Long-distance hiking routes in the Allgaeu/Bavarian Swabia

Green countryside, distant views and a fascinating Alpine panorama await hikers on the Wiesengänger Route in the Allgäu. On the Bavarian-Swabian Way of St. James, in contrast, there is plenty of time to relax and rediscover one’s true self.

Wandertrilogie Allgäu – The Wiesengänger (Meadow Walkers) Route

The hills and terraces of the northern Allgäu offer wonderful conditions for keen walkers on the trilogy of walks known as the Wandertrilogie Allgäu.

Green countryside, distant views and a fascinating Alpine panorama await hikers on the Wiesengänger Route. Gentle paths lead over hills, through mixed forest and past fields and meadows, ponds, rivers and lakes. Drumlins and moraine are reminders of the glacial ice that formed this landscape many centuries ago.

The region was first brought to public attention by Sebastian Kneipp, a priest who recognised the healing power of nature and helped many people with his skills. People who live in his homeland continue his holistic philosophy to the present day. The spa resorts of Bad Wörishofen, Ottobeuren and Bad Grönenbach invite travellers to bring their body, spirit and soul back into harmony and to feel the healing powers of the water and plants.

In Bad Wurzach, the “black gold” of the bogs warms the body in the form of peat baths. The sun sparkles on the marshy lake and the colours of the myriad flowers are a sight to behold.

The Wiesengänger Route has something to offer everyone, from health tourists and nature lovers to culture aficionados. Historic buildings and customs can be enjoyed in Mindelheim, where a walk up to the castle is highly recommended. The view from this medieval castle, looking across the town and to the Allgäu Alps beyond, is captivating. This was once the home of the Fundsberg family. To honour George I of Fundsberg, each summer the town celebrates the Fundsbergfest, one of Germany’s largest history festivals. Allgäu’s theatre culture is alive and well in Altusried. The Allgäu open-air stage has been in existence for over 135 years, and is also one of the loveliest of its kind in Germany.

The baroque Benedictine Abbey and the basilica in Ottoberuren are famous around the world. In the narrow lanes of the old town of this former free imperial city there are a multitude of cosy cafés and restaurants serving traditional fare. Friendly people and majestic buildings from the Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance eras offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

More information: www.allgaeu.de

The Way of St. James pilgrimage trail in Bavarian Swabia

Step by step to the final destination: Pilgrims follow the sign of the scallop shell.

Pilgrimage is more than just a trend. The Way of St. James has come to symbolise a yearning for a slower pace of life and the desire to get closer to the things that really matter. Here in Bavarian Swabia too.

Since the first pilgrims made their way through this region, much has changed. Instead of hard berths there is good accommodation in simple hostels or comfortable hotels. Instead of thin soles, today’s walkers wear ultra-light trekking shoes to reach their destination.

However, the important things have remained the same on the 140 km stretch of the Way of St. James that leads through Bavarian Swabia – the still beauty of nature, the places of spiritual contemplation on the side of the path and the desire to get closer to what really matters.

The Bavarian-Swabian Way of St. James starts in Oettingen, leads through the Ries Crater and across the Lech Plateau, then past Holzen Abbey and on to Augsburg. There the way forks in one western and one eastern route towards Allgäu. Walking 15 to 20 km per day will enable modern-day pilgrims to reach Augsburg in six stages (almost 100 km). To Maria Vesperbild (western route) it is then a further two days (around 40 km) to Augsburg, and the eastern route is similar. Another section of the Way of St. James takes 2.5 days (around 50 km) from Schrobenhausen in Upper Bavaria via Aichach and Friedberg to Augsburg.