Jan
October 04, 2025 · Community
Ganz tolle abwechslungsreiche Tour für Menschen ohne oder mit sehr wenig Höhenangst. Sowohl Aufstieg als auch Abstieg sind steil und anstrengend. Beim Aufstieg gibt es ein paar anspruchsvolle Felspartien, bei denen ich zur Absicherung die Hände genutzt habe. Und ganz wichtig: Energiereserven für einen ebenfalls anstrengenden steilen Abstieg einplanen – vor allem die letzten 300 Höhenmeter im Abstieg haben‘s in sich.
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Comment
Herbstwanderung um Mittelberg in Pflanzenschutzgebiet Hochifen und Gottesackerwände am 21. Oktober 2024 by Martin
September 20, 2025 · Community
Eine absolut umwerfende Tour, aber - Heidewitzka! - sehr herausfordernd! Wir sind grundsätzlich fit und haben dennoch knapp 6 Stunden gebraucht. Außerdem: Reichlich.Wasser mitnehmen, weder Schatten noch Einkehroptionen!
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Comment
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Find hikes in neighboring regions

Mittelberg Bad Hindelang Holzgau Sonthofen Steeg Warth Obermaiselstein Egg Balderschwang Fischen in the Allgäu

Similar activities in Oberstdorf

long-distance hikes nature trails

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated using German as the source language

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