Oberallgäu

The northern Oberallgäu surrounds the independent town of Kempten. It is characterized by a pre-alpine mountain landscape and many little villages that invite outdoor enthusiasts to beautiful hiking and biking tours.

The gate to the Allgäu Alps is located a bit further south and near Immenstadt. Between the mountain range “Nagelfluhkette“ and the mountain “Grünten“, you will find the beginning of the valley “Illertal“ whose small side valleys stretch between Sonthofen and Oberstdorf and reach until Germany’s southernmost point, the “Haldenwanger Eck“. 

One of the most striking characteristics of the Oberallgäu is without doubt the extensive lake landscape. “Alpsee“, “Niedersonthofener See“ and “Rottachsee“ are the biggest and best-known lakes.

But there are plenty more lakes that provide fun and refreshing swimming opportunities during summer. Trips to the “Schrecksee“ and the “Gaisalpsee“ can be combined with beautiful mountain hikes.

As a "pit stop" during a hike or to warm up on a cold skiing day: The Allgäu mountain huts are extremely popular among their guests. Many of them provide milk, cheese, yoghurt and curd cheese from their own cattle. Other hut owners offer selfmade liquors and fruit brandies, too.

Heritage and tradition are a big part of the Oberallgäu culture. Highlights each year are the "Viehscheid" (cattle drive) in September, the "Klausentreiben" (visit of Santa Claus) in December and the "Funkenfeuer" (bonfire) during spring. You can learn more about the Oberallgäu traditions in many different local history museums.