A Bavarian mountain town at 813 meters above sea level, known for its ski jumping tournaments and Alpine hiking trails. A base for exploring the Allgäu Alps.
Oberstdorf, Germany's southernmost town in the Bavarian Alps, lies where seven mountain valleys meet. You can ride the Nebelhornbahn cable car to spot 400 Alpine peaks, ski down Germany's longest downhill slope in winter, or walk through the dramatic Breitachklamm gorge with its 150-meter high rock walls. The town center maintains its traditional Alpine buildings with wooden balconies and painted facades, while local festivals and customs continue throughout the year.
Getting to Oberstdorf
Direct trains run from Munich to Oberstdorf in two hours. If you're driving from Munich or Stuttgart, take the A7 motorway to Kempten, then follow the B19 to Oberstdorf. Keep in mind that snow and ice can affect winter driving times. Munich Airport, 230km away, has the most frequent connections, while Innsbruck (140km) and Friedrichshafen (100km) airports serve seasonal routes.
Mountain Access and Views
The Nebelhornbahn takes you up to 2,224 meters in modern 10-person gondolas. You'll stop at two transfer stations before reaching the summit station, where 400 Alpine peaks spread across four countries. Walk the Nordwandsteig peak pathway to look straight down into the valleys, or warm up at the summit restaurant with its panoramic windows.
Winter Sports and Activities
On the Nebelhorn, you'll find 12.9 kilometers of slopes, including Germany's longest downhill run. Cross-country skiers can choose from 71 kilometers of trails, while winter hikers have 140 kilometers of cleared paths. The Schattenberg ski jump hosts the prestigious Four Hills Tournament each winter, and international figure skaters compete at Germany's national skating center in town.
Hiking and Summer Activities
Each of the seven valleys around Oberstdorf has its own character, connected by 200 kilometers of marked trails. Routes range from flat valley walks to steep alpine climbs. In the Breitachklamm gorge, metal walkways cling to vertical rock faces as waterfalls thunder 150 meters below. To reach the gorge entrance, walk 1.5 hours from town or take the local bus.
Health and Wellness
The German government recognizes Oberstdorf as both a climatic health resort and Kneipp spa town. The 85 wellness centers specialize in treating joint and heart conditions through Kneipp water therapy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Mountain air with low pollen counts makes this location particularly suitable for respiratory treatments.
