Tobogganing on the Breitenberg in Pfronten, Allgäu

Winter sports activities in Pfronten at a glance

• Tobogganing
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Winter walking
• Ski touring
• Snowshoeing

Pfronten is situated in the Ostallgäu region, right on the border with Tyrol. Take the train to Pfronten-Steinach, where the valley station of the Breitenbergbahn is just a few steps away. From here, the route takes you up into the wintry mountain landscape and to the start of the natural toboggan run on the Breitenberg.

Up to the toboggan run via two cable cars

First, the gondola lift takes you up to the Hochalpe at the foot of the Aggenstein in around ten minutes. You then change to the Hochalpbahn. The four-seater chairlift takes you up to an altitude of 1,677 metres and straight to the starting point of the toboggan run.

During the ascent, the view over the Pfronten Valley, the Allgäu lake district and the surrounding mountain peaks becomes ever more expansive. Before the descent begins, you can stop for a bite to eat at the Hochalpe or head straight back down into the valley.

Tobogganing on the Ostler Forest Trail

The natural toboggan run follows the Ostler Forest Trail for around six kilometres through snow-covered woods down into the Engetal valley. Calmer sections alternate with challenging bends. Depending on your speed and the conditions, the descent itself takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

At the end of the run, you’ll reach the valley between the Fallmühle and the border with the Tannheimer Valley. From the toboggan run, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the bus stop at the former customs house. When the run is open, the toboggan bus will take you back to the Breitenbergbahn valley station. The transfer is included in the toboggan ticket.

You should allow around two hours for a complete circuit comprising the ascent, toboggan run and return journey. Please check the current toboggan bus timetable and note the recommended latest time for the ascent.

Hire a sledge or bring your own

You can hire a sledge at the Breitenbergbahn valley station, subject to availability. The mountain railways will also transport your own sledges. Check in advance for the current prices and transport conditions.

Essential kit includes warm winter clothing, gloves and sturdy shoes with a good grip. A helmet is recommended. The long natural toboggan run is not suitable for small children.

Staying safe on the natural toboggan run

Adjust your speed to suit the snow conditions, visibility and your skill level. Anticipate what’s ahead, keep a safe distance and watch out for winter walkers and ski tourers, who may also be using the forest track.

Due to maintenance work, the toboggan run is closed in the evening and in the early hours of the morning. Whether it can be opened during the day depends on snow, ice and weather conditions. You should therefore check the latest winter sports report immediately before your journey.

Winter hike to the Ostlerhütte

If you have time for a winter hike as well as the toboggan run, you can walk up from the Hochalpbahn mountain station to the Ostlerhütte. You should allow about 45 minutes for the walk, which involves a climb of around 160 metres in altitude.

The hut is situated at 1,838 metres near the summit of the Breitenberg. From its panoramic terrace, the view stretches across the Pfronten Valley, the Allgäu lakes and over to the peaks of the Allgäu and Tannheim mountains. Before setting off, check whether the winter trail and the hut are open.

Other winter activities on the Breitenberg

As well as the toboggan run, there are groomed winter walking trails on the Breitenberg. A shorter route leads from the Breitenbergbahn mountain station to Kesselmoos in around 30 minutes. Ski touring and snowshoe walks are also possible when conditions are suitable.

For skiers and snowboarders, there are various runs available in the Pfronten winter sports area. The daily updated winter sports report shows which lifts, slopes and trails are open.

Pfronten and the Breitenberg in summer

In summer, too, the Breitenbergbahn takes you to hiking trails and vantage points. From the Hochalpe, various routes lead through the mountain landscape around Aggenstein and Breitenberg. The mountain is also a starting point for paragliders and hang-gliders.

Take the cable car to go tobogganing on the Breitenberg

Take the train to Pfronten-Steinach station. The Breitenbergbahn valley station is about 150 metres away on the opposite side of Tiroler Straße.

Before you set off, check the current rail connections, the operating hours of the Breitenberg and Hochalp cable cars, the condition of the toboggan run and the toboggan bus timetable.