What you'll do
Alpine adventures, crystal-clear mountain lakes, dramatic gorges – this 3-day itinerary takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Allgäu region around Oberstdorf and Tannheim. Perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the best of southern Germany’s mountain charm.
Day 1
Morning: Breitachklamm
Start your trip with a visit to the Breitach Gorge (Breitachklamm), one of the deepest and most impressive gorges in Central Europe. It opens at 9:00 AM, and it’s best to be there right at the start to beat the crowds.
Breitachklamm
Touristique
Spectacular Gorge near Obersdorf
The Breitachklamm is one of the most impressive gorges in the Alps and a must-see when visiting the Oberstdorf area. Carved over thousands of years by the rushing waters of the Breitach river, the gorge cuts through up to 100 meters of rock, making it the deepest accessible gorge in Central Europe. Towering cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and narrow walkways make for a dramatic experience in all seasons.
The gorge was formed after the last Ice Age, when meltwater from the Breitach glacier began eroding the limestone, eventually creating this striking natural wonder. Today, the power of the water is still clearly visible—and audible—as it thunders through the narrow canyon.
There is a large parking area directly at the entrance near Tiefenbach (Oberstdorf). The gorge is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (May–September) and 9 AM to 4 PM (October–February). It is closed in March, April, and November for maintenance and due to safety concerns related to thaw and ice.
Entry is €7.50 per person. Online tickets are available and recommended on weekends and holidays, as the gorge can get quite crowded. For a quieter experience, it's best to arrive right at 9 AM when the gates open.
The walk through the gorge takes about 30 minutes one way. You can either return the same way or take a loop trail above the gorge. For those looking for a bit more, you can follow the river trail beyond the official exit—there are more scenic spots further upstream before heading back.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the path is well-maintained but can be wet and slippery in parts.
Lunch: Auenhütte at the Ifen Cable Car Station
After the gorge, drive toward the Ifenbahn in Kleinwalsertal. Right at the valley station, the Auenhütte offers excellent regional cuisine in a rustic alpine setting – a great lunch stop with mountain views.
Afternoon: Hike to the Kessellöcher & Natural Rock Bridge
From the Ifenbahn parking lot, take an easy to moderate hike to the Kessellöcher and the Naturbrücke – fascinating rock formations shaped by water and time. It’s a scenic and not-too-difficult trail, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Kessellöcher
Cascade
Scenic gorge in Kleinwalsertal
The Kessellöcher near Hirschegg in the Kleinwalsertal are a charming natural attraction, perfect for a peaceful walk.. The best place to park is at the valley station of the Ifenbahn cable car. From there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to reach the Kessellöcher.
Geologically, the Kessellöcher are deep, bowl-shaped rock formations known as “giant’s kettles” or potholes, created over thousands of years by the erosive power of the Schwarzwasserbach stream. The swirling waters have carved these smooth, rounded basins into the rock, along with small waterfalls and plunge pools. Several viewing platforms along the trail offer fantastic views of the rushing water and the dramatic landscape, making it a refreshing spot especially during the summer months when the path is mostly shaded by the surrounding forest.
For those wanting to extend their hike, the trail continues along the Schwarzwasserbach to the Natural Bridge, a striking natural rock formation spanning a waterfall. This route is about 3.5 km one way and takes roughly one hour from the Ifenbahn parking lot. The path is well marked, relatively easy, and very scenic, winding through forest and along the river—ideal for a half-day summer outing.
Historically, the Kessellöcher area is part of the Kleinwalsertal’s rich alpine heritage. The unique rock formations have fascinated locals and visitors alike for centuries and are often linked with local folklore about giants and natural forces shaping the landscape.
Naturbrücke
Touristique
Stunning rock formations in Kleinwalsertal
The Natural Bridge is a stunning geological formation located near Hirschegg in the Kleinwalsertal, accessible via the parking lot at the Ifenbahn valley station. The hike to the Natural Bridge passes by the so called Kessellöcher and continues along the Schwarzwasserbach stream.
Geologically, the Natural Bridge is a naturally formed rock arch that spans over the cascading waters of the Schwarzwasserbach waterfall. This impressive formation was created over thousands of years by continuous erosion and weathering, where softer rock layers were worn away beneath harder, more resistant rock, leaving this spectacular bridge suspended above the water. It’s a vivid example of the dynamic power of alpine waterways shaping the landscape.
The walk from the Ifenbahn parking lot to the Natural Bridge is about 3.5 km one way, taking approximately one hour. The trail is well marked and mostly follows the river, offering beautiful views of waterfalls, rock formations, and forest scenery. Passing the Kessellöcher — bowl-shaped potholes formed by swirling water erosion — adds to the geological interest of the hike.
Evening: Explore Oberstdorf & Dinner at Dampfbierbrauerei
Head back to Oberstdorf for a relaxed stroll through the picturesque village, with its wooden houses, alpine flair, and local shops. For dinner, enjoy hearty Allgäu specialties and freshly brewed beer at the cozy Dampfbierbrauerei.
Oberstdorfer Dampfbierbrauerei
restaurant
Cozy brewery with handcrafted beers
The Oberstdorfer Dampfbierbrauerei (steam brewery) is Germany’s southernmost brewery and a popular spot for anyone who loves good beer and hearty regional cuisine. In the cozy brewery restaurant, you’ll find classic Bavarian and Allgäu dishes like cheese spaetzle, roast pork with crackling, and pork knuckle – all freshly prepared using local ingredients. The brewery serves its own unfiltered beers such as the light and dark steam beer and traditional wheat beer. There are also seasonal specialties like bock and festival brews.
A special highlight is the attached beer hotel, where some rooms are equipped with their own beer tap – fresh draft beer right in your room! There's also a small brewery museum, a charming beer garden, and a shop where you can buy house-made products like beer liqueur, beer gin, mustard, and other specialties.
If you’re curious about the brewing process, guided tours are offered every Wednesday (registration recommended). Live music is played regularly on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The brewery is located right next to the Oberstdorf train station, and parking is available. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm (hot food until 9 pm), closed on Sundays.