The Great Alpsee - a natural paradise in the Oberallgäu

Your circular hike around the Großer Alpsee

Are you ready for the eleven-kilometre hike around the Alpsee with its fantastic panorama? Plan about three and a half hours for the tour. Your adventure starts at Immenstadt railway station. From the main exit, turn left onto Bahnhofstraße towards the roundabout. The path then leads you straight ahead on the pedestrian path along the main road to the junction with the bathing path. After about two kilometres, past the Konstanzer Ach and the Kleiner Alpsee, you will reach the Fischerweg. The Gasthaus zum Alpsee in Bühl awaits you on the opposite side of the road - from here, the hiking trail leads directly along the lake.

Year-round highlight: the large Alpsee lake

The first steps on the circular trail take you along the sunny lakeside promenade on the northern shore of the Alpsee. Let your gaze wander over the shimmering emerald green waters of the Alpsee and enjoy the view. In addition to the unique view, the 240-hectare lake surface attracts visitors with a wide range of activities: sailing, rowing, kiting or a dip in the cool water - be sure to pack your swimming gear!

In winter, the Alpsee is transformed into a tranquil winter wonderland. Are sub-zero temperatures no problem for you? Then you should pop in for an ice bath in winter. If you prefer gliding over the ice, pack your ice skates and glide elegantly across the Großer Alpsee in this unique setting. Winter hikes, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also possible around the Alpsee - a nature experience for every season.

Important: Before you go on the ice, however, you should contact the Immenstadt tourist information centre to make sure that the ice is stable.

A break with a view

A hike makes you hungry - fortunately, the Hauser am Alpsee lido offers the perfect opportunity for a break. In the lakeside café, you can enjoy the Allgäu mountains on the spacious sun terrace or make yourself comfortable in the cosy conservatory on cooler days. For a quick refreshment, there are snacks and drinks to take away at the kiosk. Whether it's an ice cream in summer or a hot tea in winter - the view of the Alpsee is always a pleasure.

Rare nature and waterfalls: Discoveries on the circular trail

The tour continues: follow the signs marked "Alpsee-Rundweg" on wide, paved paths. A natural paradise with colourful meadows, reed beds and moorland awaits you on the western shore of the Alpsee. You might be lucky enough to spot the rare yellow troll flower or the dazzling kingfisher.

The trail continues to the Jägerhaus country inn in Ratholz. From there, you hike through a subway, across a wooded area to Hintersee and finally uphill to Gschwend. Here you will be rewarded with an impressive view over the Alpsee.

Another highlight is the Geschwender waterfalls, which you can reach from a nearby car park. A small gorge reveals a spectacular natural spectacle. Take your time to take in the thundering water before you pass the Ergelweg via the village of Rieder and finally arrive back in Bühl.

Refreshments with a view: enjoyment at the Großer Alpsee

After your circular hike, it's worth stopping off at the Gasthaus zum Alpsee. From the terrace, you have a fantastic view of the lake and the Immenstädter Horn. On colder days, you can make yourself comfortable in the cosy parlour or in the large hall. Landlord Franz Braun is the third generation to run the family business and attaches great importance to regional, down-to-earth cuisine. In addition to classics such as spaetzle with sauce or sausage dumpling soup, the menu also includes game dishes, fish and fresh salads - changing daily and always fresh.

Mysterious origins: the myth of the Alpsee

Did you know that the Große Alpsee has a legendary origin story? According to legend, a prosperous town existed on the site of the Großer Alpsee. The abundant supply of milk, butter and cheese caused the inhabitants to become lavish. When they began to build their cellar steps out of cheese wheels, God's punishment was not long in coming - the town and its neighbouring meadows sank into the depths like the island of Atlantis. Since that day, the Alpsee has filled the valley floor. Today, the remains of brick slabs occasionally wash ashore on the eastern shore of Bühl. For the locals, they are a reminder of the dramatic origins.

If you would like to find out more about the scientific origins of the lake, it is worth visiting the Alpseehaus Nature Park Centre in Bühl. The modern information centre is just a minute's walk from the Gasthaus zum Alpsee and offers exciting insights into the Allgäu Alps.

Convenient journey: How to get to the Großer Alpsee

Travelling to the Alpsee is easy and environmentally friendly by train. From Immenstadt railway station, you can easily reach the starting point of the circular trail. The trail is well signposted and leads you directly into nature.

Take a trip to the Großer Alpsee together with Anni Götze. The "12h mit" YouTube series takes you to Immenstadt in the Allgäu and from there to the Großer Alpsee. Let yourself be inspired!