15 Best Things to Do in Oberstdorf, Germany – Road Affair

Oberstdorf is a bustling German trip city nestled in the foothills of the Allgäu High Alps, proper on the Austrian border and a couple of two-and-a-half-hour drive from Munich. This picturesque valley village thrives yr-spherical, with world-class snowboarding, scenic climbing trails, spa retreats, biking paths, and vigorous Bavarian festivals. Once a quiet farming group, Oberstdorf started attracting vacationers in the mid-twentieth century and now welcomes round 2.5 million guests yearly. In 2024, it was named Germany’s Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards, cementing its repute as a premier vacation spot for winter sports activities fanatics. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker, a nature lover, or just searching for a peaceable getaway, Oberstdorf has lots to provide. To allow you to plan your supreme journey to the German Alps, we’ve curated a listing of the perfect issues to do in Oberstdorf.

Hike Through Breitachklamm

Breitachklamm is among the hottest vacationer sights in Oberstdorf—and for good motive. This deep, slender gorge, carved by the Breitach River, options dramatic rock partitions, lush vegetation, and a strong stream of crystal-clear mountain water, making it really feel like a scene straight out of Avatar.

The gorge presents a number of climbing trails, however the principle path follows a suspended walkway constructed alongside the sheer rock face. It weaves above the gorge on picket planks with railings, providing breathtaking views of dashing waterfalls and towering timber. The icy mountain water cools the air contained in the gorge, making it noticeably colder than exterior. When we visited, the temperature was 24°C exterior however felt nearer to 15°C inside—so we had been glad we introduced jackets!

The predominant path stretches about 2.5 kilometers a method and takes round 30–45 minutes to full. At the top of the gorge, you’ll discover one other ticket workplace accessible by way of a path from the P2 car parking zone in Austria. However, we suggest ranging from the principle entrance (Parkplatz P1 Breitachklamm), the place you possibly can browse the present store or get pleasure from a meal on the restaurant after your hike. Parking fills up shortly, so arrive early when you can—and e-book tickets on-line in advance to skip the road.

This path is ideal for households or these with out a lot climbing expertise. It’s effectively-marked, with a number of rescue huts alongside the best way, and also you’ll be sharing the trail with loads of different guests. While it’s not probably the most peaceable hike due to the crowds, it’s completely a should-see in Oberstdorf!

Experience a Bavarian Festival

Oberstdorf is house to a variety of conventional Bavarian festivals. When we visited in mid-September, the Viehscheid Festival was in full swing. This one-day occasion celebrates the cows’ return from their summer time pastures in the mountains. Decked out with floral decorations, bells, and conventional adornments, the cows parade by the village as farmers collect to kind them out and convey them house for the winter.

Another basic is Oktoberfest, hosted by the native brewery Dampfbierbrauerei. This week-lengthy celebration, held from late September to early October, options stay Bavarian music, hearty regional delicacies, and, in fact, loads of beer. At the top of August, Dorffest takes over the city with stay music, conventional gown, a keg tapping ceremony led by the mayor, and actions for youths.

In winter, Oberstdorf hosts the well-known ski leaping competitors Vierschanzentournee in December, drawing prime athletes from world wide. The Nebelhorn Trophy, a part of the ISU Challenger Series, brings elite determine skaters to city as effectively. Other distinctive occasions embody the Internationales Käsefestival (International Cheese Festival), which showcases the area’s well-known mountain cheese, and Oberstdorfer Musiksommer, the most important classical music pageant in the Allgäu.

Visit the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf Allgäu

The ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf Allgäu is a large ski leaping advanced that has welcomed world-class athletes for the reason that Fifties. Open yr-spherical, it presents not solely the possibility to watch skilled ski jumpers in motion but additionally the chance to trip an elevator up to the highest of the 85-meter ski leap platform. From there, you’ll get pleasure from sweeping views of the Allgäu and a coronary heart-pounding perspective of what jumpers see earlier than they launch.

Afterward, discover the on-web site ski museum, which chronicles 70 years of ski historical past in the area. It’s a singular, household-pleasant expertise and one of the memorable issues to do in Oberstdorf.

Summit Nebelhorn

Nebelhorn is among the most accessible mountaintops in the German Alps, providing breathtaking views of 400 peaks and Germany’s longest valley ski run (7.5 kilometers). In summer time, guests can buy a ticket for the Nebelhorn Cable Car in Oberstdorf, which transports them to the summit at 2,224 meters (7,297 ft). At the highest, friends can discover a number of climbing trails, get pleasure from a panoramic meal on the Nebelhorn 2224 summit restaurant, or expertise an adrenaline rush by tandem paragliding above the valley and mountain peaks. Another cease alongside the cable automotive route is Seealpe Station, which contains a picturesque lake and a scenic strolling path.

