Gestratz lies among gentle hills, the Obere Argen river and the Kaplaneibach stream. The parish church of St. Gallus, the local history museum in an old smithy and the water features in the village square offer tangible points of interest. There are also signposted hiking trails, a scenic circular route and seasonal cross-country ski trails. If you are planning a stay, you can choose between history, scenery and outdoor activity.
Church and craft in Gestratz
The Gestratz parish was founded in the 8th century by the Abbey of St. Gall. The church of St. Gallus was built much later, between 1435 and 1437. It was a pilgrimage church until the Thirty Years’ War; its features include Gothic frescoes on the choir walls. The early founding of the parish and the age of the church building thus represent distinct historical points of reference.
The Gestratz local history museum also brings together history and craftsmanship. It is housed in a 250-year-old smithy that has been converted into a living history site. The ground floor contains a working smithy and an exhibition space for changing uses. At the annual local history museum festival in September, craftspeople demonstrate nearly forgotten traditional crafts there. If you are planning a visit to the festival or museum, check dates and current visitor information in advance.
Hiking trails and views
Gestratz has 40 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. The Schweineburg–Gestratz circular route offers a specific point of reference: it starts and ends at the Argenhalle in Gestratz, follows paved paths and is well suited to pushchairs. Along the way, it leads to a viewpoint overlooking the heights of the Westallgäu and the Alpine ranges. The district of Schweineburg can also be reached via Route 1 on the Gestratz hiking trail network.
Another perspective opens up from Schweineburg, high above Gestratz: from there, the view extends across the Oberallgäu and the Austrian and Swiss mountains as far as Lake Constance. The 40 kilometres of signposted trails describe the hiking network; by contrast, the Schweineburg–Gestratz circular route has a named start and finish point and a described path surface. This distinction helps you choose between a trail network and a specific circular walk.
Winter ski trails and challenging cycling routes
Gestratz has a total of 8 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails for Nordic skiing. The trail from Schweineburg leads towards the Waldbad in Isny and connects to the Maierhöfen–Isny trail network. Cross-country skiing is therefore a seasonal option, and conditions can vary from one winter to the next. Check trail conditions if you want to make skiing a firm part of your plans.
Cycling is different in character: the cycle routes in Gestratz follow roads that are partly steep, with both uphill and downhill sections. Cycling offers variety, but is also very strenuous. Bear this difference in mind when planning a route, rather than treating cycling and hiking trails as equivalent options.
Water features and Malleichen
In the village square, the Gestratz water features bring together an easily accessible village stream, an artificial watercourse and a village fountain. They invite visitors to play and relax, and add a distinctive touch to the village scene. Nearby, the Malleichen bathhouse adds a historical dimension to the destination: its history goes back more than 400 years, and sulphur baths were administered there in zinc tubs until 1933. The bathhouse also has an outdoor skittle alley; if you plan to use it, check its current availability in advance.
Find hotels that fit your travel plans
When choosing accommodation, check that its location suits the places and trails you want to visit.
Discover more destinations: GrĂĽnenbach.
For the broader travel overview: Argental.
