Oberstaufen between mountain lifts and hiking trails
Accommodation in Oberstaufen
When looking for accommodation in Oberstaufen, you can plan around the excursions you have in mind: mountain lifts, award-winning hiking trails and destinations elsewhere in the Oberallgäu offer different options. The following pointers will help you distinguish local attractions from regional excursion destinations.
Rathausensemble im Ortszentrum von Oberstaufen im Oberallgäu
Photo: Hans G. Oberlack via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain lifts and alpine scenery
Three mountain lifts in Oberstaufen take visitors up into the mountains or make the descent back to the valley easier. This means that taking a lift up or getting help on the way back down can both be considered when planning an excursion. The Hochgratbahn takes you up to Oberstaufen’s local mountain and into the alpine heights. The Hochgrat and the Nagelfluh range rise above the town and define its mountain backdrop.
If you plan to include a mountain lift in your itinerary, check the latest operating information before your visit: operations and seasonal services may change. The Hochgratbahn offers a direct connection to Oberstaufen’s local mountain; the three mountain lifts as a whole provide uphill rides or make the descent easier. This lets you enjoy the mountain scenery in different ways without assuming that every lift serves the same purpose.
Hiking trails and activities in Oberstaufen
Four hiking trails in Oberstaufen have been awarded the premium hiking trail designation by the German Hiking Institute. The route finder also offers a selection of more than 200 trails. As the number of trails may change, it is worth checking the route finder if you want to narrow down your options.
Nearby, Germany’s first MounTeens Detective Trail leads through puzzle and activity stations into the hiking area at Hündle. This makes it a distinct excursion option alongside Oberstaufen’s award-winning hiking trails. At Imberg, the Alperlebnispfad combines physical activity at 47 stations with information about the local flora and fauna and life on the alpine pastures. The trail was updated for the 2026 summer season. The time of year can also influence your choice: crocuses bloom in spring in the mountain area at Hündle, though the timing can vary.
More options in the Oberallgäu
The Oberallgäu offers a broader regional setting: its hiking trails stretch for 350 kilometers and pass through three elevation zones. One specific example of a winter activity is the World Cup cross-country trail network at the Nordic Centre Oberstdorf/Allgäu. It includes more than 30 different route options, including a 6.25-kilometer loop with the steep Burgstall climb. The trails are available seasonally, so check current conditions before planning this option.
Another option in Oberstdorf is the Heini-Klopfer Ski Flying Hill, which visitors can tour. A tower lift takes them to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower. This means that, in addition to trails and cross-country ski routes, the surrounding region also offers a place to visit and a viewpoint. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. This lets you consider Oberstaufen as the starting point for your search while also distinguishing between activities located specifically in Oberstaufen and those in Oberstdorf.
Discover more destinations: Steibis, Rettenberg, Wertach, Durach, Waltenhofen, Weitnau, Altusried, Sonthofen.
Back to the main travel overview: Oberallgäu.
