Germany

Around Nagelfluhkette

Introduction
The Nagelfluhkette Circuit is a particularly rewarding circular route that traces the ridgelines of the Allgäu mountain range. The highest point of the route is Hochgrat at 1,834 meters.

This trek includes several ascents but they are generally gentle and comfortable and follow a well-marked trail that is accessible rather than technically difficult.

Throughout the journey, you'll be treated to wide panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Alps. The route passes through waterfalls, dense spruce forests, alpine flower meadows, and habitats for birds of prey, with traditional mountain huts along the way offering simple, warming food.


01·Day by day

3 hiking days

Day01
Oberstaufen → Staufner Haus
Grade
3
Length
13.2 kmkm
Ascent
1085 mm
Descent
265 mm
Time
05:20
From the Oberstaufen train station, the route begins with a gentle ascent over 8 kilometers, passing through villages until you reach the ridge line. From there, a slightly more challenging climb leads to the summit of Hochgrat at 1,834 meters. The first day is straightforward and relatively easy, with wide trails that can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends, as this is a popular day-hiking route. Spend the first night at the excellent Staufner Haus guesthouse, and it is recommended to book in advance.
Around Nagelfluhkette - 2
Day02
Staufner Haus → Kemptener Naturfreundehaus
Grade
3
Length
12.7 kmkm
Ascent
896 mm
Descent
1088 mm
Time
04:50
After leaving the hut, climb back up to the summit of Hochgrat to reconnect with the ridge trail. This is a fascinating and wonderful day, offering breathtaking views as you walk along the ridge, with the plains on your left and the mountains on your right. There will be several challenging ascents before the ridge summits, and the trail will be a bit more technical than the previous day. Eventually, the path descends toward the Kemptener Naturfreundehaus hut, where you will spend the night. It is recommended to reserve accommodation in advance.
Around Nagelfluhkette - 3
Day03
Kemptener Naturfreundehaus → Oberstaufen
Grade
2
Length
21.5 kmkm
Ascent
692 mm
Descent
1314 mm
Time
06:20
The morning begins with a short descent immediately followed by a gentle climb onto a new ridge line overlooking Oberstaufen from the north. Along the ridge, you will be treated to magnificent views on both sides, though the northern panorama is more impressive since the southern view is often hidden by forest.

The walk along the ridge is easy, with a steady rhythm of short ascents and descents as you move from one peak to the next, gradually descending in elevation.

Your first summit is Hahnenkopf, known for its unique cirque formation (1,488 m). About 2 km later you will reach Himmelseck, just one meter lower (1,487 m).

A little less than two kilometers farther, you will stand on the summit of Vorderer Prodel at 1,470 m. 

From there, descend and climb again over a small mountain saddle toward Denneberg (1,427 m). From this point onward, the trail leads only downhill. At first the descent is steep, passing over the summits of Prodel (1,401 m) and the amusingly named Spitzlerberg (1,317 m). 

About half a kilometer farther down, the path enters dense forest and zigzags until you reach the same secondary road along the Weissach River that you walked on the first day, but now in the opposite direction.

 After about one kilometer, cross the bridge and climb west up the small hill, then turn sharply north with the road and pass Am Giebel farm. From there, continue downhill toward the Weissach River. You will likely hear laughter and splashing. Turn right off the path and you will see a large, beautiful pool fed by a lovely waterfall, the lower of the Buchenegger Waterfalls (Buchenegger Wasserfälle). Two more waterfalls lie above, accessible from the same trail you came on. This is a perfect spot to stop for a refreshing swim on a warm summer day. 

On weekends it can get quite busy, and note that some visitors may choose to swim without swimsuits. Return to the trail from the lower waterfall, cross the pedestrian bridge, and climb gently uphill in short zigzags. The path rejoins the secondary road, which will lead you north back to the Oberstaufen train station, the point where your three-day adventure began.
02·Map room

Route map & GPX files

Download GPX
03·FAQ

Before you set out

How to get there?

Everything you need to get from the city with the closest international airport to the start of the trek.

From Munich HBF train station, take a train (1 hour 46 minutes) to your starting point, Oberstaufen.
How to get back?

Everything you need to know to get back from the trek's end point to the city you came from.

From Oberstaufen, a train will take you back to Munich in 1 hour and 51 minutes.
Where to sleep?

A hotel room, refuge, or tent? All the options for this hike including tips, guidelines, and a summary of local rules around bivouacking.

Camping is not permitted on anty part of the trail. In any case, staying in the excellent mountain huts, which serve delicious food made from local ingredients are part of the experience. It is highly recommended to book in advance. On the second night there are four accommodation options, each open on different days of the week. Check carefully when they are available for booking. Some of the huts are run by farming families who produce cheese and other fresh products that can be purchased on site.
Good to know:

Important info, enrichment details about the hike, interesting anecdotes, recommendations, food, culture, and more to make your trip more successful.

The Buchenegger Waterfalls (Buchenegger Wasserfälle) are a wonderful spot for swimming in the summer. They look more like something from the Caribbean than from the German-Austrian border. Keep in mind that many locals feel perfectly comfortable swimming nude even when others are around. Before you leave the trail, make sure to try the Käsespätzles served in the mountain huts. It’s a type of German pasta with cheese and onions, so even vegetarians can enjoy this local dish.
05·From the blog

Further reading

All posts →
How can you tell if you're fit enough to do the trek you want?

How can you tell if you're fit enough to do the trek you want?