Allgäu Alps Mountains
Alpine range straddling Germany and Austria, scenic landscapes
An alpine range spanning southern Germany and western Austria, the Allgäu Alps offer hiking, summer alpine pastures, ski areas and mountain huts, with jagged ridgelines and limestone peaks.
Allgäu Alps at a Glance#
Admission: Free (access to many areas); alpine huts and lifts have fees
About 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.
How to Get to Allgäu Alps#
Access from Austrian Tyrol or German Bavaria. Common gateways include Oberstdorf (Germany) and Reutte or Füssen (Germany) - both have regional rail and bus connections. Drive via the B19/A7 to Oberstdorf or A12/A13 toward Reutte; many trailheads have parking.
Tips for Visiting Allgäu Alps#
- Hire local guides if planning technical climbs; many ridges and passes are remote.
- Stay in Oberstdorf or Füssen for easy trailhead access and transport links.
- Check mountain weather forecasts carefully-conditions change rapidly at altitude.
Best Time to Visit Allgäu Alps#
Summer for hiking and alpine access; winter for skiing but expect closures on higher routes.
Weather & Climate near Allgäu Alps#
Allgäu Alps's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1607 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 2° | -5° | 106 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -6° - 4° | -3° | 107 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 7° | 2° | 109 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 10° | 4° | 109 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 16° | 10° | 127 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 185 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 21° | 16° | 203 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 131 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 3° - 13° | 7° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 7° | 0° | 124 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 3° | -4° | 116 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
