Discover Oberstdorf: mountains, culture and nature experiences

Oberstdorf at a glance

• Location: Oberstdorf lies at an altitude of 813 metres in a wide valley basin in the Allgäu Alps.
• Special feature: The municipality is the southernmost in Germany. The southernmost point of the country lies at Haldenwanger Eck within the municipality’s boundaries.
• Mountain railways: The Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal mountain railway network serves seven mountains. From Oberstdorf, the Nebelhorn, Fellhorn and Söllereck are particularly easy to reach.
• Travelling by train: Oberstdorf railway station is situated right in the town centre, next to the coach station. From here, local and regional buses run to destinations including the mountain railways, the side valleys and the Breitachklamm gorge.
• Who is Oberstdorf suitable for? Hikers, winter sports enthusiasts, families, culture lovers and anyone wishing to discover Allgäu cuisine and the village’s history.

From Oberstdorf railway station to the historic town centre

Right at the station, we’re greeted by a figure closely linked to Oberstdorf’s history: the Wilde Mändle. The associated Wilde Mändle dance is one of the oldest traditional dances in the Alpine region and is performed in Oberstdorf only once every five years. The dancers, adorned with fir-branch beards, evoke figures from a bygone era.

From the station, we head straight into the pedestrian zone and on to the historic centre of Oberstdorf. Amidst traditional houses, small shops and cafés, views of the surrounding mountains open up time and again. On Prinzregenten-Platz stands the Oberstdorf Haus, which houses the Tourist Information Centre. Here we can get up-to-date information on events, walking trails, open mountain railways and seasonal offers.

Allgäu history at the Oberstdorf Local History Museum

The Oberstdorf Local History Museum shows how people used to live in Oberstdorf. It is housed in a historic 17th-century farmhouse. The low-ceilinged rooms, old tools, traditional costumes and furnishings tell the story of everyday farm life, local crafts and the customs of the region.

The most unusual exhibit is a leather ski boot in size 480. It was made in 1950 by Josef Schratt, a master shoemaker from Oberstdorf, to mark the first Ski Flying Week. In just six weeks, Schratt created the giant boot to present it as a showpiece to the approximately 100,000 visitors attending the event. Today, the exhibit is still regarded as the world’s largest hand-crafted leather ski boot and, at the same time, tells the story of Oberstdorf’s shoemaking craft and its long tradition of winter sports.

Church, art and Allgäu village culture

In the centre of the village stands the Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, although fires and renovations have shaped its current appearance. Inside, we discover altars, frescoes and other examples of regional ecclesiastical art.

Villa Jauss offers a contrast to the predominantly rural architecture. This magnificent wooden building in Fuggerpark, erected at the end of the 19th century, now serves as an arts and culture centre. Changing exhibitions bring contemporary art to the historic villa, creating a tranquil complement to the lively town centre.

Ski-jumping history at the ORLEN Arena

When the ski jumpers take flight over the take-off table at the start of the Four Hills Tournament, the eyes of the winter sports world turn to Oberstdorf. Sven Hannawald also made sporting history at what is now the ORLEN Arena on the Schattenberg: in the 2001/2002 season, he became the first ski jumper to win all four competitions in a Four Hills Tournament.

The ski jump complex is not only interesting during competitions. On tours and guided visits, visitors gain an insight into the sport of ski jumping and see just how steep the inrun and landing slope actually are. As events and guided tour times vary, it’s worth checking the current programme before your visit.

Up into the Allgäu Alps with the Oberstdorf mountain railways

All around Oberstdorf, the peaks seem to rise straight out of the valley basin. The mountain railways of Oberstdorf and the Kleinwalsertal take us to various altitudes. Directly from Oberstdorf, the Nebelhornbahn, Fellhornbahn and Söllereckbahn provide access to numerous hiking and winter sports opportunities.

The Nebelhorn reaches an altitude of 2,224 metres. On clear days, a sweeping Alpine panorama unfolds from the summit. The Fellhorn is known, amongst other things, for its mountain meadows and the Schlappoldsee lake. At the Söllereck, families and leisurely walkers will find relatively gentle trails as well as views over the Oberstdorf mountains.

The cable cars do not operate continuously throughout the year. Maintenance work takes place between the summer and winter seasons. Furthermore, weather, snow and wind conditions can affect operations. We therefore check the current opening and operating times of the cable cars before setting off.