In winter, guests can trip the cable automotive to Seealpe Station and toboggan down the mountain, keep in a single day in an igloo lodge, get pleasure from a chicken’s-eye view of the snowy panorama by paragliding, snowshoe alongside the paths, or race down the valley runs on skis or a snowboard. Experienced backcountry skiers may take the cable to the Höfatsblick mountain station, the place difficult powder-coated black runs await.

Tour Sturmannshöhle in Obermaiselstein

Step again 120 million years into geological historical past by touring the Allgäu area’s solely publicly accessible fissure cave. This yr-spherical Oberstdorf attraction dates again to the Cretaceous interval and maintains a constant cool temperature of eight levels Celsius. The decrease a part of the cave, often known as a chilly lure, as soon as held ice that preserved pollen from the Ice Age—relationship again roughly 20,000 years.

Guided excursions of Sturmannshöhle run every day, each half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each tour lasts about 40 minutes and descends roughly 300 meters into the cave. Visitors move by the Dragon’s Gate into the cave’s throat—nicknamed “Hell’s Throat”—earlier than reaching the bottom chamber, the place dashing waters movement under and wall markings reveal historic water ranges. Along the best way, the information shares fascinating geological details, historic particulars, and native legends. One story speaks of a hidden barrel of gold ducats mendacity beneath an enormous boulder suspended by a thread of stone. Anyone who dares to contact the boulder in search of treasure will likely be crushed.

This tour is ideal for households and journey seekers alike, however advance on-line reserving is strongly beneficial since group sizes are restricted to 15 folks. Note that kids underneath 4 years of age and canine usually are not permitted. Also, plan for some strolling: the ticket workplace is a 30-minute hike from the car parking zone, and the cave entrance is one other 10 minutes past that. Because the cave stays chilly yr-spherical, be certain to carry a jacket.

Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most visited castle, positioned simply an hour’s drive from Oberstdorf. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this fairy-story retreat was designed to evoke the romantic medieval castles of German mythology and operas—notably these by Wagner, the king’s lifelong idol. Originally deliberate to embody 200 rooms, solely 14 had been accomplished after 17 years of building. Tragically, Ludwig II died earlier than he may see his imaginative and prescient realized. Today, guests can nonetheless discover the completed rooms, and the fort’s dramatic exterior has turn into world-well-known—inspiring Disney’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Castle visits are solely doable with a guided or audio-guided tour, which lasts about half-hour and covers the finished rooms. Afterward, guests can discover the encompassing grounds, together with the well-known Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), which presents beautiful views of the fort and its alpine backdrop. An outside café, present store, and shuttle bus to the hilltop entrance are additionally obtainable.

Since Neuschwanstein welcomes greater than 1.2 million guests yearly, advance reserving is important. We recommend reserving through GetYourGuide, as tickets on the official web site are non-refundable, whereas GetYourInformation presents cancellations up to 24 hours earlier than your tour.

See the World’s Biggest Shoe at Heimatmuseum Oberstdorf

Wondering what to do in Oberstdorf that’s distinctive? Explore the quirky, the cool, and the historic on the Heimatmuseum, positioned in the center of city. This is a superb exercise for sightseeing on a wet day, and it’s certain to be a success with the entire household. The museum options 37 displays unfold throughout three flooring, overlaying all facets of Oberstdorf’s historical past. Learn in regards to the space’s wealthy farming traditions, step right into a recreated farmhouse parlor, and discover shows on mountaineering achievements, native artists, Bavarian customs, and Alpine wildlife. There really is one thing for each curiosity! If that’s not sufficient, the museum can also be house to the world’s largest handcrafted leather-based ski boot, which held the title of the most important shoe in the world till 2002.

The Heimatmuseum is open Tuesday by Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided excursions are provided each Tuesday.

Ride the Allgäu Mountain Coaster

Take in scenic views of the peaks and valleys whereas flying down the mountain on the Allgäu Coaster. Mountain coasters are nice enjoyable for each adults and youngsters, and this one isn’t any exception. Riders strap right into a two-seater toboggan geared up with hand brakes and set off down an 850-meter monitor crammed with winding turns and small bumps. With the brakes, you possibly can go as gradual as you want—or go full-tilt and attain speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour). A photograph is taken through the trip, obtainable for buy afterward.

The Allgäu Coaster is open yr-spherical, although hours range. After a number of runs down the monitor (as a result of as soon as is rarely sufficient!), little ones can benefit from the building-themed playground, or the entire household can take the cable automotive to the Söllereck summit to hike one of many trails.

