Großer Alpsee, the multifaceted nature experience in the Upper Allgäu: the Great Alpsee Loop Trail

Are you ready for the lake circumnavigation with panoramic view? - Then let's go! Plan about three and a half hours for the eleven-kilometre circular walk around the Alpsee. The refreshing pleasure tour starts at Immenstadt railway station. At the main exit, the path leads immediately left onto Bahnhofstraße in the direction of the roundabout. From there, continue straight ahead for a short distance on the pedestrian path along the main road until you reach the fork to the right onto Badeweg. Follow this path for about two kilometres, past the Konstanzer Ach river and the Kleiner Alpsee lake, until you cross the Fischerweg path. From here you can already see the Gasthaus zum Alpsee in Bühl on the opposite side of the road - from here the hiking trail leads along the lake.

The Great Alpsee - a year-round excursion highlight
Stroll for the first few minutes on foot along the Great Alpsee Circular Trail along the lively lake promenade on the sunny north shore and let your gaze wander again and again over the emerald-green shimmering waters of the Alpsee. In addition to the picturesque view, the 240-hectare lake surface attracts its visitors with a wide range of activities: sailing, rowing, kiting or jumping into the cool water. So be sure to pack your swimsuit in summer! Are sub-zero temperatures no problem for you? Then you should stop by in winter for an ice bath. If you prefer to glide over the ice, pack your skates to glide elegantly over the Großer Alpsee in this unique setting. Important: Be sure to contact the Immenstadt Tourist Information beforehand to check the thickness of the ice. Winter hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing - the range of activities at the largest natural lake in the Upper Allgäu is not bound to any season.

Rare natural treasures on the western shore and Niagara atmosphere in the east

Ice cream or a snack along the way? In addition to the lakeside café of the same name, the Hauser lido offers the possibility of a short break on the spacious sun terrace or, on cooler days, in the winter garden - here, too, the panoramic view of the Allgäu mountains is a real nature experience. Those who prefer to feast while walking can treat themselves to a snack at the kiosk. The tour continues: On wide, paved paths you follow the signs with the inscription "Alpsee-Rundweg". The western shore is known for its rare plant and animal species. Perhaps you will discover the yellow troll flower or the iridescent turquoise-blue kingfisher among colourful litter meadows, reed belts and marshland.

At the Jägerhaus country inn in Ratholz, go through the subway and hike the wooded section to Hintersee and uphill to Gschwend. From here, fantastic views open up over the Großer Alpsee. Water is your element? Then the excursion has another impressive natural spectacle in store for you: the Geschwender Waterfalls. At the hikers' car park, the path leads down into a small gorge. Let the thundering water spectacle work its magic on you for a while before you pass the little village of Rieder on the Ergelweg path and from there arrive back at the starting point of the hike in Bühl.

Traditional delicacies with a view

Allgäu specialities with lake and mountain views: As a crowning finale to your circular hiking tour, we recommend a stop at the Gasthaus zum Alpsee.

From the terrace you can look directly across the natural lake to the local mountain Immenstädter Horn. On colder days, you can find a warm spot in the parlour or in the large hall. Host Franz Braun took over the family business in the early 80s in the third generation and attaches great importance to regional and down-to-earth cuisine. The dishes on the menu change daily and offer game dishes, fish and salads in addition to the classic spaetzle with sauce or sausage dumpling soup.

Legendary origins: Atlantis flair in Allgäu

By the way, do you know the story of the origin of the Großer Alpsee? According to legend, a prosperous town existed on the site of the Großer Alpsee. The abundant supply of milk, butter and cheese made the inhabitants 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 adjoining meadows sank into the depths like the island of Atlantis. Since that day, the Alpsee has filled the valley floor. Today, brick slab remains are washed ashore from time to time on Bühl's eastern shore. For the locals, they are a reminder of the dramatic origins.

If you are interested in the formation of the natural lake from a scientific point of view, you can make a detour to the Alpseehaus Nature Park Centre in Seestraße in Bühl on your hike on the Great Alpsee Circular Trail. The modern information centre is only a minute's walk from the Gasthaus zum Alpsee and satisfies your hunger for knowledge about the Allgäu Alpine world.

Join Anni Götze on an excursion to the Großer Alpsee. In the "12h mit" YouTube series, it's off to Immenstadt in the Allgäu and from there to the Großer Alpsee. Let yourself be inspired!