Ask a hundred people the first thing that comes to mind about Bavaria, and chances are you’ll get the German Alps as an answer around 90% of the time (in conjunction with German beer, of course).
When you’ve got an amazing view like the Bavarian town of Oberstaufen, it’s no wonder how this majestic mountain range manages to be etched in our minds forever, and how the town managed to become part of the breathtaking German Alpine Road.
With this Alpine landscape you know you’ll be in for a treat for those willing to go out and hike or ski around the area. Don’t go too far, though; Oberstaufen lies on the border of Austria. ;-)
Anyway, back to hiking.
As I said, since you’re in a mountainous region, this isn’t an easy flat surface. But, if you manage to hike your way to the Burgruine Thurn (a 13th century castle ruin) the views from 883 meters above sea level are incredibly rewarding (there are over 50km of hiking trails in Oberstaufen).
Maybe this is why so many people come to Oberstaufen to ski (the views from the top are astounding). There are certainly enough places to do it, as there are more than 40km of slopes. You can even go snowshoe hiking in the winter, as well as cross country skiing and tobogganing.
Aww, it’s a winter wonderland.
One of the most exciting events in Oberstaufen is a winter activity. The Winter Triathalon isn’t for the weak, that’s for sure. It’s a 5km run, an 8km cross country skiing, and 5km run that takes place every February.
So does the Fasnatziestag, an annual Carnival season event on Shrove Tuesday.
Not everyone appreciates the cold weather, though, so when warmer weather activities are what you’re looking, Oberstaufen can accommodate. There are 12 tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses, and hiking in the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park that stretches from the Allgäu to the Voralberg in Austria.
Over in the village of Steibis (one of Oberstaufen’s seven villages) there’s a Yew tree that’s more than 600 years old, a bunch of dairy farms, and Nordic Walking trails. See, here are even more warm weather activities, in case you’re interested.
And yet, it is the Alps that are etched in your mind forever. ;-)
