Hiking Bliss and Moments of Indulgence: 7 Tips for a Perfect Vacation in Oberstdorf.

Advertisement: Post in collaboration with Oberstdorf Tourism Located in the heart of the Allgäu Alps, Oberstdorf offers the perfect base for both active and enjoyable vacation days in the mountains. Hiking, biking, swimming, and all in three different altitudes; the best conditions for varied nature experiences. We were able to see this for ourselves during a stay in early July. In this post, we show you our highlights in and around Oberstdorf.

Summer in the Mountains in Oberstdorf

Oberstdorf is not only Germany’s southernmost community but also enjoys an excellent reputation as a health and spa resort. In the past, we have already enjoyed wonderfully relaxing wellness days here. This time, we’re a bit more active. We took three days to explore the summer activities around Oberstdorf in the best weather. The highlight of our discovery tour: circling the Höfats on a sporty but scenically impressive day hike. But you definitely don’t have to be an athlete to experience the impressive nature here in the southernmost tip of Germany. The following tips are proof of that.

Oberstdorf Tip No. 1: Hike over the Älpelesattel

The Höfats loop over the Älpelesattel could start right in the center of Oberstdorf. But if there’s a mountaineering bus that shortens the “tedious” part, we won’t say no. So our first mountain adventure in Oberstdorf starts at the Prinzenstrasse bus stop. The bus line 8, which runs via Christlessee to Spielmannsau, stops here. The minibus is fully booked on this beautiful summer morning – but we’re the only ones to get off at the Christlessee stop. This allows us to start the tour at our own pace. We follow the signpost towards Gerstruben and decide on the route through the Hölltobel. A good decision. The narrow mountain trail, which zigzags through the deeply cut gorge into the Dietersbach valley, is exactly my cup of tea. The ascent takes place in a pleasantly shaded forest, and along the way, you get impressive views of the roaring waters from airy viewing platforms. With so much to see along the way, we quickly overcome the altitude meters and reach the Gerstruben mountain farming village in less than an hour. The ensemble of former farmhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries, a chapel, and a beautiful old tree population, all under monument protection, creates a picturesque backdrop.

After that, we continue on a pleasantly rising gravel road further into the valley until we reach the Dietersbachalpe. Before the steep ascent towards Älpelesattel starts, we treat ourselves to a short break and enjoy a refreshing elderflower spritzer.

Now the terrain becomes more alpine. We follow a narrow, steep path uphill through a lush green slope. The many rains of the past weeks have caused abundant and blooming flora here. A true splendor. However, in wet conditions, it can quickly become challenging here. Luckily, everything is dry for us, and we make good progress. Once at the saddle, a fantastic view of the Oytal valley opens up to us. Our next intermediate destination – the Käseralpe, is also already in sight.

A stop here is worthwhile before taking on the long journey down the valley. The remaining stretch of the hike runs mostly on well-maintained gravel roads and paved paths. The Oberstdorf – Oytalhaus – Käseralpe route is also quite popular as a bike tour. Depending on the day of the week, weather forecast, and time of day, it can get quite busy here. At the Oytalhaus, you can rent mountain scooters from 3:00 PM, making the last stretch back to Oberstdorf a bit faster and easier. After an extended lunch break at the Oytalhaus – including a substantial portion of cheese spaetzle – we decide to walk the remaining 7.5 kilometers back on foot. A long but truly beautiful mountain tour!

You can find the exact route on the following map. More information can be found on the Oberstdorf website.

Note on using public transportation: In Oberstdorf, as an overnight guest, you benefit from free use of local public transport with the guest card. The privately operated bus line 8 is an exception. The single ticket for the Prinzenstrasse – Christlessee route costs 4.30 euros.

Oberstdorf Tip No. 2: Cooling off in the Freibergsee Natural Pool

The hike over the Älpelesattel made us sweat quite a bit. A particularly cozy cooling spot with the best view of the Heini-Klopfer ski jump can be found at the Freibergsee natural pool. The natural pool is accessible from the Renksteg bus stop (on bus line 7) via the eponymous path (Renkweg). The walking time is about 20 to 30 minutes and leads pleasantly shaded through the forest. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll find parking spaces at the Renksteg-Wald parking lot. We cycled up there. The bike path approaches the lake from the “back” (via Schwand) and then circles the lake to the swimming pool.

You can not only jump into the refreshing water here or sunbathe on the spacious lawn but also rent rowing boats and pedalos. Changing rooms and showers are also available. The natural pool is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Admission costs 6.00 euros for adults (with a guest card, 1.00 euro discount | dogs are not allowed in the pool. More info: Naturbad Freibergsee Culinary Tip: If you cycle from Oberstdorf to Freibergsee, you’ll pass the “dr’ Schonzewiert” restaurant at the foot of the ski jump. It’s worth stopping by. The menu includes typical Allgäu dishes, as well as smaller snacks like Flammkuchen, baked potatoes, or mushroom bruschetta.

