Wertach brings together historic craft sites, trails with literary connections, seasonal experiences and regional food and drink. When planning, the season and timing are especially important: some activities depend on specific times of year, weather conditions or prior arrangements. This lets you focus your stay on culture, outdoor activities or local flavors.
Crafts, History and Traditions
The hammer mill, which is around 400 years old, dates from approximately 1610 to 1620. You can watch the blacksmith at work there. The Upper Mill also tells the story of Wertach: it has a history stretching back more than 500 years and was first mentioned in a document in 1536. Since 2018, a waterwheel has been turning there again.
The annual Wertach Viehscheid, a traditional cattle drive accompanied by a market, is one of the oldest cattle drives in the region. Another seasonal experience is alphorn playing: from Pentecost until the end of September, it takes place weekly on Mondays in dry weather. The two events therefore differ both in format and in when they take place.
Hiking Trails, Winter Activities and Nature
Wertach has around 120 kilometers of signposted hiking trails, two-thirds of which pass through protected landscapes and nature reserves. This is distinct from the figure for the area of the town itself: around two-thirds of Wertach in the Allgäu is protected as a landscape or nature reserve. The Wertacher Hörnle, with its alpine rose-covered slopes, is known as a natural monument.
A special summer attraction is the 11-kilometer Sebald Trail. It follows in the footsteps of the writer W. G. Sebald, who was born in Wertach, from Oberjoch to Wertach. Six steles at the original locations feature excerpts from his work “Vertigo.” There are also various themed trails for leisurely walks, leading from one destination to another. Visitors interested in Sebald’s work will find a specific literary connection on the Sebald Trail; the other themed trails offer more general guidance.
In winter, around 15 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails are available, with connecting trails to Nesselwang and Oy-Mittelberg. As conditions vary by season, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions before setting out. There is a dedicated toboggan run at Buron: riders take the lift uphill in specially built “BERGaufRODEL” sleds; the approximately two-kilometer descent is separate from the ski slopes.
Guided SEGWAY tours take you through Wertach and the surrounding area. They last around an hour and a half and offer panoramic views of the Alps and GrĂĽntensee. Tours run on Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or by arrangement; the meeting point is agreed individually. Confirm the date and availability before your trip. Nearby, GrĂĽntensee is also highlighted as a place to swim.
Regional Wines and Cheese
The Allgäuer Gebirgskellerei in Wertach produces blossom wine, berry wine, fruit wine and specialty fermentations. A wine hike in Wertach combines time outdoors with regional flavors, including distinctive blossom wines, berry wines and specialty fermentations. Cheese and wine tastings have different arrangements: the Allgäuer Gebirgskellerei offers them in collaboration with s’ Molkefässle to closed groups by appointment, serving selected cheese and wine pairings. s’ Molkefässle also offers a cheese seminar featuring a variety of cheeses.
More Destinations in the Oberallgäu
The wider Oberallgäu destination offers more attractions in other towns. Oberstdorf has 200 kilometers of hiking trails and nature trails. You can also visit the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill there; a tower elevator takes visitors to the observation platform on top of the ski jump tower. The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Center in Immenstadt-Bühl is located directly on Lake Alpsee. Its free interactive exhibition explores animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area. Opening arrangements may change, so check them before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Bolsterlang, Betzigau, Fischen Im Allgäu, Wildpoldsried, Hörnergruppe, Weitnau, Kempten, Sulzberg
Back to the main travel guide: Oberallgäu.