Sample the Allgäu’s Famous Mountain Cheeses

No journey to Oberstdorf is full with out tasting a few of the area’s pleasant cheeses! Oberstdorf is understood for its incredible native varieties, particularly Butterkäse (butter cheese), Kräuterkäse (herb-infused cheese), and Allgäuer Bergkäse (mountain cheese) constituted of uncooked cow’s milk. We additionally extremely suggest Obazda, the well-known Bavarian cheese unfold—wealthy, creamy, and orange in shade—constituted of ripe Camembert or Brie blended with spices and butter. Other native favorites embody Sennalpkäse and Allgäuer Emmentaler, which regularly seem in conventional dishes like Käsespätzle.

Now that we’ve acquired your style buds’ consideration, listed below are a number of locations to pattern these unbelievable cheeses. Several dairy huts and cheesemakers welcome guests, some open yr-spherical and others seasonally. Visit Germany’s highest and largest Alpine pasture at Alpe Schlappold, positioned on one among Europe’s most lovely wildflower mountains. You can attain it by way of the Fellhornbahn cable automotive, adopted by a 30-minute paved hike, or by taking one of many many surrounding trails. Alpe Breitengehren additionally requires a hike or bike trip by the mountains, but it surely’s effectively well worth the effort for each the cheese and the views. If you’d want to drive, head to Bergkäs-Sennerei Schweineberg, the place beautiful mountain wines and cheeses await, together with a wine and cheese pairing tour for teams of six or extra. In city, take a look at Oberstdorfer Käse-Alp or Fredls Bergbauernkäse, two retailers providing a variety of regionally made cheeses and merchandise.

Sign Up for Adventure Sports Tours

There’s no scarcity of thrilling actions in Oberstdorf. Whether you’re drawn to the towering mountain peaks or the dashing mountain rivers, there’s an journey sport for each degree of adrenaline seeker. Explore highly effective currents and breathtaking waterfalls on a canyoning or white-water rafting tour with MAP-Erlebnis Canyoning & Rafting. MAP presents excursions for all ranges, from full rookies to skilled degree-4 specialists.

If you’d relatively get your coronary heart racing in the mountains, e-book a tandem paragliding expertise with Vogelfrei Tandemfliegen mit Profis and soar excessive above the peaks and valleys for a one-of-a-type journey. Or, tackle a climbing course with Aktiv am Berg, which additionally presents snowshoeing, climbing, and backcountry ski excursions. For one thing totally different, attempt a packrafting tour (small inflatable rafts designed for backcountry use) with Bachnah. And for these with a necessity for velocity, NTC Sports offers e-bike and mountain biking excursions, courses, and even path operating excursions.

Learn About Ski Flying on the Heini-Klopfer Ski Jump

The distinction between ski leaping and ski flying lies in the dimensions of the game. Ski leaping usually takes place on hills up to 120 meters excessive, with takeoff speeds of up to 90 km/h. Ski flying, nevertheless, takes place on hills of 200 meters or extra, with takeoff speeds reaching up to 110 km/h.

Discover the fascinating historical past, file-breaking athletes, and distinctive strategies of ski flying on the Heini-Klopfer Ski Jump—Germany’s largest ski leap and one of many tallest in the world. Take the barrier-free elevator to the highest of the ski-leap tower for panoramic views of the encompassing mountains, or be a part of one of many guided excursions held on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. to dive deeper into the game.

For an excellent larger adrenaline rush, attempt the digital actuality expertise: sit on a 72-meter-excessive beam and see the world by a ski jumper’s eyes proper earlier than the leap, then don a VR headset for the total ski flying trip from begin to end. Visitors may bundle the Heini-Klopfer Ski Jump with the ORLEN Ski Jump Arena utilizing the Arena Combo Ticket.

Take a Town Tour on the Oberstdorf Marktbähnle

The Oberstdorf Marktbähnle presents a enjoyable and relaxed method to discover Oberstdorf and the encompassing area. These small highway trains run a number of excursions, from 35-minute village excursions to 65-minute regional excursions that embody a cease on the Heini-Klopfer Ski Jump.

Along the best way, your conductor will share tales, traditions, and highlights of the Allgäu area whereas declaring key landmarks. Special themed rides are additionally obtainable, such because the Kempten Christmas Train, the Magical Winter Train, and the Missener Kribe Train.

Spike Your Own Beer on a Brewery Tour at Oberstdorfer Dampfbierbrauerei

A tour of the Oberstdorfer Dampfbierbrauerei isn’t any atypical brewery go to. Of course, you’ll benefit from the classics, similar to beer sampling and a stroll by the beer-making course of. But what really units it aside is the possibility to spike your personal beer!

