Germany

Nagelfluhkette Round

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.


Refuges availability
Day by day

3 hiking days

Day01
Oberstaufen → Staufner Haus
Grade
3
Length
13.2 km
Ascent
1085 m
Descent
265 m
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.
Nagelfluhkette Round - 2
Day02
Staufner Haus → Kemptener Naturfreundehaus
Grade
3
Length
12.7 km
Ascent
896 m
Descent
1088 m
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.
Day03
Kemptener Naturfreundehaus → Oberstaufen
Grade
2
Length
21.5 km
Ascent
692 m
Descent
1314 m
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.
Map room

Route map & GPX files

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Planning & consulting

Before you set out

Here are all of our planning and consulting options for this hike, whether you want guided planning or prefer to plan it yourself with our unique tools.

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From the blog

Further reading

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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?