Do you love winter vacations, but skiing and snowboarding aren’t really your thing? No problem, because in Pfronten in the Allgäu region, there are all kinds of winter adventures and moments of pleasure to be had without being a winter sports pro. Adrenaline junkies race down into the valley on sleds, while the more leisurely among us enjoy the cozy atmosphere of mountain huts and local specialties. Here are four magical winter moments in the Allgäu!
Curious architecture: building an igloo on the Hochalpe
You’ve never built a real igloo before? Then it’s time to do it now! At the igloo workshop on the Hochalpe mountain range near Pfronten, participants learn how to build the dome-shaped snow houses like a pro!
First, the group sets off with shovels to find the perfect building site – on snowshoes, of course. Once they arrive, the fun can begin! Under the expert guidance of the guide, the fledgling architects cut square blocks out of the ice and construct a real igloo like the Inuit. At the same time, you will learn exciting facts about the tradition of snow houses. For example, that the temperature in the igloo never drops below zero degrees!
After so much work, your stomach will be growling. And a small buffet in the snow will be just the right thing. Afterwards, the hard-working igloo builders will end the evening in a cozy hut on the high alpine pasture. Of course, a meal together with local delicacies is also part of the experience.
Feasting Allgäu-style: a guest at the Edelsberg hut
Connoisseurs are drawn to the Edelsberg hut in winter, because a popular Allgäu specialty is served here. The delicious cheese spaetzle called “Kässpatzen” are just the thing to warm up after a short winter hike.
To get to the hut, it’s a four-kilometer walk from Röfleuten through powdery winter landscapes, past majestic mountain peaks. Whether under a bright blue sky, in dense snow flurries or in the dark of night, the short hike is a wonderful experience for the whole family. A visit on Fridays is particularly worthwhile, because that’s when the all-you-can-eat Kässpatzen special is on the menu!
If you can’t get enough of this delicious dish, you should also make a detour to the Fallmühle Inn in the Achtal to try the so-called “Fahler Kässpatz’n”.
Switch off in the winter forest: on snowshoes through the Allgäu
On snowshoes, you can enter an almost magical world of tranquility. Far from the noise of the streets and the crowds of tourists. Surrounded by nothing but snow-covered trees and the winter beauty of nature, vacationers have time to switch off and let their thoughts wander.
For a relaxed snowshoe tour, head to the area at the foot of the Edelsberg, aptly named “Himmelreich” (Kingdom of Heaven). Those who prefer a more athletic challenge can incorporate a short summit ascent into the tour. The Schönkahler, the Breitenberg or the Hündeleskopfhütte offer particularly beautiful views.
If you have never been on snowshoes before, you can also take a winter hike with a group or with the support of a local guide.
Let’s go on a wild ride: tobogganing on the Breitenberg
Whizzing down steep descents on a sledge through powdery white snow – and enjoying the beautiful mountain panorama at the same time. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The longest natural toboggan run in the Allgäu is not just for children; adults love the wild tobogganing party too.
This rapid adventure begins with a ride in the lift. The Breitenbergbahn and the Hochalpe chairlift take you up the mountain to an altitude of around 1,600 meters. From here you can enjoy the descent in its entirety. The route leads over six kilometers through the snow-covered landscape of the Breitenberg. Along the Ostler forest road, to the picturesque Engetal. Don’t worry: a free shuttle is available to take sledders back to the valley station of the Breitenbergbahn in Pfronten Steinach.
