When you think of Oberstdorf, you usually think of either a famous surname or the Four Hills Tournament. The small community in the Allgäu region is known worldwide as a venue for major sporting events and, alongside Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is the most important winter sports resort in the Bavarian Alps.
But Oberstdorf is not only worth a visit if you want to experience the best ski regions in Bavaria. Germany’s southernmost community is surrounded by mighty peaks that offer some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps and a genuine mountain experience. In September, one of the largest cattle drives in the Allgäu region takes place here: festively decorated cows return from the Alps to the valley.
The gateway to the High Alps
Photo: Shutterstock
Oberstdorf is the gateway to the Allgäu High Alps. You can enjoy the best views from three different peaks. The best “400-peak view” of the Alps can be found on the Nebelhorn at 2,224 meters. Here you will find the challenging Hindelanger via ferrata.
In contrast, you will find a true flower paradise on the slightly smaller Fellhorn, at “only” 2,038 meters. In summer, this mountain is famous for its alpine rose blossoms. In winter, it is one of the best ski areas – connected to the Kanzelwand in Austria.
Last but not least, the Söllereck, at 1,706 meters, is also a real highlight. The trip is especially worthwhile for families, as there is a year-round toboggan run (the “Allgäu Coaster”) and many easy hiking trails.
World-class sport in a spa town
Photo: Peter Steiner / Unsplash
Oberstdorf and skiing go together like no other, no question about it. In addition to the famous Four Hills Tournament in December, it is also home to the world’s largest ski flying hill, which is regularly used for the Ski Flying World Cup. Distances of over 200 meters are achieved here. Oberstdorf has also hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships several times .
But did you know that this small town is also completely traffic-calmed? As a spa town, Oberstdorf is proud of its excellent air quality. When a skiing event is taking place, this is the perfect place to relax in the stunning natural surroundings.
The Breitachklamm gorge is definitely worth seeing : it is one of the deepest and most impressive rock gorges in Central Europe. In winter, you can often see huge icicles here. The five side valleys (e.g., the Stillach Valley or the Trettach Valley) surrounding Oberstdorf are ideal for hiking and cycling. And if you want to go even further afield, Oberstdorf is also the starting point for the famous E5 long-distance hiking trail, which takes you across the Alps to Merano in Italy in about a week .