The Nebelhorn is a 2,224-meter-high mountain in the Allgäu Alps in Germany, near the village of Oberstdorf. It's famous for its stunning views of the Alpine massif from the summit, making it a popular spot for visitors.
You can reach the summit easily by taking the Nebelhornbahn cable car from Oberstdorf, which runs daily from late May to early November between 8:30 AM and 4 PM. A round trip ticket costs €55. In winter, the cable car operates on a different schedule for the ski season.
At the top, you’ll find a summit restaurant and the Edmund-Probst-Haus, a mountain hut where you can also stay overnight (reservation strongly recommended, especially on weekends). From the summit, you can explore the Nordwandsteig and the Panorama Trail (Höfatsweg) to the Zeigersattel, a scenic ridge with views of the Allgäu Alps. With a bit of luck, you might spot marmots along the way!
For those who enjoy hiking, the most rewarding route to the Nebelhorn is via the Oytal Valley. It’s a long and demanding trail, about 5 hours, 13 km, and 1,400 meters of elevation gain one way. A highlight of the route is the Seealpsee, a stunning alpine lake. However, the ascent from Oytalhaus to the lake is very steep, so this hike is best started early in summer to avoid the heat.
A good alternative is to take the cable car up and hike down through the valley. Once you reach Oytalhaus, you can even rent a mountain scooter to coast back to the base station — a fun way to end your tour.
As always: this is alpine terrain, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes, bring proper gear, and are sure-footed and comfortable with heights.