Beer spiking is a standard Bavarian method that enhances the flavour of the brew. During this expertise, individuals use a relaxing glass of Bock beer and lengthy steel spikes that resemble marshmallow roasters. First, you’ll pattern the Bock beer as it’s. Then, you’ll warmth the spikes over a Bunsen burner to round 650°C earlier than dipping them into the cool beer to launch wealthy aromas and deepen the style.

The guided tour consists of three beer tastings, a stroll by the brewery, and the selection of a memento glass or a beer-spiking session. Tours are held each Wednesday, however non-public excursions for teams of eight or extra can be organized on different days. Even when you’re not becoming a member of a tour, you possibly can cease by the brewhouse for a chunk to eat and a style of their native pints. The brewery additionally often hosts stay music occasions.

Book a Horse-Drawn Carriage or Sleigh Ride

Experience the great thing about the Allgäu area from the consolation of a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh—a magical outing excellent for households and {couples} alike.

In winter, snuggle beneath a heat blanket and glide throughout the snowy mountain panorama on a 90-minute non-public trip to the mountain inn Giebelhaus with Kutschen- & Schlittenfahrten Besler. In summer time, get pleasure from the identical attraction with carriage rides by inexperienced meadows and scenic trails. All rides are run by native households, with alternating dates obtainable.

To discover and e-book your carriage or sleigh trip throughout your keep, verify Oberstdorf’s Current Experiences page.

Go on a Hike

With over 200 kilometers of climbing trails, Oberstdorf is a world-class vacation spot for outside fanatics of all ranges. The city has achieved a superb job of mapping out its path community and putting in signage to assist guests select routes suited to their talents. Trail indicators with a yellow arrow point out a straightforward, effectively-developed path appropriate for easy footwear. Red arrows mark pure Alpine trails that require sturdy, ankle-excessive climbing boots, whereas blue arrows designate difficult high-Alpine mountaineering routes with scrambles and uncovered, metal-roped sections, requiring correct boots and probably further gear.

Oberstdorf’s tourism website presents an in depth checklist and an interactive map of trails, however listed below are a number of hikes we are able to personally suggest:

• Christlessee Hike: For a paved, leisurely stroll, head to the crystal-clear waters of Christlessee ranging from the Nordic Zentrum Oberstdorf. The path gently climbs away from the valley towards snow-coated peaks and shaded forests. At Christlessee, you’ll discover a café and a picturesque loop path across the lake. In whole, the hike covers 7.5 kilometers (together with the lake path) and takes about 90–120 minutes, relying in your tempo.
• Hinanger Wasserfall Trail: Another wonderful shorter hike is the Hinanger Wasserfall path, a couple of 15-minute drive north of Oberstdorf. Along the best way, you’ll move a fish farm, smaller waterfalls, and grottos earlier than reaching Hinanger Wasserfall, a hanging 17-meter cascade the place you possibly can cool off in the icy water—or not less than dip your toes. The 1.5-kilometer out-and-again route follows picket platforms and bridges to a area 150 meters from the waterfall. From right here, get pleasure from a panoramic view of the valley earlier than turning again or branching onto one among a number of connecting trails.
• Overnight Alpine Hike: For longer adventures, contemplate staying in one of many many mountain huts in Oberstdorf or the encompassing space. On our final go to, we took the Kanzelwandbahn cable automotive in Riezlern, Austria, up to the Kanzelwand Mountain Station on the Austrian-German border. From there, a ten-kilometer hike led us alongside a spectacular Alpine path to Mindelheimer Hütte, an in a single day lodge and restaurant with sweeping views. The subsequent day, we continued previous waterfalls and grazing cattle to Hintere Gemstelhütte by way of the Gemstelboden path (10 kilometers). After lunch, one other 3 kilometers introduced us to the Kleinwalsertal Gemse bus cease, the place we caught the bus again to our automotive. Alternatively, you might return to the Kanzelwand Mountain Station by way of the Mindelheimer Klettersteig, a difficult border path that includes scrambles and publicity. These longer routes are rated troublesome due to elevation acquire, technical sections, and the potential of snow or ice.

Wherever you select to hike, plan to begin early. Parking areas normally have area for under 10–20 automobiles and fill shortly. Public transportation in the area is dependable and offers a superb various for reaching trailheads.

Finding sights and issues to do in Oberstdorf is rarely an issue. The problem lies in becoming all of the unbelievable experiences into one itinerary. With a lot to get pleasure from, you’re certain to have a memorable trip in the German Alps—it doesn’t matter what you select to do!