Ski boots in winter. Hiking boots in summer. Same door.

From the Renksteg into the Trettach valley, past Christlessee and back. The main path is paved and pram-friendly. Stop in at the Café-Restaurant Christlessee or the Mumme Stüble. A relaxed half-day; even in summer the path stays shaded. More on the lake itself → Card Water & gorge.

Sölli's adventure trail — twelve hands-on stations along the ridge. An XXL wooden snowcat to climb on, a 200-metre wooden ball run, the highest forest adventure park in Germany. The cable car is included in Bergbahn Unlimited. A day when children forget they're walking uphill.

Take the Nebelhornbahn up to Höfatsblick station, then a short walk along the ridge. A classic DAV hut with a sun terrace, a simple menu, honest prices. Take the morning lift and you're up there for breakfast — hike up in the evening and you sleep with a view of the Höfats. Booking recommended in season.

The classic hut on the E5 and the Heilbronner high route. The climb from the Spielmannsau bus terminus runs through the Sperrbachtobel — shaded, with streams, no exhausting trail. Doable as a day tour; from here the Heilbronner route opens up for anyone going further. Reservation required.

From the Nebelhorn to the Großer Daumen along a long ridge. Via-ferrata kit, helmet and gloves are required. A long, fitness-demanding route with unprotected passages — not a beginner's ferrata. Anyone who's done it knows why it's famous. Guided day tours via Alpinschule Oberstdorf.

The classic three-tower ferrata across Kemptner-, Wengen- and Schafalpenkopf. Spectacular rock formations, comparatively well protected, shorter than the Hindelanger. Mindelheimer Hütte as a base, reached via the Fellhorn cable car — also doable as a two-day tour with an overnight stay.

South from the house into the Stillach valley, following the brook to Birgsau. Paved, almost no climb — doable for beginners and with children. Stop in at the Birgsauer Stube or at the Eschbach. An hour by e-bike. One of the quietest rides in the valley.

Through the Stillach valley towards the Walserschanz — the historic border post with Austria. A gentle climb, well signposted, plenty of benches. Coffee at the Walserschanz or carry on into the Kleinwalsertal. No passport needed, but the country changes under your tyres.

East into the Oytal, one of the quieter Allgäu valleys. A gravel track with a steady climb up to Käseralpe at 1,200 metres. Hut stop with an Allgäu cheese platter, then the same way back. Fun on the descent — the gravel is solid, but be careful when wet.

The big day out from NH40. Through Birgsau into the Rappenalp valley, then up the forest road to Sennalpe Breitengehren at 1,500 metres. The last kilometre gets steeper, after which the view opens to Mädelegabel and Hochfrottspitze. Buttermilk and farm cheese at the alp. A full day out — best on an e-bike.

The highest paved pass in Bavaria, ridable straight from Oberstdorf. Up via Tiefenbach — a steady nine percent gradient over almost nine kilometres. A snack stop at the top, the full Allgäu view. Watch out on the descent: it's a motorbike road, busy at weekends. A classic for road riders.

Through the Walserschanz into the Kleinwalsertal, then the long climb to Hochtannbergpass. Seven percent over fifteen kilometres, steady, never brutal. The Vorarlberg border at the top, with views towards the Bregenzerwald. The best ice cream on the pass is on the Austrian side. A 130-kilometre day with over 1,500 vertical metres.

Germany's highest lake you can swim in. A three-metre diving platform, a swim raft, a lawn at the shore. Pedal-boat and rowing-boat rental. 25 °C in high summer, 18 in early June. Reduced entry with the Allgäu-Walser-Card. 20 minutes by bike, 25 on foot.

Set in the Trettach valley, fed by underground springs. It doesn't freeze even in the hardest winters — the springs keep it moving. Swimming isn't allowed for conservation reasons, but the water is crystal clear — you can see the bottom. A walking path around it, a bench in the right light. Nothing more.

The deepest rock gorge in Central Europe. Wooden walkways along the rock walls, sometimes above, sometimes beside the rushing water. Cool in summer, hung with icicles in winter — the gorge is open year-round. To Tiefenbach by bike or bus. Solid shoes and a rain jacket recommended.

In Obermaiselstein, about fifteen minutes by car from Oberstdorf. A 100-metre-deep limestone cave, only accessible with a guide. A constant eight degrees, so bring a sweater. Also suitable for younger children from age six. A nice half-day, combinable with the Breitachklamm.

The new spa in the town centre, eight minutes west of the house. Infinity pool with mountain views, three themed saunas, Kneipp basin, sports and adventure pools. 3,000 square metres of sauna, 2,000 square metres of water. 10% off during your stay. Opened February 2026.

The historic outdoor pool with real Allgäu peat water — no chemicals, dark brown from humic acids. A rarity in Germany. Open in summer, May to September. Lawns, old trees, a diving platform. Eight minutes on foot from the house, the ice arena right next door. Entry under ten euros.