Balderschwang: Ski Area, Cross-Country Trails and Nature Trails
Accommodation in Balderschwang
Winter activities in Balderschwang include the ski area, cross-border cross-country trails between Balderschwang and Hittisau, and a new toboggan run advertised at Gschwend II. When looking for a ski hotel, first consider which activity you want to shape your day. Nature trails and cultural attractions round out your options; some activities are subject to seasonal restrictions.
Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Tobogganing
The Balderschwang ski area offers more than 40 kilometres of groomed pistes and 12 lift facilities. As the number of piste kilometres and lift facilities can change, check the operator's current information before your trip. For cross-country skiing, trails with a total length of 41 kilometres run between Balderschwang and Hittisau in Vorarlberg, crossing the border. Availability and grooming depend on winter conditions.
The two distance figures refer to different activities: more than 40 groomed kilometres describe the alpine pistes, while the 41 kilometres refer to the cross-border network of cross-country trails. This makes it easier to choose your focus, rather than comparing pistes and cross-country trails as if they were the same type of route. A new toboggan run is advertised at Gschwend II; ask the operator about seasonal opening.
When looking for a ski hotel, you can compare options based on your planned activities: alpine pistes, cross-country skiing, or a combination with nature trails. For each property, check whether its specific location and amenities suit your plans for the day.
Water Adventure Trail and Explorer Tour
The “Alpinium Natural Areas: Bolgenach” Water Adventure Trail is 4.2 kilometres long and follows an existing hiking trail along the Bolgenach. You can walk it in either direction or cover individual sections. Along the route are 11 information stations, three play stations and two interactive explorer boxes. Hands-on features such as light displays and periscopes bring the habitats of the wild river and floodplain forest to life. The boxes are closed in winter; some stations are also subject to seasonal winter restrictions.
For children, an explorer backpack with 13 activities for the nature trail can be borrowed from the Balderschwang Tourist Information Office for a deposit. Confirm the local borrowing arrangements before your trip. On the Explorer Tour along the adventure trail, use a magnifying glass and a net to explore the animal and plant life in and around the water. If you would like to borrow equipment, ask locally about the options.
Trails and Culture in the Village
The Balderschwang Time Trail has 16 family-friendly activity stations. They explore life in the Balderschwang mountains, Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, and the animals and plants that live there. The Trilogy Walk starts at the village square behind St. Anton Parish Church. It passes the Old Yew and the Balderschwang Time Trail, then reaches the Sägebach stream and its gorge.
St. Anton Parish Church was built in 1836 and extensively renovated in 2017. It is known for its wall and ceiling paintings. Balderschwang is in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, connecting the village walk with a look at the area's natural surroundings and history.
Bus Service to the Explorer Tour
The Explorer Tour starts at the Balderschwang Dorf bus stop. From Oberstdorf, take route 44 and change to route 46 in Obermaiselstein; route 46 runs directly from Hittisau. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Waltenhofen, Blaichach, Durach, Wiggensbach, Bad Hindelang, Sonthofen, Fischen im Allgäu, Obermaiselstein.
Go to the main travel guide: Oberallgäu.
