Ostallgäu: Mountains, Castles and the Forggensee
Accommodation in Ostallgäu
Mountains, a lake, trails and royal castles give Ostallgäu several distinct travel themes. In the district of Ostallgäu, the mountains in the southwest are part of the Vilser Gebirge, while those in the southeast belong to the Ammergebirge. At 2,082 metres, the Hochplatte is the highest mountain in Ostallgäu. The Forggensee also shapes the landscape: covering more than 15 km², it is Bavaria’s fifth-largest lake and Germany’s largest reservoir.
Castles with a clear visiting rule
Since 12 July 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, together with Linderhof Palace, the King’s House on Schachen and Herrenchiemsee Palace, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation links the castle with the three other listed sites in the World Heritage Site. There is also a clear rule to bear in mind when planning your visit: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau can only be visited as part of a guided tour. If both royal castles are on your wish list, factor in this guided-tour requirement from the outset.
Hiking and cycling in Ostallgäu
If you want to spend time outdoors, you’ll find 32 local hiking routes. They showcase special natural and local treasures, drawing attention to different sides of Ostallgäu. The Ostallgäu Cycling Travel Region includes regional routes that extend across the whole of Ostallgäu. Each is 25 to 76 kilometres long, signposted throughout and has its own theme. The hiking routes focus on nature and local places, while each cycling route also has its own theme. The stated distance range and themes offer practical guidance when choosing a suitable tour.
Cycling route and boat trips on the Forggensee
The Forggensee Cycle Loop runs around the Forggensee. In addition, the Forggensee boat service regularly offers trips during the summer season. The cycle route and boat trips are two different ways to include the lake in your day’s plans. As the boat service operates seasonally, it’s worth checking the current timetable in advance.
Collection and skiing
The Südsee Collection, next to the Obergünzburg Local History Museum, now displays more than 1,500 everyday and cultural objects. Alongside the World Heritage castle, it offers a different cultural focus: here, the emphasis is on a collection rather than a building. If you’d like to include different cultural themes in your trip, the contrast between the castle and the collection offers a practical point of reference.
Another focus is the winter offering around the Alpspitz. The Alpspitzbahn Nesselwang cable car provides access to the ski run around the 1,575-metre-high Alpspitz; the ski area offers family-friendly slopes and a children’s ski area. These activities are quite different from the hiking and cycling routes: the focus here is on downhill skiing, slopes and the children’s ski area. Operating conditions may vary seasonally, so check the current situation before your visit.
Choose your hotel location according to your travel plans
Compare the location of any hotel you’re considering with the destinations you plan to visit. This lets you choose a location that suits your itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Stötten am Auerberg, Buchloe, Seeg, Schwangau, Roßhaupten, Marktoberdorf, Kaufbeuren, Eisenberg, Halblech, Pfronten, Nesselwang, Lechbruck am See, Füssen, Eggenthal, Unterthingau, Mauerstetten, Waal, Germaringen, Biessenhofen, Pforzen, Westendorf, Ronsberg, Lamerdingen, Obergünzburg, Oberostendorf, Rieden am Forggensee.
For the broader travel overview: Bavaria.
