Hündlekopf

This gorgeous but friendly-sized mountain, located in the Oberstaufen area, is the perfect destination nearly year-round for some German mountainside fun. In summer, visitors can take the cable car up the mountain and explore the many trails, as well as buy fresh cheese and other dairy products from the local cows. Kids will love the summer toboggan run at the bottom of the mountain. In winter, skiing is the name of the game with a ski lift available, but it’s also just a lovely experience to go up and play in the snow or enjoy the views with a Haferl of coffee in hand.

Bergbauernmuseum

Don’t miss visiting the Bergbauernmuseum in Immenstadt, the mountain farmers’ museum with plenty of hands-on exhibits and tours that showcase the Allgau farm life. Visitors can interact with farm animals and try their hands at cheese making or collecting wild herbs. The museum offers courses for both adults and kids on topics like wood-oven baking and felting.

Artemisia

For a really special, and rather hippie-esque experience, head to the teeny-tiny village of Hopfen to visit the Artemisia herb garden and cafe. The gorgeous and extensive herb garden is open to visitors year round and you can opt to take a tour or one of their courses to learn more about the uses of local herbs for cooking or healing. The adorable Teestube (tea house) offers teas from the herb garden and a variety of vegetarian main dishes and desserts to enjoy.

Breitachklamm

If you’re heading to the Oberallgäu, a trip to the Breitachklamm is an absolute must-do. Central Europe’s deepest gorge amidst rocks, it boasts stunning scenery whether covered in fresh snow or during a gorgeous summer’s day. Whether you want to take a longer trek or a short stroll, there’s a lot to see here. An info station at the beginning of the trails is a good way to start your visit, and there’s helpful info stands placed throughout the gorge to teach visitors about its natural history.

Visit a Sennerei

The Oberallgäu is renowned for its delicious cheese, so if you’re a fan of all things cheesy, head to one of the many small family-run Sennereien (creameries) throughout the region to pick up some fresh slices or maybe even an entire wheel of dairy goodness. Check out the website of the Allgäuer Käsestraße, which details 13 particularly notable creameries (a personal favorite is the Baldauf Sennerei in Lindenberg). Some creameries offer tours; call ahead and ask. Bonus- many have some adorable Alpine cows roaming around the premises.

Alt-Trauchberg castle ruins

History and nature buffs alike will want to explore the ancient castle ruins of Alt-Trauchberg near the village of Kleinweiler; the ruins are some of the best preserved in the entire region. The initial castle construction took place in 1166 and was mostly destroyed in the late 1700s. Visitors can hike up using one of two trails, depending on how much they feel like walking. It’s free of charge and is usually accessible year-round.

Aquaria

No matter the weather, from pouring rain to a gorgeous sunny day, the Aquaria pool complex in Oberstaufen makes for a great afternoon (or honestly, you can happily spend the whole day here). Aquaria offers tons of pools to swim in, water slides, children’s areas, a sauna and some gorgeous views of the mountains to take in. There are also some thermal springs to help calm sore muscles and melt stress away. You can even book a massage or spa treatment during your visit, and there’s a bistro to assuage your rumbling stomach after hours of swimming and relaxation.

Kräuterwirt restaurant

For the ultimate Oberallgäu dining experience, put Kräuterwirt towards the top of your visit to-do list. Located in the charming village of Stiefenhofen (worth a stroll, perhaps after a big dinner!) this homey Wirtshaus specializes in hyper-local cuisine. The restaurant has its own herb garden where all the herbs used in the cooking are grown, and sources meat, fish and produce from nearby producers. You’ll delight in unusual specialties like beef back ribs with berry confit and root vegetables, or perhaps grilled flounder with chili-lavender butter and tomatoes may tickle your palate.

Bad Hindelang Christmas market

Germany is famed for its Christmas markets, and one of the most magical ones has got to be the Bad Hindelang Christmas market. If you’re in the Oberallgäu during the Christmas season, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Fairy tale Christmas parades take place twice weekly during market time, and a stunning opening ceremony with fairies and glittering lights puts everyone in good spirits. Typically, they usually offer a “children’s market” as well with arts and crafts and perhaps a visit from some well-loved Christmas figures. Adults will love the Gluhwein (mulled wine) and all sorts of sweets and treats, and there are many delightful handmade crafts and specialties for purchase.