Oberstdorf offers a variety of reasons to visit: a network of hiking trails more than 200 kilometres long, Freibergsee, local history and seasonal activities at Nordic Park. The time of year is a good starting point for planning. Hiking excursions are offered from spring to autumn; the facilities at Nordic Park differ between summer and winter. There are also guided tours and destinations that combine nature and culture.
Hiking and seasonal activities
The network of hiking trails in Oberstdorf is more than 200 kilometres long. Hiking excursions are offered from spring to autumn. If hiking is to be the focus of your trip, you can take this period into account when choosing your dates and add other interests. In summer, Nordic Park Oberstdorf has a pump track, a skate park and calisthenics facilities; in winter, a snow course is available. This seasonal distinction also makes the time of year relevant when choosing activities.
Guided tours of the town offer insights into Oberstdorf’s historic and tourist character, focusing on the Unterer Markt. If you would like to take part in a tour, check the current dates before your trip.
Local history at the Heimatmuseum
The Heimatmuseum Oberstdorf is housed in an old Oberstdorf building dating from the 17th century. It offers an engaging introduction to local crafts, farming and alpine agriculture, as well as cheese-making. In addition to the history of the building, the museum focuses on the work and economic activities that provide the thematic framework for a visit.
Freibergsee, Moorweiher and Breitach Gorge
Freibergsee lies at an altitude of 930 metres. With a water surface of around 18 hectares, it is the largest high-mountain lake in the Allgäu and a popular swimming spot with locals and visitors. Local restrictions apply; please follow the notices on site. The Hermann-Schallhammer-Weg runs alongside Moorweiher. Information boards along the nature trail cover plants, animals and geology.
Breitach Gorge is near Tiefenbach, close to Oberstdorf, and is described as the deepest gorge in Central Europe. In the wider Oberallgäu destination, visitors can explore the gorge on well-maintained, secured paths; trail conditions may vary seasonally. There is also an information exhibition at the entrance.
Visits to the ski flying hill
The Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill is open to visitors; the tower lift takes visitors to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower. A guided tour of the ski jump lasts about 1.5 hours. It starts at the foot of the hill and continues uphill by inclined lift and chairlift. Before your trip, check whether the tour is available on your preferred date.
Admission to the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf Allgäu includes the ascent by lift to the viewing platform and access to the ski museum. As admission inclusions may change, check the latest details before your visit.
The wider Oberallgäu destination
In the wider Oberallgäu destination, cycling options range from leisurely to sporty, and rustic mountain huts serve regional specialities. One specific destination is the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Centre in Immenstadt-Bühl, right by Alpsee. The free-access interactive exhibition explores animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area.
The nature park centre can be reached on foot from Immenstadt station in 30 minutes via the “Achis Wasserweg” themed trail. In bad weather, bus routes 39, 11 and 81 go there. Before you travel, check the current bus connections and walking time.
Discover more destinations: Altusried, Obermaiselstein, Wildpoldsried, Sulzberg, Sonthofen, Fischen Im Allgäu, Betzigau, Burgberg Im Allgäu.
Go to the wider travel overview: Oberallgäu.