Oberstdorf Tip No. 3: Cooling off in the Breitachklamm

A detour to the Breitachklamm has been on my bucket list for a while. The impressive gorge is one of the most famous sights around Oberstdorf. A visit is worthwhile at any time of the year. Now in summer, you can find a welcome cool-down here, surrounded by steep rock walls and roaring waters. The actual path through the gorge takes about 45 minutes. There are two entrances – one in the “valley” and one “above” at the upper end of the accessible part of the Breitachklamm. To avoid retracing your steps on the way back, there are various options for circular hikes. These are provided along with the tickets on a handy flyer. The shortest option takes about 1.5 hours.

A trip that I think is definitely worth it. Even in bad weather! The gorge path is well developed, and if, like us, you choose an off-peak time for your visit, you won’t have to share it with many others. The Breitachklamm is open daily from 9:00 AM during the summer season | Last admission is at 5:00 PM; the gorge closes at 5:30 PM | Admission costs 7.50 euros for adults. With the guest card, you pay 7.00 euros | Parking is chargeable. Alternatively, you can reach the Breitachklamm by bus line 44 or by bike (travel time about 25 minutes from the center of Oberstdorf). More info to plan your visit to the gorge can be found here: Breitachklamm

Oberstdorf Tip No. 4: A Refreshing Stop with a View

One of the circular hiking routes through the Breitachklamm leads past the Alpe Dornach on the way back. We planned our trip to the Breitachklamm specifically so that we could combine it with dinner at the Alpe Dornach. The restaurant and hotel, located 1,000 meters above sea level, not only boasts a wonderful view of the Oberstdorf mountain world but also enjoys an excellent culinary reputation. For us, the perfect end to an active mountain day around Oberstdorf.

By the way: Right next to the sun terrace, there’s a spacious children’s playground. So both parents and children get their money’s worth.

Oberstdorf Tip No. 5: Bike Tour to the Rappenalptal

The long, idyllic side valleys of Oberstdorf offer ideal terrain for bike tours. This was already shown to us impressively by the number of cyclists in the Oytal. We took inspiration from this tour description and made a detour to the Schwarzen Hütte with e-mountain bikes. A really fun half-day tour, where we can experience the diverse mountain world around Oberstdorf from another perspective. Kudos to everyone we met along the way without an “e.” The altitude meters to be overcome are not to be underestimated (likewise on the bike tour through the Oytal to the Käseralpe).

Up to the Schwarzen Hütte – whose sunburnt wood gives it away from afar – the bike path mostly runs on paved or gravel roads. The highlight of the bike tour? The delicious cake and lovingly prepared cappuccino at the Schwarzen Hütte!

We took about 3.5 hours for the round trip from Oberstdorf (including a break at the Schwarzen Hütte). | More tour tips can be found on the Oberstdorf Tourism website.

Oberstdorf Tip No. 6: A Leisurely Stroll through Town

Despite the many activities around Oberstdorf, you should take an hour or two to stroll through the pretty, traffic-calmed town center. In the streets between Oberstdorf train station and the Oberstdorf Haus at Prinzenregenten-Platz, there is plenty to discover: nice cafés, parks with Kneipp pools, an art center, a local history museum, public art (for example, we were there during the annual Photo Summit), and numerous restaurants.

Our restaurant tip: the Ondersch on Ludwigstrasse. Drinks and street food are served on the ground floor. Upstairs, in the “Genusswirtschaft,” you can enjoy a fine multi-course meal with regional connections in a relaxed atmosphere. And all at a very fair price. À la carte orders are also possible.

Street food Mon to Sat 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Genusswirtschaft Tue to Sat 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM | More info: ondersch.de

Oberstdorf Tip No. 7: Cozy Base in the Town Center

As varied as the activities are, so are the accommodation options. From a cozy vacation apartment to a luxurious 5-star hotel, there is something to suit every taste. This time, we checked into the Apartmenthotel Oberstdorf in a central location in the town center. The house, which opened four years ago, offers 21 individually furnished apartments in different sizes. The facilities also include a spa area with a pool, a bike/ski room, a common room (including a table football and billiards), and a breakfast room. We felt very comfortable here. The rooms are modernly furnished and comfortable. The small kitchenette and spa area were a “nice to have.” What really blew me away was the fantastic breakfast buffet. You can look forward to a beautifully presented selection of fresh products here.

Total price for apartments including breakfast buffet from about 194 euros (depending on the season, booking situation) | 1 dog per apartment possible on request (flat rate per stay | More info and booking possibility apartmenthotel-oberstdorf.de

Practical Tips for Your Vacation in Oberstdorf

• • From Zurich, it takes about three hours to get to Oberstdorf by public transport. The train connection runs via Lindau-Reutin and Immenstadt. By car, depending on traffic, you can be there about half an hour faster.

• • The train station is within walking distance of the town center. The most important destinations and sights in the region are connected by bus lines.

• • As an overnight guest, you receive the Allgäu Walser Premium Card. With this card, for example, most bus lines in the Oberstdorf municipality are free to use. You also benefit from free participation in the activity program as well as discounts on admission fees and activities. More information can be found here: Allgäu Walser Premium Card.

• • If you arrive without your own bicycle but want to go on one or two bike tours, you can rent bikes and e-bikes in Oberstdorf from various providers (including at the rebike rental).

• • Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for a detour to Seealpsee. The beautifully situated mountain lake can be reached in about an hour’s walk from the Höfatsblick station of the Nebelhornbahn. A tip for anyone who prefers short hikes to long day tours.