9 Best Things to Do in Oberstdorf

Centrally located in Oberstdorf, the Marktplatz (Market Place) gives easy access to a good range of dining and shopping options. The church, the Bergschau Museum, a gift shop, the Town Hall, and the Hotel Mohren Restaurant frame the square. A pleasant place to enjoy an ice cream in summer, you’ll find local and international pubs and restaurants, sports gear and ski shops, boutiques and supermarkets – all within easy walking distance.

Enjoy a not-too-demanding walk at Breitachklamm. This gorge, dug by the Breitach River through the Bavarian Alps, is one of the deepest in Europe. Walk the trail bridge suspended around 3 metres above the rushing waters of the river and take in the majestic atmosphere of this natural wonder. The trail starts 4 km (as the crow flies) east of Oberstdorf. It stretches for almost 3 km down to the border with Austria. This trail is an absolute must-do in either summer or winter as it’s just as beautiful at any time.

The Nebelhorn is a mountain just east of Oberstdorf. Popular for hiking or skiing, depending on the season, it has 2 mountain stations and 1 lift station. They are Höfatsblick, Gipfel (summit) and Koblat. A cable car departing from Oberstdorf takes you for a scenic ride to Höfatsblick, then to Gipfel or to Koblat. Hiking trails offering stunning panoramas of the Bavarian Alps depart from the 3 stations and 12 km of ski slopes are available on the Nebelhorn. Höfatsblick and Gipfel host a few bars and restaurants.

The Christlessee lies in the Trettachtal Valley, almost 6 km south of Oberstdorf. With a circumference of 320 metres, it’s not a very big lake, but its colours range from emerald green to turquoise and its serene surroundings make it a great place for a romantic stroll. Shrouded with legends, Christlessee has the peculiarity of never freezing. Its water is so fresh and clean that it’s of drinking quality. There are 2 dining options available right next to the lake.

Enjoy a great, soothing time at Oberstdorf Vital Therme. This thermal complex features an Olympic-size cold swimming pool and small warm pools in which aqua fitness, water aerobic and swimming courses are available. It houses saunas, Turkish baths, salt steam rooms and Jacuzzis. With the available massages, it’s really a great place to restore your body, mind and soul after a long day hiking or skiing. Oberstdorf Vital Therme hosts an excellent restaurant serving regional and international cuisine, too.

Fellhorn-Kanzelwand is a ski resort 6 km south of downtown Oberstdorf. Featuring 34 km of ski slopes, gentle hiking trails and breathtaking panoramas, the Fellhorn is a very popular destination, both in winter and summer. Bierenwangalpe, Balzplatz and Restaurant-Café Kanzelwand are 3 of the high-altitude restaurants at which you can take a pause during your hike or skiing trip. You can easily get to the Fellhorn summit on foot, even though it stands at an altitude of 2,038 metres, as it’s only a 350-metre walk from the lift station.

Villa Jauss is a vintage, classic Dolomite-style villa converted into an art museum. It’s located in the southwest of Oberstdorf, next to the Tourist Information Centre. Here, you can see temporary art exhibitions, music performances and conferences. Showcasing contemporary painters, photographers, and classical and jazz musicians, Villa Jauss Art Museum is an open window to the eclectic world of the arts. Besides its artistic purpose, the villa can be rented for wedding ceremonies.

Take your family for an exhilarating day at high altitude at this eco-friendly park just next to Söllereck cable car station, 1,400 metres above Oberstdorf. Known as Kletterwald Sollereck in German, Sollereck Adventure Park is a rope course park that features balancing ropes, bridges and nets between the trees. Fully secured and professionally run, children and adult alike can spend a great time here. While you’re here, you can also have a go on the Allgau Coaster, an 850-metre 2-seater sledge ride on the flank of Mount Sollereck.

Oberstdorf hosts a lively scene of bars and restaurants at which you can spend a pleasant time after nightfall. We’ve selected 3 of the most popular watering holes in this quaint Alpine town. For a rocking night, head to Muhle Oberstdorf Music Bar in Bahnhofplatz. Live music is performed in a biker’s dream décor and friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for a warm and festive pub atmosphere, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub on Oststrasse is the place to go. Live music, quiz nights and classic pub grub – it’s like a home away from home. Lastly, if you want to sample delicious local brews, go to Oberstdorfer Dampfbierbrauerei in Bahnhofplatz. Here, you’ll find an authentic German brew house and restaurant.