The deepest rocky gorge in Europe and a huge nature park: the Oberallgäu region

The southernmost county in Germany has a lot to offer in terms of natural phenomena: Picturesque mountain ranges, breathtaking gorges and rare moor landscapes. Out and about in the fresh air in the Oberallgäu - that's guaranteed to clear your head and blow away your everyday worries. Do you want to put it to the test right away? No problem, with the train you can reach the natural oases relaxed and inexpensive.

When the water of the Breitach falls through the narrow gorge with vertical and overhanging walls, some of which are over a hundred meters high, you can feel the forces of nature directly. Over centuries, the permanent flow of water has shaped the rock. The Breitachklamm, the deepest rock gorge in Central Europe, is an experience at any time of the year: pleasantly cool on hot summer days or peppered with bizarre ice formations during frost. A special tip for winter: the nightly torchlight hikes from Christmas to February. How to get there? Either hike there from the train station (via Walserstraße/Alte Walserstraße to the west, past Hotel Oberstdorf to the Breitach, then always follow the river to the south). Alternative: From the bus station (right next to the train station) take line 44 towards Tiefenbach or take line 1 (Walserbus) to Walserschanz.  

Bus station: Poststraße, 87561 Oberstdorf
Nearest train station: Oberstdorf

For those who enjoy walking, we recommend a one-and-a-half-hour tour from Oberstdorf south along the Trettach to the abandoned mountain farming village of Gerstruben. From the Oberstdorf train station, simply follow the signs to the Nebelhorn cable car and then walk along Grubenweg parallel to the stream until you come across the popular Mumme Stübele break station. There you can still strengthen yourself with a sausage or cheese platter and a delicious piece of cake. The last stretch to Gerstruben via the Hölltobel waterfall is signposted along the road. Of the ancient mountain farming village of Gerstruben, five houses from the 15th and 16th centuries still stand, as well as a chapel from the 17th century. In the "Jakobe-Hüs" there is a small museum where you can immerse yourself in history. On the way back, you don't have to cross the Hölltobel, but simply take the road down to Dietersberg and from there walk back along the Trettach to Oberstdorf.

Dietersberg 13, 87561 Oberstdorf
Nearest train station: Oberstdorf

If you want to experience the different facets of nature in the Upper Allgäu, the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park with all its mountain forests, alpine pastures, moors, gorges, streams and wet meadows is the place to be. In the nature park center at the Großer Alpsee, just a 20-minute walk from the Immenstadt train station, you can pick up hiking maps and animal and plant guides, have a snack in the café and take a look at the free permanent exhibition. And then the question arises: just walk a little along the lake or rather dare a larger nature expedition and explore, for example, via the Rieder Steige the Gschwender waterfall? 

Seestraße 10, 87509 Immenstadt
Nearest train station: Immenstadt

In addition to all the exciting nature experiences, the Upper Allgäu also attracts visitors with tranquil villages like Oberstaufen. The more than 1100-year-old market town is an official climatic health resort, but does without the usual "bath" in its name. In any case, wellness is a top priority here. Spontaneous contemporaries like to treat themselves to a little time out in a day spa. The historic town center can be easily explored on foot - the neo-Gothic parish church of St. Peter and Paul and the local history museum "Beim Strumpfar" are worth a stop. The same goes for the café in the picturesque Blaues Haus. The cozy Altstaufner Einkehr inn, a listed building, is also worth a visit. It is located right next to the train station in the middle of town. The menu is filled to the brim with Allgäu specialties such as Maultaschen with onion melt or local brook trout fillets baked in paper. Well fed, you then start your journey home by train.

Station road 4, 87534 Oberstaufen
Nearest train station: Oberstaufen