Großdorf: Hiking and History

The Himmelsstürmer Route passes through Großdorf, and the historic Amthaus tells the story of its former uses. The history of Rettenberg Castle also offers a distinct historical focus. To help you plan your trip, you’ll find specific details here about a long hiking stage, as well as information about historic sites and other activities in the wider destination of Rettenberg.

Hiking through Großdorf

Difficult Stage 07 of the Himmelsstürmer Route, part of the Allgäu Hiking Trilogy, runs from Oy-Mittelberg to Rettenberg and passes through Großdorf. It is 23.75 kilometers long and takes about 7.5 hours. After Großdorf, the route follows a natural trail to Alpe Müllers Berg and continues to the Vorderburg castle ruins. The distance, walking time, and difficult rating help you gauge the scope of this stage and plan your hiking days accordingly.

The Amthaus and the history of the castle

The historic Amthaus in Großdorf is about 500 years old. It once housed a notary’s office and was also formerly used as a tavern. These different uses are part of the Amthaus’s long history.

Rettenberg Castle was built around 1100 as the ancestral seat of the nobles and barons of Rettenberg. The family associated with the Rettenberg castle ruins was highly significant in the history of the Oberallgäu and Ostallgäu regions. It is first mentioned in 1130, as Adelprecht de Rotinberch. The two dates refer to different historical points: the approximate construction of the castle and the first mention of the family.

The route to the castle and a refreshing break in Großdorf

A route description last updated on September 19, 2021, recommends driving from Engelpolz via Emmereis to Vorderburg. Park there and follow the marked trail to Rettenberg Castle, about a 20-minute walk away. Check local conditions before setting out, as the description was last updated on this date.

In Großdorf, the Kneipp facility offers a chance to refresh your feet and recharge. Check the facility’s condition before visiting.

More activities in the wider destination of Rettenberg

Rettenberg is located in Nagelfluhkette Nature Park at the foot of the Grünten. The approximately 2.6-kilometer-long “Abenteuer Galetschbach” adventure trail runs along the Galetschbach stream. The entire circular trail is accessible and easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

Another hike in the wider destination of Rettenberg is the Bier-Genusswanderweg Tour 3 from Rettenberg to Alpe Kalkhöf. It is described as a tour for experienced hikers; the stated walking time is about 3 hours 15 minutes, the distance around 8.6 kilometers, and the elevation gain 500 meters. By comparison, the difficult Himmelsstürmer stage through Großdorf covers 23.75 kilometers and takes about 7.5 hours to walk. These differences in time and distance give you a concrete basis for comparing the scope of your hiking plans.

Along the five Bier-Genusswanderwege, innkeepers, mountain alps, and hut operators offer ProBiererle: a local specialty paired with a Rettenberg beer selected to complement it. Rettenberg is home to the Allgäu brewing tradition, including the Bernardibräu, Engelbräu, and Privatbrauerei Zötler breweries. Kässpatzen evenings and other culinary events, including beer-and-cheese evenings, take place regularly. Check the specific dates before your trip.

Mini golf and a seasonal swimming facility are also among the leisure activities in the wider destination of Rettenberg: the Kurgärtle next to the Dorfcafé has a mini-golf course. The Familienbad am Grünten is right next to the Dorfcafé and offers a large sunbathing lawn and natural shade. As it operates seasonally, plan your visit to the swimming facility accordingly.

For an overview of the wider destination: Rettenberg.