The Carl-Hirnbein Museum in Missen-Wilhams explores a defining change in Allgäu history: the transition from poor arable farming to successful dairy farming. Together with hiking paths, a moorland trail and winter activities, this offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip.
History at the Museum and on the Discovery Trail
The museum is dedicated to Carl Hirnbein’s life and work, as well as his pivotal role in the development of the Allgäu region. The Carl-Hirnbein Discovery Trail explores the subject outdoors: its stops offer insights into life before and during Carl Hirnbein’s time, and into life in the Allgäu. You can listen to stories at two audio stations. The 2026 programme for the Missen Kirbe also lists a market for general goods and arts and crafts outside the festival tent, with over 100 stallholders and traders; details may vary from year to year.
The discovery trail connects Missen-Wilhams and Weitnau and can be walked in either direction. There are play areas along the trail; the Weitnau Children’s Forest features climbing nets between trees, a swaying ravine bridge, tree swings and a giant climbing spider.
Hiking Paths and Moorland
Missen-Wilhams has more than 80 kilometres of hiking paths, including routes with modest elevation changes through the foothills of the Alps. When choosing a route, you can therefore take the elevation profile into account, as the paths do not all have the same level of difficulty.
The Tuffenmoos Moor Discovery Trail in the village of Wiederhofen leads gently into the moor across three short boardwalks and introduces visitors to the habitats of a species-rich meadow, a peat-cutting edge and a raised bog. From Missen, you can reach Tuffenmoos via the Luimweg in 45 minutes on foot. Actual walking time may vary depending on conditions.
Winter: Cross-Country Ski Trails and Ski Area
Cross-country ski trails extend across the entire municipality, are partly connected and are groomed for both classic and skating techniques. The Bergstätt area offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding; the Thalerhöhe ski lifts in Missen-Wiederhofen are specifically mentioned. The ski area includes seven lifts in two villages, as well as two professional ski and snowboard schools with equipment rental and easy to intermediate downhill runs. This means cross-country skiing and downhill activities are available as distinct winter options.
Alpine Cuisine and Cheese
At the alpine dairies in Missen-Wilhams, milk from herb-rich alpine meadows is processed directly into cheese and butter. Numerous alpine huts welcome visitors for coffee, homemade cakes and a light meal; individual huts’ opening days may vary. Cheese is sold daily during the alpine season at Alpe Schwabenberg near Börlas.
In the wider Oberallgäu destination
For a look beyond Missen-Wilhams, the wider Oberallgäu destination offers other distinct local attractions. Oberstdorf has 200 kilometres of hiking paths and nature trails. You can also visit the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill there; take the tower lift to the observation platform on top of the ski-jump tower. These examples are in Oberstdorf and complement your plans across the wider region.
Discover more destinations: Hellengerst
Go to the wider travel overview: Weitnau.
