Best backpacking trails in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park
The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park is the first nature park to be located on both Bavarian and Austrian territory; it is named after the Nagelfluhkette mountain range. This consists of many round stones of different sizes that have been pressed together to form a conglomerate - or Nagelfluh. This mountain world of the Nagelfluhkette is beautifully contrasted by the four large valleys that follow its course in a west-east direction. The animals and plants have also adapted to the diverse landscape. You can find capercaillie and black grouse, golden eagles and white-backed woodpeckers, as well as purple gentian, stone carnation and silver firs. Alongside the Allgäu High Alps nature reserve and the Lechtal Alps, this nature park is one of the "hot spots of biodiversity" - in other words, it is home to an exceptionally large number of special species that are threatened at the same time. The protection of nature is therefore a top priority in the nature park in order to preserve these unique biocoenoses.
Visitors can discover the landscape on their own, or find out more on guided tours or in the nature park centre in the Alpseehaus. Regional cuisine can also be discovered in the numerous LandZunge inns.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.2 (7)·Hard·42.2 km·Est. 13.5–15 hrScenic marathon run in the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park from Sonthofen. The Allgäu Panorama Marathon was launched in 2007 with the intention of offering participants a scenic route where they can get to know the Hörner Group. The first half is characterised by meadows, trails and stony climbs. The second half begins with a slightly undulating forest run before ending - after a short but steep climb - in a run along the river. --- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.5 (6)·Hard·32.7 km·Est. 13.5–15 hrThe Nagelfluh crossing between the Mittagbahn and Hochgratbahn mountain stations is one of the most beautiful ridge hikes in the German Alps. The mountain tour proposed here extends the classic ridge hike through the Nagelfluh range into a challenging multi-day tour aimed at hikers with mountain experience. The hike starts in Immenstadt in the Allgäu and leads over the ridge of the Nagelfluhkette to Oberstaufen. Numerous peaks well over 1500 metres above sea level are conquered, including the...
- 4.9 (10)·Hard·30.4 km·Est. 13.5–15 hrPicturesque and idyllic hike in the Allgäu Alps from Immenstadt to Bolgenach, Bavaria. This challenging and panoramic hike starts in Immenstadt and leads over the highest peaks of the Allgäu Alps to Bolgenach. Highlights: - Local flora and fauna - Beautiful natural landscapes - View of the course of the Rhine
- 4.9 (3)·Moderate·16.1 km·Est. 6–7 hrThis route follows stage 4 of the Maximiliansweg, a long-distance trail through Germany and Austria, beginning at the Staufner Haus and ending in Gunzesried. The path traverses the high alpine ridges of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, crossing the prominent summits of the Hochgrat, Rindalphorn, and Buralpkopf, which offer expansive views over the Allgäu Alps and the Lake Constance region. Overnight stays are accommodated at the Staufner Haus at the start or in guesthouses and hotels in...
- 4.0 (2)·Hard·20 km·Est. 6.5–7 hrA picturesque stretch of road near Immenstadt, Bavaria. The eleventh stage of the Himmelsstürmer Route leads to the so-called "Aussichtsbalkon". From the Pfarralpe, you have fantastic views over the Alpsee and on the route via Thaler Höhe, Salmaser Höhe and Kalzhofner Höhe to the stage destination of Oberstaufen, there are always phenomenal views of the region. Highlights: - Lido at the Alpsee - Pfarralpe - Talerhöhe - Salmaser Höhe - Kalzhofer Höhe
- 4.0 (2)·Hard·17.5 km·Est. 6–6.5 hrThis route follows stage 3 of the Maximiliansweg, a long-distance trail through Germany and Austria, beginning in Lingenau and ending at the Staufner Haus. The path travels northeast from Lingenau through dense forests to Hittisau, where hikers can visit the Wendelinskapelle. Continuing east past scenic streams, waterfalls, and the Lecknersee lake, the trail crosses the international border into Germany. A steep alpine climb leads up the ridge of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, rewarding...
- 5.0 (1)·Hard·17.7 km·Est. 7–8 hrOutstanding route section in the Allgäu, Bavaria. The eleventh stage of the Wasserläufer route starts in Rettenberg and leads via Alpe Kammeregg and the summit of the Grünten to Burgberg. On the way down from the summit, you pass the Grüntenhaus and through the unique Starzachklamm gorge with its impressive rock formations. Highlights: - Summit of the Grünten - Hunter's monument - Starzlach Gorge
- 5.0 (1)·Hard·18.3 km·Est. 6.5–7.5 hrScenic section through the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, Bavaria. The 14th stage of the Himmelsstürmer route offers wonderful views and impresses with outstanding vistas. The route leads over the Scheuenpass and the Piesen-Alpe through the Zwiebelmoos to the final stage in Obermaiselstein / Grasgehren on the Riedbergpass. Highlights: - Orchid blossom in the high moor - Riedberger Horn (360 degree view) - Scheuen Pass - Besler viewing summit
- 4.0 (1)·Hard·26.4 km·Est. 9–9.5 hrThis route follows stage 5 of the Maximiliansweg, a long-distance trail through Germany and Austria, beginning in Gunzesried and ending in Unterjoch. The path descends from Gunzesried into the town of Sonthofen, where hikers can view the historic St. Michael Church, St. Leonhard Chapel, and the old market hall. From Sonthofen, the trail climbs back into the high Alps toward Bad Hindelang, passing through the elevated mountain village of Oberjoch before reaching the quiet valley settlement of...
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Visitor info
Accessibility
Facilities
The AlpSeeHaus Nature Park Centre is open daily from April to October from 10 am to 6 pm and from November to March daily from 10 am to 4 pm. (closed on 24, 25 December and 1 January)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best trail to hike for backpacking in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for backpacking in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park is Allgäu Panorama Marathon 2013, which has a 4.2 star rating from 7 reviews. This trail is 42.2 km long with an elevation gain of 1,663 m.
What is the longest backpacking trail in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park is Himmelsstürmer-Route (Fernwanderweg). This trail is estimated to be 365.8 km long.
How many backpacking trails are in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park?
There are 30 backpacking trails in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.These backpacking trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 36 AllTrails community reviews.
Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park?
Himmelsstürmer-Route (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain for backpacking trails with 18,606 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Allgäu Panorama Marathon Ultra 2019 - 70km, which has 3,253 m of elevation gain.
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