Oberstdorf
,Oberstdorf is a charming town located in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany. It is a popular destination for both winter and summer tourism, offering a range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The town is known for its stunning alpine scenery, including picturesque mountain ranges, forests, and meadows.
Oberstdorf also hosts international sports events, such as ski jumping competitions and the Four Hills Tournament.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Nature Exploration
morning
:Start your day with a scenic hike to the Breitachklamm gorge, marveling at the stunning rock formations and waterfalls. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views.
afternoon
:Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before heading to the Fellhornbahn cable car for a panoramic view of the Allgäu Alps. You can take a short hike here if you’re feeling adventurous.
evening
:Wind down with a visit to a traditional Bavarian restaurant to savor local cuisine. Relax and enjoy the alpine atmosphere as you reflect on the day's adventures.
Winter Sports Fun
morning
:Hit the slopes early at the Nebelhorn ski area for some of the best skiing in Bavaria. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you navigate the various runs.
afternoon
:Grab a warm lunch at the mountain's summit to refuel. Afterward, take on some snowboarding or sledding for a thrilling afternoon.
evening
:Return to Oberstdorf for a cozy evening in a local hut with warm drinks and hearty dishes. Share stories of your day's activities with fellow travelers.
Highlights
Good
- Stunning natural scenery with the Alps surrounding the area.
- Great opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
- A charming village atmosphere with traditional Bavarian architecture.
- Rich cultural heritage, including local festivals and events.
- Good accessibility to other parts of the Allgäu region and neighboring countries.
Bad
- Can be crowded during the peak tourist season.
- Cost of living and accommodation may be high due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
- Limited nightlife options compared to bigger cities.
- Public transport may not be as frequent or extensive as in urban areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with long winters and limited sunshine.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking
Oberstdorf is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, offering numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes.
Skiing and Snowboarding
In winter, Oberstdorf transforms into a ski paradise with a variety of slopes and ski regions, including the Nebelhorn and the Fellhorn.
Mountain Biking
The area has a wide range of mountain biking trails that allow for exploration of the beautiful scenery while enjoying an adrenaline rush.
Paragliding
Experience the breathtaking views of the Allgäu Alps from above by taking a tandem paragliding flight from one of the local launch sites.
Rock Climbing
For climbing enthusiasts, Oberstdorf offers numerous climbing routes and bouldering spots suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Kneipp Spa Treatments
Enjoy health and wellness by engaging in Kneipp hydrotherapy treatments and nature walks in the beautiful landscape.
Alpine Photography
Take advantage of the breathtaking scenery and vibrant landscapes to capture stunning photographs throughout the area's picturesque trails.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Nebelhorn Summit
The Nebelhorn offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps and is accessible via a cable car. It is a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Fellhorn Mountain
This mountain features stunning views over the surrounding peaks and valleys. The walking trails provide various vantage points ideal for capturing the scenic beauty.
Breitachklamm
The Breitach Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder with waterfalls and stunning rock formations, providing unique photo opportunities along the walking paths.
Oberstdorf Ski Resort
In winter, the ski resort gives you incredible snowy landscapes and activity photos, while summer offers lush green mountains, making it ideal for diverse photography.
Sturmannshöhle
These caves provide an intriguing backdrop for photography, with unique rock formations and natural light filtering through, perfect for adventurous photographers.
Eisweihnacht
This ice sculpture festival is held annually with stunning displays of ice art, creating magical photo opportunities in an enchanting atmosphere.
Rappenalptal Valley
This idyllic valley boasts picturesque scenery including meadows, streams, and steep mountains, making it perfect for nature photography.
Söllereckbahn
The Söllereckbahn offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, particularly vibrant during the autumn foliage and spring blooms.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Allgäuer Käsespätzle
A comforting dish of soft egg noodles mixed with local mountain cheese, fried onions, and often topped with crispy bacon. You can enjoy this dish at various traditional Allgäu restaurants such as Gasthof Schratt in Oberstdorf.
Must-Try!
Kässpatzen
Similar to Käsespätzle, Kässpatzen features tender egg noodles with melted cheese and onions, forming a scrumptious and filling combination. Look for this dish at Gasthof Prinzregent Luitpold.
Rahmfleckas
A specialty of the region, Rahmfleckas consist of tender, small squares of pasta smothered in a creamy and rich sauce typically made with cream, mountain cheese, and often, fried onions. You can find this dish at Gasthof Petra.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Oberstdorf Market
The weekly market in Oberstdorf showcases a colorful array of locally produced cheeses, sausages, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits. Don't miss the opportunity to sample an assortment of homemade jams, pickles, and pastries.
