The network of hiking trails in Oberstdorf is spread over three heights. In the valley, leisurely walks through the idyllic villages await you. Hikes in the middle altitudes of Oberstdorf take you to the Stillachtal valley, to the mountain village of Gerstruben or to the highest bathing lake in the Allgäu. Another level up, you'll find yourself in alpine terrain, enjoying indescribable views - or you can venture out on an impressive multi-day tour around Oberstdorf.
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Oberstdorf
![From the Oytal to the Hahnenköpfle](https://img3.oastatic.com/img2/97295774/320x320r/variant.jpg?revbust=18ee5cd0de0)
![on the way to the Schnippenkopf](https://img3.oastatic.com/img2/91262909/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Panoramic view over Oberstdorf](https://img2.oastatic.com/img2/81761163/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Der Rappensee, die Rappenseehütte und der Rappenseekopf](https://img0.oastatic.com/img2/20657986/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Packraft-Test am Gipfel des Großen Krottenkopfs](https://img.oastatic.com/img2/78413265/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Descent to the Hochleite Alpe](https://img3.oastatic.com/img2/77698844/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Etschenkopf and Rubihorn](https://img3.oastatic.com/img2/63001974/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Ausblick vom Schnippenkopf](https://img2.oastatic.com/img2/59183728/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Die Sonnenköpfe vom Illertal aus gesehen](https://img1.oastatic.com/img2/24277802/320x320r/variant.jpg)
![Gasthof Gerstruben 1155](https://img1.oastatic.com/img2/23509057/320x320r/variant.jpg)
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Open the Route PlannerWith the mountain railways up to the mountains of Oberstdorf
From Oberstdorf, which borders directly on Kleinwalsertal, there are numerous beautiful hikes on which you can explore the Allgäu Alps. In the mountains around Oberstdorf you will find hiking trails that range from easy to moderate to difficult. The various mountain railways will take you to the mountain stations from where you can start your hiking tours in the Allgäu mountains. No matter whether you want to go for a round on the Nebelhorn, the Fellhorn or the Kanzelwand - the mountain railways will take you safely to your (intermediate) destination.
Söllereckbahn: The Söllereckbahn takes you up to the mountain station of the family mountain Söllereck. Due to the toboggan run Allgäu-Coaster, Germany's highest climbing forest and the adventure playground, the Söllereck is particularly suitable for an excursion with the whole family. Hiking trails lead you back to Oberstdorf, Kleinwalsertal or to the Freibergsee, the highest bathing lake in the Allgäu. In addition, a ridge trail leads you to the Söllerkopf. This difficult tour, however, requires surefootedness and a good level of fitness.
Nebenhornbahn: From Oberstdorf you can take the Nebelhornbahn to the Seealpe station, from where numerous hiking trails start. The themed trails Uff d’r Alp and Höfatsweg are particularly suitable for hiking with the family. At the mountain station at an altitude of over 2200 metres, the Nebelhorn summit restaurant invites you to take a break on Oberstdorf's local mountain, the Nebelhorn. From there, a unique view of the impressive mountain world awaits you: the 400-summit view. On the 100m-long north face climb of the Nebelhorn north face, a steel construction leads you around the summit area of the Nebelhorn. From there you can experience a wonderful view of the Allgäu.
Fellhornbahn: If you take the Fellhornbahn to the mountain station, a hiking experience awaits you on the border between Germany and Austria, the Allgäu and Kleinwalsertal. There are numerous hiking tours to choose from here. The Fellhorn is a 2037 m high mountain, which lies to the north of the Kanzelwand. The Fellhorn adventure trail offers you knowledge about the Allgäu mountains and leads past the Schlappoldsee lake and back to the station at the summit. Easy, moderately difficult or a challenging tour - there is something for everyone here!
Discover Oberstdorf by the water
When hiking in Oberstdorf, the Breitachklamm gorge is a popular destination. Rushing, raging masses of water flow along the deep rock gorge – a unique natural spectacle! The Breitachklamm is also an impressive experience in winter. The huge icicles and frozen waterfalls make you feel like you're in a winter wonderland. On a torchlight hike you can walk along the Breitachklamm gorge in a magical atmosphere. You don't need to be in particularly good shape to hike through the gorge - but you can also extend your hike to the surrounding mountains of Oberstdorf.
Extensive circular hike on good paths with several places to stop for refreshments; great views on the way back
Besides the Breitachklamm gorge, there are many hiking trails in Oberstdorf that will take you to beautiful lakes.
Seealpsee
The idyllic mountain lake is located at an altitude of almost 1700 m on the southeast slope of the Schattenberg. It lies above the Oytal valley. From the lake you get a view of numerous peaks. From the mountain station of the Nebelhorn cable car, you can take a hike to Seealpsee.
Freibergsee
After a hike, the Freibergsee is perfect for a swim at an altitude of 930 metres. The crystal clear water of the lake shimmers green in the sun. You can stop off at the panorama restaurant directly on the lake or hire a rowing boat or pedalo from the boat hire service. A wonderful little excursion when you're in Oberstdorf!
Gaisalpsee
.One of the most popular hikes in Oberstdorf is a tour to the Rubihorn. You will discover the two Gaisalp lakes. Below the Rubihorn you will find the Lower Gaisalpsee. You should be fit enough for an ascent to the lakes. Once you have reached the lower Gaisalpsee, you can take a break on the picturesque shores of the lake. The Upper Gaisalpsee is smaller, but also offers an idyllic view. On a hiking tour to the Rubihorn, you can stop at the Gaisalpe hut at an altitude of 1165 metres and enjoy delicious regional specialities.
Christlessee
.The Christlessee is located southeast of Oberstdorf in the water conservation area in the middle of the Trettach valley. The beautiful mountain lake with its blue-green shimmering surface is at an altitude of 916 m. The lake is unique in that it is located in the middle of the Trettachtal valley. The lake is unique in that it is fed by several underground springs: It never freezes over. At all times of the year, summer and winter, Christlessee has a constant temperature of four to six degrees.
How long does it take to walk from Oberstdorf to the Christlessee?
.For a leisurely circular hike from Oberstdorf to Christlessee and back again, you will be on your way for just under 3 hours. On the way there are various places to stop for a bite to eat. Bathing in the lake is strictly forbidden, however - at a temperature of around 5 degrees, even in high summer, this lake is not exactly pleasant for most swimmers anyway.
Alpine Crossing: Oberstdorf to Merano on the E5
Do you fancy a challenge in the mountains of Germany, Austria and Italy? You can hike from Oberstdorf to Merano on the E5 long-distance hiking trail. The hike is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. The varied multi-day tour takes you along wild ravine paths, mighty mountain peaks, lush flower meadows, green grasslands, mighty rocks and crystal-clear lakes. The highest point of the crossing is at an altitude of 3019 m at the Similaun hut on the Niederjoch. On your way you will follow in the footsteps of Ötzi, as this is where the Ötzi discovery site is located. Every day you will cover about 10 to 20 km and between 800 and 1200 metres of altitude. You can also do the Alpine crossing as a guided tour.
The classic alpine crossing: 6-day tour on the route E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran through the beautiful alpine terrain.
Where is the most beautiful place in Oberstdorf?
Oberstdorf in Allgäu is always worth a visit. Whether you enjoy a snack at the mountain station on the Nebelhorn with its unique 400-peak view, visit one of the region's bathing lakes surrounded by mountains or hike along the impressive Breitachklamm gorge – Oberstdorf is full of fantastic places and unforgettable excursion destinations.
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