Obermaiselstein: Nature, Legends and Winter Experiences

Obermaiselstein combines a clearly defined natural landscape with local tales and seasonal activities. The village is located in and on the edge of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park. In addition to the surrounding landscape, you can choose from different themes for planning your trip, including a Legends Trail, hiking destinations, winter activities and the Viehscheid cattle drive. The Legends Trail is available in both analogue and digital formats; check locally that the digital offering is up to date before your visit.

Natural Landscape and Local Stories

The Sturmannshöhle cave near Obermaiselstein is associated with legends about a dragon and a hidden treasure of gold. These motifs give local lore a tangible connection to the surrounding area. Together with the nature park, they create a picture that encompasses both the landscape and storytelling traditions.

Hiking and Winter Activities

The Besler is Obermaiselstein’s local mountain. The Beslerrunde route follows a hiking trail up to the Besler’s summit plateau. If you choose a hike based on its destination, you have a clearly defined goal in mind: the plateau. Nearby, a winter hiking trail also leads to the Mittelalpe. It offers views, and the amenities include cake and something for young visitors. The two routes differ in their destination and the time of year: one leads to the summit plateau, while the other is a winter hike to the Mittelalpe.

Tobogganing is possible at the Idealhanglift; when snow conditions are suitable, the toboggan run is groomed. The Idealhanglift has a practice lift for children and beginners as an introduction to winter sports. The operator reported that it would be closed for the 2025/26 season. Therefore, check the current operating status and snow conditions before planning a winter visit.

A bus connection can also help with getting around: a scheduled bus runs from Obermaiselstein over the Riedberg Pass in the direction of Balderschwang to the Herzbergalpe stop. If this connection is part of your plans, check the latest transport information before travelling, as bus services and routes can change.

Viehscheid in September

At the Viehscheid in Obermaiselstein, around 1,300 cattle from 11 alpine pastures are returned to their owners after the summer on the Alps. The festival features cattle wearing polished bells, alpine herders and locals in traditional dress, music and food. In this way, the Viehscheid combines the return of the cattle from the mountain pastures with a festive celebration. Specific details may vary from year to year; if the date is important to your trip, check the information for the relevant year.

For planning your travel dates, there is a clear distinction between the local themes: the Viehscheid takes place in September, while tobogganing and winter hiking depend on the winter season and suitable snow conditions. You can choose when to travel based on whether you’re most interested in the festival tradition or winter activities.

More destinations in the wider Oberallgäu destination

The wider Oberallgäu destination offers other distinctive experiences. In Oberstdorf, the hiking trails and nature trails total 200 kilometres. You can also visit the Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill there; visitors can take the tower lift to the viewing platform on the ski jump tower. Hiking and enjoying the view from the platform are two different ways to experience Oberstdorf.

The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park Centre is located in Immenstadt-Bühl, right by Lake Alpsee. The free-admission interactive exhibition covers animals, plants, their habitats and the special features of the protected area; opening arrangements may vary. From Immenstadt railway station, the “Achis Wasserweg” themed trail takes 30 minutes on foot to reach the centre. In bad weather, bus routes 39, 11 and 81 go there. Check walking times and bus connections again before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Bad Hindelang, Haldenwang, Wertach, Oberstdorf, Sulzberg, Sonthofen, Balderschwang, Fischen Im Allgäu

Back to the main travel overview: Oberallgäu.