Oberstdorf Christkindlesmarkt
During the festive season, the Christkindlesmarkt offers a range of traditional Bavarian street food such as bratwurst, roasted almonds, and gingerbread, alongside mulled wine and hot apple cider.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Quiet Hours
In Oberstdorf, like in many parts of Germany, there are designated quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 6 AM. During these times, it is important to keep noise to a minimum to respect neighbors and the local community.
Use Formal Greetings
Germans often prefer to use formal greetings, such as 'Herr' (Mr.) or 'Frau' (Mrs.), followed by the person's last name in professional and unfamiliar settings. Using a friendly 'Guten Tag' (Good Day) is also appreciated.
Politeness in Public Spaces
When in public spaces, such as buses or restaurants, it is polite to say 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Also, avoid speaking loudly and maintain a respectful distance when conversing with others.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Oberstdorf, it is common to round up the bill or add about 5-10% as a tip in restaurants and cafes. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, as service charges are often included in the bill. It's seen as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Payment
In Oberstdorf, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments. However, many places also accept debit and credit cards. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in more rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter
Winter in Oberstdorf (December to February) is ideal for skiing enthusiasts, as the region is known for its world-class ski resorts. Expect cold temperatures, with plenty of snowfall, allowing for a range of winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The picturesque snow-covered landscapes provide a magical winter wonderland atmosphere.
Spring
Spring (March to May) brings milder temperatures and blooming wildflowers, making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Alps. Early spring may still have some snow, but by late April and May, the snow melts, revealing lush greenery. It’s less crowded during this time, offering a serene experience.
Summer
Summer (June to August) attracts outdoor lovers with warm temperatures and long daylight hours, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the picturesque valleys and lakes. This is the peak tourist season in Oberstdorf, so expect more crowds. Festivals and events often take place, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) showcases stunning fall foliage, making it a great time for photography and hiking. The weather cools down, and there are fewer tourists compared to summer. Expect to witness the changing colors of the leaves and enjoy local harvest festivals, providing an authentic cultural experience.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Nebelhorn
A popular hiking destination offering spectacular views of the Allgäu Alps. The Nebelhorn cable car takes hikers to various trails of differing difficulty.
Fellhorn
Fellhorn offers well-marked trails with panoramic views and connects to the Kanzelwand area. Ideal for both casual and experienced hikers.
Breitachklamm
A stunning gorge that features well-maintained walking paths, allowing hikers to enjoy the rugged beauty of the natural landscape.
Gipfelbahn (Summit Lift)
Hike to the scenic summit where you can enjoy breathtaking views and access various trails leading into the surrounding mountain areas.
Rundwanderung um Oberstdorf
A circular hiking route around Oberstdorf that showcases the area's natural beauty, including meadows and forests.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Oberstdorf by plane.
Memmingen Airport (FMM)
Memmingen Airport is a small international airport located approximately 80 km from Oberstdorf, serving mainly low-cost airlines.
Munich Airport (MUC)
Munich Airport is the second busiest airport in Germany, located about 180 km from Oberstdorf. It offers a wide range of international flights.
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Zurich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland, located approximately 210 km from Oberstdorf, providing many global connections.
Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Innsbruck Airport is located about 100 km from Oberstdorf, primarily serving flights to and from other European destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
German Nationals
The majority population consisting of individuals who are citizens of Germany.
Tourists
Visitors from various countries who come to enjoy the natural beauty and skiing facilities of Oberstdorf.
International Residents
Non-German citizens who have made Oberstdorf their home, including expatriates and foreign workers.
Elderly Population
A significant demographic group consisting of retirees and older residents, prevalent in many German towns.
Young Adults
Individuals aged between 18 and 30 who may be studying or working in the area, including seasonal workers.
Families with Children
Households with children, representing a smaller demographic segment compared to other groups.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ski Jumping
Oberstdorf is renowned for its ski jumping facilities and hosts international competitions, including the Four Hills Tournament.
Cross-Country Skiing
The region offers extensive and well-maintained trails for cross-country skiing, attracting many enthusiasts during the winter.
Skiing
With a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, Oberstdorf is a popular destination for downhill skiing.
Hiking
In the summer months, Oberstdorf transforms into a hiking paradise, featuring numerous trails and breathtaking mountain views.
Nordic Walking
The area is also popular for Nordic walking, with specific paths that allow for this enjoyable exercise.
Mountain Biking
Oberstdorf has several mountain biking trails, catering to both beginners and experienced bikers.
Ice Skating
During winter, ice skating is popular, with outdoor rinks allowing for recreational skating and organized activities.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many local restaurants in Oberstdorf provide vegetarian and vegan choices, such as flavorful salads, veggie stews, and plant-based variations of traditional dishes. Cafe Keck offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including delicious homemade soups and salads.
Gluten-Free Dining
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy gluten-free meals at Gasthof Restaurant Hörner. The restaurant offers a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring a variety of dishes, from schnitzels to pasta, ensuring a delightful dining experience for gluten-free diners.