Forest: Hiking Trails, Ponds, and Local History
Accommodation in Forest
Forest offers a variety of trails through landscapes featuring ponds, woodland, and scenic views. To choose a route, compare the stated distances and themes: some trails follow bodies of water, while others pass through the Wertach Valley or lead to historic sights. This lets you plan your stay around your preferred route and its main attractions.
Hiking Trails by Distance and Theme
The Walder Weiher Nature Trail is 1.5 kilometers long, features information boards, and is suitable for strollers. The Wasenmoos Loop is described as an easy walk for all age groups and is also suitable for Nordic walking or jogging. It passes directly by the Walder Village Museum, which is housed in a small barn in the former rectory garden.
For a longer route, the 8-kilometer Wertach Loop follows the river through the Wertachtal landscape conservation area. Along the way, there are opportunities to see rare flowers. The 3.6-kilometer Panoramaweg Bergers follows a farm track and offers views across the Wertach Valley and of the Alpine panorama.
At the suspension footbridge, a 1.4-kilometer family-friendly trail runs from Kaltenbrunn along the Wertach to the bridge. The Witwe-Bolte Trail passes the Walder Weiher ponds and the Weitmoos before reaching a small pond and an old villa. The Klosterhof Loop takes in the Bodenloser Weiher and kettle lakes; the route then continues through the Kippach Valley with views of the Alps. Comparing the route lengths can help you choose a hike that suits your preferred distance. Check local conditions before setting out.
Ponds, Landscapes, and Pilgrim Routes
Forest is surrounded by hills, woods, and ponds that are used for swimming and walking. One of the Walder Weiher ponds has a sunbathing lawn and a playground, and invites visitors to swim. As recreational conditions can vary by season, it is advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
A two-kilometer Stations of the Cross trail leads from Forest through the Herrnwäldle mixed forest and passes wayside shrines and illustrated panels. A variant of the Way of St. James also runs through Forest. Pilgrims can have their pilgrim passports stamped at St. Nicholas Church; check locally in advance for current access to the church.
Museum and Forest’s History
The Walder Village Museum displays agricultural equipment and evidence of historic local crafts, including dairy farming, cooperage, and saddlery. Its location in a small barn in the former rectory garden makes it easy to combine a museum visit with the Wasenmoos Loop, which passes right by. Forest’s historic dairy tradition includes five local dairies and the cheese “Walder Amsel-Gold.”
Getting Around and Getting Here
The municipality of Wald has 46 kilometers of signposted and marked hiking trails. One regional connection is the Ostallgäu Hiking Trail from Marktoberdorf to Nesselwang, which passes through Forest, the Wertach Valley, Bergers, and the Hängesteg area. You can return by train or bus; check current services in advance.
To travel by train, you can go via Augsburg or Munich, change to a service toward FĂĽssen, and get off in Marktoberdorf. From there, continue to Forest by bus or taxi. Timetables may change, so it is worth checking connections before you travel.
The recommended route by car is via the Nesselwang-RĂĽckholz exit on the A7, continuing toward Marktoberdorf. Forest is about seven kilometers beyond RĂĽckholz on this route. Check the current route before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Hopferau, RĂĽckholz.
Return to the main travel overview: Seeg.