Oberstdorf in autumn: hiking amongst mountain meadows and colourful forests

In autumn, the trails become quieter. In the mornings, mist sometimes still hangs over the valley, whilst higher up the sun is already illuminating the mountain slopes. Deciduous forests turn shades of yellow and copper-red, and on clear days the peaks stand out particularly sharply against the sky.

As long as the mountain railways are operating for hikers, we can start our walks directly from the mountain stations. From Söllereck, for example, paths lead towards Freibergsee. At Fellhorn, there are walks around Schlappoldsee and through the mountain meadows. At the Seealpe intermediate station of the Nebelhornbahn, the ‘Uff d’r Alp’ nature trail provides interesting facts about the alpine cultural landscape. Which route is best depends on your fitness level, the weather and current trail conditions.

If you’re looking for a longer and more challenging hike, our route to Guggersee offers a specific suggestion with views of the Allgäu main ridge. Before setting off, you should check the weather, trail conditions and your own fitness level.

Particularly in late autumn, we must expect frost, ice or the first patches of snow at higher altitudes. At the same time, some huts are closing and safety barriers on high-altitude trails are being partially removed. Once the mountain railways have ceased operations, trails in the valley and at medium altitudes are therefore particularly suitable. The latest mountain sports report provides information on open trails, conditions and any closures.

The Breitach Gorge near Oberstdorf

An impressive natural spectacle awaits us in the Breitach Gorge near Tiefenbach. Water rushes between steep rock faces, a fine mist hangs in the air, and in places the walls close in tightly on either side of the narrow footbridges.

The gorge changes character with the seasons. In autumn, damp rocks, falling leaves and powerful watercourses create a special atmosphere. In winter, icicles and frozen veils of water may form. However, whether the Breitach Gorge is open depends on the weather, water levels and seasonal maintenance periods.

From Oberstdorf bus station, take bus route 44 towards Tiefenbach to the Breitachklamm stop. For tours through the entire gorge, the Walserschanz stop on bus route 1 is also an option. Before setting off, we check the current timetable and whether the gorge is open.

Oberstdorf in winter: skiing, winter walking and snowshoeing

In winter, activities range from alpine skiing to peaceful walks through the snow-covered valley landscape. Skiing in the Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal region usually begins in stages from December onwards. Depending on the ski resort, altitude and snow conditions, the planned season can sometimes extend into spring. There is no guarantee of specific snow conditions. We therefore check the current status of the lifts and slopes before setting off.

The region’s interconnected ski areas cover around 130 kilometres of slopes. On the Fellhorn and the Kanzelwand, winter sports enthusiasts can ski in a cross-border ski area spanning Germany and Austria. The Nebelhorn offers long runs and high-alpine views, whilst the Söllereck is particularly popular with families and beginners.

Those who prefer a more peaceful experience can explore Oberstdorf on groomed winter walking trails. Depending on conditions, there are more than 140 kilometres of winter walking trails available within the municipal area at various altitudes. In addition, there are cross-country ski trails in the valley as well as activities organised by the Oberstdorf Nordic Centre.

Snowshoeing is also part of the winter programme. Guided tours are offered by various local mountaineering schools and tour operators. Expert guidance is particularly advisable in alpine terrain, as avalanche conditions, weather and navigation must be taken into account even where no immediate dangers are visible. Up-to-date information on open trails, cross-country ski tracks and winter sports activities can be found in Oberstdorf’s winter sports report.

Enjoy Allgäu specialities in Oberstdorf

After a day spent between the village and the mountains, Allgäu dishes warm us up again. Many menus feature ‘Kässpatzen’ with tangy mountain cheese and fried onions. ‘Krautkrapfen’, hearty soups and snacks with regional cheese are also part of the traditional cuisine.

One place to try is Das Jagdhaus on Ludwigstraße. This historic establishment serves Bavarian and Allgäu dishes in a rustic atmosphere. As closing days, company holidays and opening hours may vary, we recommend checking the latest details before visiting.

Travelling to Oberstdorf by train and continuing your journey on foot

Oberstdorf railway station is situated right in the town centre. Upon arrival, the pedestrian zone, shops, restaurants and many attractions are just a short walk away. The coach station is right next to the railway station. From there, local and regional coaches run to destinations including the Nebelhornbahn, the Söllereckbahn, the Stillachtal via the Fellhornbahn, Tiefenbach and on to the Kleinwalsertal.

Specific timetables vary by season. When planning your journey, we recommend using the latest timetable information for Oberstdorf or Deutsche Bahn’s travel information service. This allows you to combine train, bus and walking routes effectively.