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With countless hiking trails, the Bavarian town of Oberstdorf is one of the most accessible destinations for a mountain holiday in the northern Alps! From gondola rides and short scenic trails to challenging hikes from peak to peak — there’s something for everyone when you stay in a holiday home in Oberstdorf. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunny terraces at traditional inns, or walk along a wild mountain river that rushes through Germany’s deepest gorge!
A magical highlight that will make your holiday in Oberstdorf unforgettable is a walk through the Breitachklamm Gorge! This river canyon can be accessed from the German village of Tiefenbach or from Walserschanz in Austria. Stretching over 4.5 kilometers, the round trip along the mountain river is an easy and very accessible attraction. You can even take a bus back to the starting point, making the one-way walk last just under an hour. The acoustics of the narrow canyon create a thunderous roar from the rushing river. The raw erosive power of the meltwater-fed torrent has carved the landscape — sometimes to depths of 80 meters! The contrast between light and shadow creates wonderfully photogenic scenes, such as rainwater falls catching the sunlight.
Renting a holiday home in Oberstdorf during winter? You’ll witness a completely different spectacle in the gorge! At this time of year, the path is lined with massive icicles that transform the canyon into a frozen wonderland!
Looking for another natural spectacle? Along the road to Balderschwang there’s a parking area with signposts for a marked trail leading to the Sheuen Waterfall. Since you can reach the falls within an hour, the route is perfect for a relaxed, recreational walk. Start your hike near the Riedberg Pass and follow the path that partly runs along the Bolgenach River. The journey itself is a gem — not only do you walk through dense forests, but also across alpine meadows with views of valleys and forested mountain slopes.
Drive to Fellhorn and take the gondola up to the mountain station overlooking the beautiful Schlappoldsee Lake! From the summit of Fellhorn, you can continue hiking to another peak — the Kanzelwand. The mountain trail connecting the two summits offers breathtaking panoramas of dramatic, steep mountain chains in the distance and wide valleys below. Since the trail follows a ridgeline with steep slopes on both sides, you’ll enjoy sweeping views in every direction! On a clear day, the light-green ridge with its forested slopes is a spectacular sight. Even when mountain fog fills the valleys, the view of the remaining peaks creates an unforgettable scene!
Oberstdorf is a destination that delights both children and parents. At the Nordi Club, children up to 12 years old can join supervised activities full of fun — from pony rides and scout clubs to creative workshops. Take the Söllereckbahn cable car up the mountain and discover the area’s most exciting attractions! The toboggan run is a family favorite, but there’s also a climbing park with multiple courses and mini golf. For more fun, cool off at the Wonnemar water park in Sonthofen — a large complex with thrilling slides and pools!
Technically, Rubi isn’t a village but a charming little hamlet in the valley. Nevertheless, it’s a starting point for many hiking routes and a popular spot to visit a traditional gasthof! Don’t pass up the cozy restaurant terraces if you want to soak up the alpine scenery. A cold beer on the table, a slice of Käsetorte, and the valley with its steep mountains in the background — the perfect holiday photo! You can even take a well-deserved rest here during a hike starting in Oberstdorf.
Curious to explore beyond the border? Admire the mountain castle of Vaduz in the alpine principality of Liechtenstein! As the royal family currently resides there, the interior isn’t open to visitors. Nevertheless, Schloss Vaduz is a must-see for its dramatic setting. Perched on a wooded cliff, it overlooks the capital and surrounding valley. Another castle worth seeing is Château Gutenberg, a hilltop fortress in the middle of a valley with a church at its base. While neither castle is fairy-tale ornate, together they exude a picturesque charm. The flat valley, framed by forested hills on one side and steep peaks on the other, creates a stunning backdrop!
Oberstdorf borders Austria’s westernmost region, making Lake Constance (Bodensee) an easy day trip away. This makes the German Alpine region perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Want an affordable boat trip on the lake? Take the ferry to the German town of Lindau. For sweeping views of the lake, the city of Bregenz, and the mountains, hop on the Pfänderbahn gondola. This scenic ride not only offers panoramic vistas but also features an alpine animal park at the top. The summit is also the starting point for hiking trails such as the Käsewanderweg (“Cheese Trail”), which provides interesting insights into local cheese-making traditions and spectacular views of the alpine meadows.
Situated at over 800 meters above sea level, Oberstdorf is a popular winter sports resort in southern Bavaria. During the cold season, check whether the Breitachklamm is open — in winter, its massive icicles form a surreal natural curtain, turning the canyon into a magical world! But even in summer, the gorge and the surrounding mountain landscape offer some of the best hiking in the German Alps. Want to relax on a panoramic terrace at a gasthof while gazing at towering peaks over vast valleys? Rent a holiday home in Oberstdorf and experience an unforgettable mountain holiday in the Bavarian Alps!