Before the powdery snow covers the Allgäu in a winter blanket, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots one last time. In search of the warming rays of the autumn sun and the red leaves of the forests, this season we are drawn to Oberstdorf where you can find these three autumn hikes in Bavaria.
The town in the south of Bavaria welcomes its vacationers with a 200-kilometer network of hiking trails – some challenging, others completely relaxed. Time and again, cozy mountain huts invite you to enjoy Bavarian delicacies before continuing on to admire the imposing mountain panoramas. Ambitious outdoor enthusiasts and experienced hikers should not miss these three autumn hiking tours in Oberstdorf!
Into the idyllic Traufbachtal
You won’t find any crowds of tourists on this idyllic tour! But that may also be because the 19-kilometer hike is not exactly easy. It starts at the Mühlenbrücke in Oberstdorf. Along the wild Trettach riverbank, it passes the small villages of Gruben and Dietersberg and leads into the picturesque Trettachtal. From here it is not far to the first highlight of the hike! Shortly before Spielmannsau, the path climbs and finally reveals the view of an impressive gorge! And it is precisely through this gorge that the route now passes. First, the Traufbach is crossed. Then it goes over hill and dale on the Tobelweg up the gorge. The steep ascent is a real challenge! Once at the top, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief. Relax and enjoy the walk along the Traufbach stream to the remote side valley. Your effort is more than rewarded here! Rushing waterfalls, rugged rock faces and almost untouched nature make the hiker’s heart beat faster. The path leads past the rugged western face of the mountains Fürschießer and the dizzying Krottenspitze to the Christelssee. If you can tear yourself away from the crystal-clear turquoise water, continue via the moor pond to Oberstdorf. You have truly earned a hearty Bavarian dinner!
Indian Summer at Freibergsee
Autumn in the Allgäu doesn’t get any more beautiful than this! On the way to Freibergsee, vacationers hike through a colorful sea of leaves that is second to none. The seven-kilometer hike begins right in the city centre. After crossing the Schlechtenbrücke, past the Waldesruhe and the Bergkristall, you will reach the Edmund-Probst-Weg. The steep part of the trail is now behind you! From here, the route flattens out and continues through colourful deciduous forests. Every now and then, the trees thin out, giving you a breathtaking view of the mountain panorama. Once you arrive at the Freibergsee, it’s time to take a break. How about a Bavarian snack at the restaurant of the same name? Once you’ve recharged your batteries, it’s time to start your descent. Passing the Heini Klopfer ski jump, one of the largest ski jumps in the world, you continue to the Unterer Renksteg. Now the tour is already coming to an end. Thanks to relaxed meadow paths, the return to Oberstdorf is a breeze.
Still hungry for more? Then extend the route via Schwand and the Stillach Valley.
At mid-altitude over the Fellhorn ridge
While the valley is still shrouded in thick fog, the sunshine sweetens the mountain panorama at lofty heights. But before you get there, there are a few challenges to overcome.
The day begins with climbing stairs. Starting from the Fellhornbahn mountain station, well-built steps lead up to the summit. This is where the actual route along the western side of the ridge begins, in the direction of Söllereck. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Austrian Kleinwalsertal, the Hochifen and the Gottesackerplateau. In addition, there are a variety of beautiful mountain flowers that bloom until the fall.
At the end of the almost six-kilometer hike over the border ridge between Bavaria and Vorarlberg lies the Söllereck. Here you can enjoy local specialties at the rustic Sölleralpe before beginning the descent. A gondola ride down into the valley is a comfortable way to make the descent. Those who are not yet tired can choose from a variety of hikes that start here and wind down the mountain.
Caution: sturdy shoes and a sure step are a must for this hike!
