Großdorf between Castle Ruins and Hiking Route

History at Rettenberg Castle

Rettenberg Castle was built around 1100 as the ancestral seat of the noblemen and barons of Rettenberg, who owned extensive estates in the Allgäu. The Rettenberg family is associated with the Rettenberg Castle Ruins. The family was of great importance to the history of the Upper and Eastern Allgäu. It is first mentioned in 1130 as Adelprecht de Rotinberch. The historical focus surrounding the castle therefore reaches clearly back into the Middle Ages.

The Historic Amthaus in Großdorf

Another historic building is located directly in Großdorf. The Amthaus is around 500 years old. It once housed a notary's office. In the past, it also served as a tavern. The Amthaus is therefore younger than the castle built around 1100.

Stage 07 of the Himmelsstürmer Route

For hikers, Großdorf is part of Stage 07 of the Himmelsstürmer Route, which forms part of the Allgäu Hiking Trilogy. The route leads from Oy-Mittelberg to Rettenberg, passes through Großdorf, and then continues along a natural trail to Alpe Müllers Berg and onward to Vorderburg Castle Ruins. Anyone planning this stage should therefore consider the section through Großdorf in the context of the entire route to Rettenberg.

Stage Length and Difficulty

At 23.75 kilometres in length and with a duration of around 7.5 hours, this stage is an extensive day hike. The kilometre figure and approximate duration refer to the route from Oy-Mittelberg to Rettenberg, not just to the section through Großdorf. The stage is classified as difficult; length and duration remain separate planning details. The route through Großdorf should therefore not be equated with the short, signposted footpath to Rettenberg Castle. When planning your hiking day, take into account the distance and time required for the entire route.

Kneipp Facility in Großdorf

An idyllic Kneipp facility is located directly in Großdorf, offering you the opportunity to refresh your feet and recharge your energy.

Footpath to Rettenberg Castle

To reach Rettenberg Castle, drive from Engelpolz via Emmereis to Vorderburg. Park there and follow the signposted path for around 20 minutes on foot to Rettenberg Castle. Vorderburg is the starting point of this short footpath. The stated walking time therefore applies to the route from the car park; the drive via Engelpolz and Emmereis is not included in these approximately 20 minutes.

The approximately 20 minutes to the castle and the approximately 7.5 hours for the stage belong to different route contexts. When planning your day, you should therefore consider these times separately.

Two Routes, Two Castles

On the Himmelsstürmer stage, Alpe Müllers Berg follows Großdorf, and Vorderburg Castle Ruins comes next. The similar names should therefore be distinguished when planning: Rettenberg Castle and Vorderburg Castle Ruins are different destinations in the two route contexts. In one context, the short footpath begins in Vorderburg; in the other, Vorderburg Castle Ruins is a later destination.

To the overarching travel overview: Rettenberg.