The best walks and hikes around Kempten Allgäu

The region around Kempten Allgäu offers a diverse landscape, from the impressive Allgäu mountain range and rolling hills to picturesque forests, vast meadows, and numerous lakes. The prominent Iller River features prominently, with many trails running alongside it. You'll also find scenic river valleys, dense woodlands, and rugged gorges like the Kalbsangsttobel.

There are over 340 hiking routes around Kempten Allgäu, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes a wide selection of easy, moderate, and some more challenging trails.

Yes, Kempten Allgäu offers several routes suitable for families. The Kemptner Wald (Kempten Forest) to the east of the city is particularly good for easier hikes, featuring hills, small streams, and historical ruins. Many trails along the Iller River are also relatively flat and enjoyable for all ages.

Many of the trails around Kempten Allgäu are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Tobelweg in Allgäu – View of the Allgäu Alps loop from Rothkreuz is a popular moderate circular route that takes you through varied terrain.

Absolutely. The region is known for its streams and gorges. The rugged Kalbsangsttobel is a prominent natural feature, and you can explore it on routes like the St. Lorenz Basilica (Kempten) – Kalbsangsttobel Trail loop from Kempten (Allgäu). The area also boasts natural attractions like the Geratser Waterfall, Speckbach Waterfall, and the popular Buchenegger waterfalls.

Kempten Allgäu offers several excellent viewpoints. Mariaberg, Kempten's local mountain, provides beautiful panoramic views of Kempten and the surrounding Allgäu mountains. The hike to Mariaberg often passes through the idyllic Kalbsangsttobel. For a more extended challenge, the 1072-meter-high Blender mountain also offers panoramic vistas. You can also visit the Kalbsangsttobel Gorge or the Cliffs along the Iller.

The best times for hiking are generally spring and autumn, offering mild weather and vibrant natural scenery. Summer is also popular, though it can be more crowded. The diverse terrain means there are options for different seasons, but spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for exploring.

While many routes are easy to moderate, Kempten Allgäu does offer some more challenging options, particularly those with significant elevation gain in the surrounding Allgäu Alps. For instance, the Tobelweg in Allgäu – View of the Allgäu Alps loop from Kempten (Allgäu) Hbf covers over 16 km with substantial elevation changes, providing a good workout.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from riverside paths to mountain views, and the well-maintained trails that cater to various abilities. The combination of natural beauty and accessibility is frequently highlighted.

Yes, Kempten is integrated into significant long-distance routes. These include the Wasserläufer Route of the Wandertrilogie Allgäu, which spans 26 stages and 406 km, and the Wiesengänger Route, covering 438 km through the region's hilly terrain. These offer extensive multi-day hiking opportunities.

The region features numerous lakes and ponds. You can find highlights such as Herrenwies Pond, Bachtel Pond, and Engelhalde Park Pond. Some, like Bachtelweiher Lake, even have beer gardens nearby.

Kempten's central location and good public transport links make many trails accessible. Nearby mountains like the Alpspitze in Nesselwang and Mittagberg in Immenstadt are easily accessible by public transport, often featuring chairlifts and cable cars for convenient ascent to stunning alpine views. Within Kempten, routes like the Tobelweg in Allgäu – View of the Allgäu Alps loop from Kempten (Allgäu) Hbf start directly from the main train station.

For more details on leisure activities, mountains, and lakes in the Kempten Allgäu region, you can visit the official Kempten Tourism website. Specifically, you might find these pages helpful: Leisure and Mountains & Lakes.