Fascinating facts about the Allgäu

Hike the E5 long-distance trail, explore the Allgäu Alps, traverse the Nagelfluh Chain, or wander through the idyllic Gunzesried valley, taking in stunning mountain panoramas, tranquil spots, and rich Alpine flora. Whether you prefer a leisurely scenic stroll or a challenging summit trek, the extensive trail network offers a route for every level. Themed trails, such as the Nature Experience Trail at Mt Nebelhorn or the emerald Waterfall Trail in Bad Hindelang, invite you to engage all your senses. Close to the Allgäu Sonne, enjoy premium paths like “Luftiger Grat” or “Wildes Wasser” and the spectacular Buchenegg Waterfalls.

Cycling enthusiasts will find varied mountain-bike routes and comfortable e-bike trails, offering wonderful views of the Allgäu Alps. Road cyclists can tackle twisting mountain passes, while leisure riders enjoy relaxed rides along rivers, meadows, and lakes, with cosy stops at traditional huts or cafés.

On warm days, lakes such as Großer Alpsee, Forggensee, and Grüntensee invite swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, or rowing. Families appreciate well-equipped beaches with sunbathing lawns and playgrounds, while relaxation seekers can savour quiet moments on secluded shores. Summer offerings are rounded out with climbing parks, high ropes courses, summer toboggan runs, and scenic mountain lifts.

In winter, the Allgäu transforms into a snowy wonderland. Ski resorts such as Oberstdorf or Balderschwang boast perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts, and cosy huts for a warming break. Cross-country skiers will delight in the extensive cross-country trail networks amidst picturesque winter landscapes. Snowshoe hikes, guided ski tours, and horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a serene, nature-filled perspective on the season. Toboggan runs and ice rinks provide fun for all ages. And if you’re longing for pure relaxation, the Allgäu Sonne and the thermal spas in Bad Wörishofen or Oberstaufen offer wonderfully warm thermal pools, spacious saunas, and spectacular mountain views – a perfect way to restore body and mind.

Beauty is subjective, but the Allgäu is packed with scenic and cultural gems. Depending on your interests – mountains, lakes, wellness, or culture – you may enjoy:

• Füssen with its medieval old town and proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Oberstdorf, Germany’s southernmost town, offering spectacular mountain views, ski jumps, and hiking trails.
• Oberstaufen, known for is shopping opportunities and charming architecture.
• Bad Hindelang, with pristine nature, fresh air, and historic appeal.
• Lake Alpsee near Immenstadt, especially magical at sunrise, making it a perfect spot for photography.

The Allgäu lies in southern Germany, mostly in Bavaria and partly in south-eastern Baden-Württemberg. It stretches from the Bavarian-Swabian hills through the Alpine foothills to the Allgäu Alps, bordering Austria (Tyrol and Vorarlberg) to the south.

Around 30 larger towns, with some of the most picturesque being:

• Kempten: Germany’s oldest documented city and the cultural hub of the Allgäu.
• Füssen: Famous for Neuschwanstein Castle and its romantic old town.
• Memmingen: Historic town centre and transport hub with airport.
• Kaufbeuren: Former free imperial city with a lively cultural scene.
• Isny and Wangen: On the Baden-Württemberg side of the Allgäu.
• Other notable towns: Sonthofen, Marktoberdorf, Oberstdorf, Immenstadt, Bad Wörishofen, and Oberstaufen.

Yes, most of the Allgäu lies in Bavaria, specifically in the Swabia region, which is one of Bavaria’s administrative districts. However, a small part in the west extends into south-eastern Baden-Württemberg. The Allgäu is therefore primarily a cultural and natural region, rather than a strictly defined political entity.

Both: culturally and linguistically, the Allgäu is Swabian, but politically most of it lies in Bavaria. The Swabia administrative region is part of the Free State of Bavaria, which is why the area is often referred to as “Bavarian-Swabian”. Parts of the western Allgäu are in Baden-Württemberg, where it is Swabian both culturally and politically.

The name “Allgäu” is made up of two parts: “All/Alp” and “Gäu”. “All” comes from the Old High German al, meaning “mountain” or “alp”, and “Gäu” comes from göu (Gau), meaning “fertile land”, “district”, or “region”. So, “Allgäu” roughly translates to “mountainous region”, “Alpine land”, or “fertile land by the Alps”, which perfectly describes its topography. The term has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to the pre-Alpine region south of Kempten.

This question doesn’t have a single answer, but there are several favourites:

• Lake  Alpsee (near Immenstadt): Known for its clear waters, boating opportunities, and proximity to the cable car. Perfect for swimming, sailing, or a leisurely walk.
• Lake Forggensee (near Füssen): The largest lake in the Allgäu, offering stunning Alpine views, closeness to Neuschwanstein Castle, and a variety of water sports.

Our insider tip: Schwaltenweiher, a small, romantic moor lake with panoramic views of the Alps.

The Allgäu is less known for technical inventions and more for cultural and culinary achievements, particularly in cheese-making and dairy farming:

• Weisslacker cheese: A strong, salty cheese with a characteristic white, lacquer-like rind, developed in 1874 in the Allgäu. Known for its robust flavour, it is often called “beer cheese” because it pairs so well with beer. Since 2015, it has been registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) within the European Union.
• Allgäuer Emmentaler: A protected regional specialty with a long-standing tradition.
• Kässpatzen and Krautkrapfen: Traditional dishes perfected in the Allgäu, hearty and full of flavour.
• Kneipp hydrotherapy: Developed by Sebastian Kneipp in Bad Wörishofen, this holistic approach to health has become world-famous.
• Schroth cure: A renowned holistic natural therapy that relieves and detoxifies the body over several weeks. Oberstaufen is the only Schroth spa town in Germany and serves as the national centre for this treatment.
• Ski resorts: The Allgäu is one of Germany’s earliest winter sports regions, with a long history of skiing and Alpine recreation.