Allgäu Alps

The Allgäu Alps are a mountain range of the Northern Limestone Alps that straddle the border between Bavaria in Germany and Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria. The range contains numerous peaks above 2,000 metres and is known for steep limestone ridges, alpine pastures and high-mountain terrain.

Key visiting highlights include accessible summits such as the Nebelhorn with its cable car access near Oberstdorf and the higher, more rugged peaks such as the Großer Krottenkopf at 2,656 metres. The area supports an extensive network of alpine huts, marked trails and via ferrata routes used by hikers and climbers.

Geologically the range is part of the Northern Limestone Alps and was formed by Alpine orogeny; glacial and karst processes have shaped its valleys and rock faces. The mountains have long been used for summer grazing, mountaineering and, in modern times, tourism infrastructure.

The Allgäu Alps extend across southern Germany (Bavaria) and into western Austria (Tyrol and Vorarlberg), with gateway towns such as Oberstdorf on the northern side and a landscape of high pastures, steep ridges and tourist villages.

• Alpine classification and activities: Part of the Northern Limestone Alps, the range contains numerous peaks above 2,000 metres and is a well-established area for hiking, mountaineering and winter sports.

What to See #

• Großer Krottenkopf (highest peak): The Großer Krottenkopf is the highest peak in the Allgäu Alps at 2,656 metres and lies on the Austrian side of the range.
• Nebelhorn (accessible peak): The Nebelhorn is a popular summit above Oberstdorf reached by cable car and known for panoramic views across the Allgäu Alps; its summit elevation is around 2,224 metres.