The Allgäu is one of the most attractive region of Germany and that’s where you’ll find yourself if you’re in the southwestern region of Bavaria. Known for its snowy peaks in winter and golden sunshine in summer, it draws visitors in their thousands no matter the season.
Wherever you’re in the Allgäu, there’s no escaping the majestic views of the Alps. Besides the Alps there’s also the Ammergebirge Mountain. So be prepared for stunning mountain vistas, especially around Oberstdorf which is where you’ll find the highest peaks of the Allgäu Alps lording it over the rest of the scenery.
The valleys are even more striking with their extensive grasslands, meadows and lakes all characterized by a timelessness that is chicken soup for the soul. :-)
Allgäu scenery does have its dramatic moments such as the Breitachklamm gorge which is the deepest of its kind in Europe. Another equally scary one would be the Starzlachklamm gorge. Once your nerves have settled you can proceed to enjoy the wildlife such as the golden eagles that soar amid the tall peaks.
Allgäu is not just scenery, as if that wasn’t enough. The ethereal quality of the region is reinforced by the fairy tale castles that dot the landscape bringing you effortlessly to the doorstep of the medieval age.
The chief of all would have to be the Bavarian beauty, Neuschwanstein Castle, the dream project of King Ludwig II. There’s also the Hohenschwangau Castle which, though not as famous as the former, does equal it in beauty and majesty. The surrounding area is befittingly stunning and there are plenty of historic anecdotes available both about the castle and the madness that inspired them.
The Allgäu will enchant you with its wealth of quaint picture book villages that seem reluctant to leave the pages of history. The charm and character have to be experienced first hand as it is not something that can be merely accounted. Kaufbeuren, Memmingen, and Wangen im Allgäu all have their own tales that seem mired in history and legends leaving you with a sense of mystery that you will be hard put to satiate.
Plenty of medieval architecture from town halls to cathedrals will leave you impressed with their detail and artistic merit. The historic city of Kempten, which is also the largest in Allgäu, goes way back to the time of the Romans and so you can imagine what awaits you here.
The Allgäu would be the perfect backdrop to have an encounter with art and other leisure pursuits. If you’re lucky you will be in time for the Kempten Jazz Festival. Make sure you check out the timings for the concerts at the fabulous Neuschwanstein Castle for an experience of a life time.
The Allgäu will tempt you with the perfect glass of red wine and of course, their local specialty, the Allgäu mountain cheese. You should definitely check out their cheese noodles known locally as the Käsespätzle and the scrumptious apple dessert, Mostküchle.
If you’re a beer person, you’re in luck. Local breweries have been at it for centuries and they surely know what they’re doing. ;-)
