Sonthofen Between Culture, Nature and Leisure

Culture and Local History

Sonthofen’s KulturViertel brings together the AlpenStadtMuseum, StadtHausGalerie and StadtBibliothek, offering a range of cultural activities in historic buildings. The venues are within easy walking distance of one another. Since 1930, Sonthofen’s local history collection has been housed in the AlpenStadtMuseum, in an old farmhouse dating from the 18th century. In this way, different cultural attractions meet the history of a historic building.

The Catholic parish church of St. Michael is also a landmark in the town centre: it stands in Sonthofen’s oldest district, at the foot of Kalvarienberg. Another part of local tradition is the Egga-Spiel, an old carnival custom with pre-Christian origins. The Sonthofen local heritage association revived the custom in 1955; since then, the event has taken place in Sonthofen every three years on Spark Sunday. If you would like to experience it, check the event date before your trip.

Walking Trails on Kalvarienberg

The ecological Kurpark extends around the summit of Kalvarienberg and at the foot of the hill by Götzfried's Weiher. Its features include ponds, wetlands, flower-rich extensively managed meadows, trees and woody vegetation. Walking paths and benches complement the natural design. The park thus combines routes through green spaces with a variety of landscape features.

The Alpenstadt adventure trail leads from the urban area to an alpine nature reserve. Its three interconnected sections can be walked independently of one another. Play and activity features, as well as a children’s section on the information boards, give the trail a special appeal for younger visitors, too. Some of the stops are on Kalvarienberg. By comparison, the Kurpark focuses more on ponds, meadows and walking paths; the adventure trail combines this kind of nature experience with stops and information.

Leisure Activities and Exercise

Sonthofen’s southernmost districts are starting points for hikes, for example to the Hinang Waterfalls. The waterfalls are one possible hiking destination; they are not described here as part of the town. At Biberhof, children aged 6 to 12 can experience nature during the holiday activity weeks. Activities include building bridges and shelters, whittling, cooking over an open fire and making jewellery. Biberhof also has benches, barbecue areas and play areas. Check the current arrangements for the holiday weeks before your trip.

In Altstädten, the leisure complex covers 12,000 m². It includes a natural swimming area, sunbathing and open spaces, a multi-purpose sports court and a kiosk. Opening times may vary by season; check the details for your travel dates. For cycling around town, the town provides free rental bicycles with shopping baskets at the Radl-Bahnhof, directly by the town hall. Sonthofen residents and holidaymakers with the Allgäu-Walser-Card from the Alpsee-Grünten holiday region can borrow them. As availability may change, it is best to confirm this locally.

The Oberallgäu as an Additional Point of Reference

The wider Oberallgäu destination also includes attractions in Oberstdorf; these should be distinguished from attractions in Sonthofen itself. The World Championship cross-country ski trail network at the Nordic Centre Oberstdorf/Allgäu comprises more than 30 route options. These include a 6.25-kilometre loop with the steep Burgstall climb; trail availability is seasonal. You can also visit the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill in Oberstdorf. The tower lift takes you to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower. If you plan your trip around these attractions, check the latest visitor information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bolsterlang, Blaichach, Oberstdorf, Fischen Im Allgäu, Altusried, Oy-Mittelberg, Balderschwang, Wertach.

Back to the main travel overview: Oberallgäu.